Post mortem Rebellion Festival 2025 with Loreaine
This little one lived on the rail last year. - photo courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
We thought we'd kick off this year's Rebellion coverage with a little reminiscing from one of our favorite original punks and longtime Rebellion regulars, Lorraine Carter, frontwoman of legendary '80s punk band Post Mortem and a longtime contributor to In Spite Magazine.
Lorraine shares her perspective as a woman attending Rebellion on her own, reflecting on the friendships, experiences, and sense of community that have kept her coming back year after year. We asked Phil Thorns and Dick Slaughter to contribute a few photos to accompany the piece, and, somehow, a year later, we've ended up with either a preview or a very late review. Either way, it should help whet your whistle for the upcoming festivities in Blackpool.
Lorrain at Rebellion - Photo courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
This year threw more than a few punches my way. Like a lot of people, I’ve had periods where keeping my head above water felt harder than it should. Plans fell apart, long-standing friendships faded, and a band I had high hopes for, ended up going in different directions. Sometimes you just have to keep moving forward, even when it feels like you’re doing it on fumes. That’s partly why this review has taken me so long to write.
I went to Rebellion Festival on my own again this year, something I’ve done before, but this time it felt different. Between the terrible phone signal and the sheer scale of the festival, finding people was nearly impossible at times. Still, there’s a certain freedom in being there solo, no compromises, no debates over who to see next, just wandering from venue to venue and following whatever felt right in the moment.
Fiona Duncan of Slalom D at Rebellion - Photo courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
Thursday kicked off in the Empress Ballroom with Slalom D. Fiona commanded the stage with confidence and presence, leading the band through a set of powerful, socially charged punk rock that felt massive in the ballroom. Tight, energetic, and impossible to ignore.
Twat Union at Rebellion - photo Courtsey of Phil Throns
The female-fronted streak continued in the Opera House with one of the best band names of the weekend, Twat Union. Their songs tackled everything from periods to UTIs with humor and attitude, backed by a brilliant six-piece lineup that even included a saxophone. A fun set they brought plenty of personality to the festival.
“Punk rock kitties” Their words, not ours. PUSSYLIQUOR will be back this year at Rebellion. Photo courtesy of Phil Thorns
I stayed put for PUSSYLIQUOR, who delivered one of the most fun sets of the day. “Pretty Good For A Girl” had the crowd singing back every word, while “C.U.N.T.” turned the Opera House into one giant cathartic chant. Loud, funny, and fierce, exactly what punk should be.
Steve Straughan Preforming with The UK Subs at Rebellion - photo courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
From there it was over to Club Casbah for Hi Fi Spitfires, formed by former member of The UK Subs Steve Straughan. This was my first time seeing them live, and they absolutely delivered. Sharp riffs, strong vocals, and more than a hint of Stiff Little Fingers in the sound. “Berlin” was a standout for me.
Patty Smith of Red London - photo courtsey of Phil Throns
I wrapped up Thursday in the Arena with Red London, yet another brilliant band from the Northeast. Honestly, whatever they’re putting in the water up there, the rest of us need some. Frontman Patty Smith had a completely natural connection with the crowd, moving around the stage with ease and making the whole set feel personal rather than performative. Singalong punk done properly, and a perfect end to day one.
Penelope Houston of The Avengers Preforming at Rebellion. - photo courtsey of Phil Thorns
Friday’s big moment was finally getting to see the Avengers again. They clashed with The Anti-Nowhere League, which felt borderline cruel, but I stuck with my choice and didn’t regret it for a second. The Avengers still sound urgent and completely timeless. I closed the night in the Opera House with Hugh Cornwell, whose laid-back presence was the perfect comedown after a packed day.
Unfortunately, we didn't have a photo of Hugh Cornwell or Split Dogs handy for this article. Rather than leave an empty space, we decided to fill it with a little eye candy. So, for the enjoyment of the ladies, and some of the lads, here's a Rebellion Punk Hunk. -photo coutsey of ©dickslaughter.com
Saturday belonged to Split Dogs. I’d wanted to see them for ages, and they absolutely lived up to the hype. The Empress Ballroom was rammed, and the energy in the room was unreal. Frontwoman Harry Atkins was pure controlled chaos, fierce, charismatic, and impossible to take your eyes off. Musically and visually, they were one of the standout acts of the entire weekend. The scramble at the merch stall afterwards nearly became a contact sport, but somehow I managed to grab the last shirt in my size.
The age defying and ever dashing Dick Lucas of Subhumans at Rebellion. Photo courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com.
Later that day came Subhumans, who remained as relentless as ever. Fast, uncompromising anarcho-punk delivered with the same intensity they had decades ago. Dick Lucas somehow appears untouched by time, still hurling lyrics across a packed ballroom like they were written yesterday. There’s also something brilliantly no-nonsense about watching him casually tape down the setlists before the band starts, no theatrics, just straight into it.
A few members of the Rebellion Family - photo coutsey of ©dickslaughter.com
One of the best parts of Rebellion, as always, is the people. Huge thanks to promoter Steve Marston, who made sure I wasn’t spending the whole weekend wandering around alone. The punk scene still has some genuinely good souls in it. Stella Glover Stone also deserves a mention for spotting me sitting solo in the Old Vic and immediately fixing that situation by introducing me to friends. And thanks as well to Chris Heald of Shipwrecked Radio, who kept me laughing through Friday night with stories and great music chat.
Unfortunately, health issues meant I missed Sunday entirely, which was disappointing, but the three days I did manage were more than worth it.
If you love punk, not just the music, but the community, the atmosphere, the feeling of belonging to something loud and imperfect and alive, then the Rebellion Festival is still one of the best places in the world to be.
If you're looking for this little bugger, he's probably already on the rail in the Empress Ballroom. - photo courtsey of ©dickslaughter.com
See you down in front.
Rebellion is sold out! We told you to buy early bird tickets.
Luckily, Rebellion has added a series of official run-up shows beginning Tuesday, August 4, featuring an impressive lineup that includes Adam Ant, The Undertones, Neville Staple, Arthur Kay, Steve Conte, John Robb, Tom Robinson with Adam Phillips, The Wildhearts, The Skids, Charlie Harper, and TV Smith. It's a strong warm-up to the main festival, with enough punk, ska, and new wave legends on the bill to make arriving early well worth it.
Click on the tower or the flyer for full details and ticket information on the Rebellion Festival website.
