Fear and Loathing Down Under – The Bizarre Odyssey of Convict Class
Alistair of Convict Class —photo courtesy of Templewood Photography
With Convict Class, there are no pretenses. What you see and hear is exactly what you get, whether you like it or not. This Antipodean lot are as honest and unfiltered as the punks who follow them. There's no posturing, no manufactured image, just a down-to-earth attitude onstage, on the road, and with the fans.
The story begins in 2018, when Alistair "Al" Wilby and Ben "Benno" Lakey started jamming together in Al's shed in Warrnambool, at the end of Australia's Great Ocean Road. Bassist Shane Godfrey and vocalist Shane "Sten Gun" Stenhouse soon joined, and Convict Class was born.
Today they're a hard-hitting quartet built on ferocious riffs, relentless bass, explosive drumming, and gritty vocals. Their lyrics pull no punches, taking aim at the British monarchy, government, religion, the wealthy, the media, and plenty of other deserving targets. Convict Class say exactly what they think, and nobody is spared.
Influenced by the Sex Pistols, UK Subs, Anti-Nowhere League, Sham 69, Motörhead, and other punk heavyweights, they've never been interested in copying their heroes. Their goal has always been to evolve rather than imitate.
Shane Godfrey of Convict Class —photo courtesy of Templewood Photography
Their 2024 debut, Generation of Discontent, reached No. 4 on the Australian Independent Charts and earned praise from critics and fans alike. One reviewer called it "one of the best Aussie punk releases in the last 15 years."
That success didn't happen by accident. The band plays more than twenty shows a year alongside several festivals, all while holding full-time jobs and raising families. They've torn through Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Queensland, and beyond before taking their music overseas. In 2024 they played the UK and Belgium, culminating in a packed set at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, a milestone few Australian punk bands ever reach.
In the days leading up to that performance, I met with Al and Sten Gun in Blackpool to talk about the band's rise, its future, and what punk still means.
"Rebellion has been an amazing experience," says Al. "Absolutely unreal. Just over two years ago we played our first gig."
Benno of Convict Class —photo courtesy of Templewood Photography
"I think there were two or three punters there," laughs Shane. "Now we're playing the biggest punk festival in the UK. It still doesn't seem real."
"The funny thing," Al continues, "is none of this was planned. Benno and I were just messing around in the shed for shit and giggles. Then Shane joined on bass, we started writing songs, and eventually Sten Gun came along. After a few rehearsals we knew we had something."
Walking around Blackpool, I couldn't help noticing Convict Class shirts everywhere. This was their Rebellion debut, yet plenty of people already knew who they were. Fans were singing along to "We Are Not" and "Wank Sock" as though the band had been around for years.
Shane Godfrey and Sten Gun of Convict Class —photo courtesy of Templewood Photography
"You've got to stay busy," says Sten Gun. "I don't know any secret other than working hard and giving one hundred percent every time. It doesn't matter if you're playing to three blokes in a pub or a packed crowd at Rebellion. Everybody gets the same show."
I'd already seen exactly what he meant during their gig at Scream and Shake Horror Café. The energy was relentless, but what stood out even more was how they treated their supporters. Every autograph was signed. Every question answered. Every photo taken. Nobody was brushed aside.
That respect comes from experience.
Al recalls meeting his hero, Charlie Harper of UK Subs, when he was just fourteen.
"My mate and I sneaked into the dressing room. Charlie was sitting there with a towel over his shoulders. I thought he'd throw us out. Instead he told us to sit down and offered us a couple of beers. We couldn't believe it. Moments like that stay with you forever. Charlie has always been a true punk gentleman."
It's clearly a lesson Convict Class took to heart.
Another story came from Rob Clayton, a British train driver who discovered the band at Rebellion. On his final day after forty years of service, he wore a Convict Class beanie to mark the occasion. The gesture genuinely moved the band.
"One of the greatest things about what we do is meeting people," says Sten Gun. "It's humbling that fans make the effort to come and see us. You didn't think we were doing this for money, mate. Whatever profit we make barely covers expenses."
Sten Gun of Convict Class —photo courtesy of Templewood Photography
Then he turns serious.
"We write songs because we believe in what we're saying. People compare us to older bands, but we're not trying to recreate something from forty years ago. The reason people hear similarities is because the anger and frustration are still there. Nothing's really changed. There's still plenty to give your middle finger to."
As for what's next, the answer is simple.
"The plan is another record and as much touring as possible," says Sten Gun. "Hopefully Europe again, maybe Germany. We'll be back at Rebellion. And to everyone listening, keep coming to gigs, have a few pints, don't take life too seriously. Life's hard enough already. Just be a good cunt, not a bad cunt."
We shook hands and said our goodbyes.
I kept thinking about that night at Scream and Shake Horror Café: punks from every corner of the world, every age and background, bouncing off the walls, fists in the air, beer flying, sweat pouring, every lyric screamed back at the band. It was complete, glorious chaos.
Punk isn't dead.
It's still standing, still shouting, and Convict Class are making damn sure everyone hears it.
Not the Enemy, Convict Class's new album, is out now through Randal Records. The band returns to the UK throughout August, including a stop at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool.
Alistair and Blackie—photo courtesy of Blackie
Catch them live on:
31 July – The Water Rats, London.
1 August – The Chelsea Inn, Bristol.
2 August – The Cab, Newport.
4 August – The Salty Dog, Northwich.
5 August – The Washington, Blackpool
.9 August – Rebellion Festival, Blackpool. Sunday Arena Stage – 3.30 pm.
13 August – Bannerman's, Edinburgh.
14 August – Ivory Blacks, Glasgow.
15 August – The Black Bull, Gateshead
In Spite Magazine (ISM) is a volunteer run, not for profit journalism and artists' cooperative built by people who love music, art, photography, and independent culture. Any merch sold helps keep ISM going, supports independent journalism, and allows us to cover the bands, artists, and scenes that often get overlooked while keeping our content free for everyone.
