From Berkeley to Blackpool: Rebellion Starts Here
Dave Vanian of the Damned - Photo John Greenwood
In just over a week, all roads of punk rock will lead to the gigantic Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, England.
TV Smith of The ADVERTS—Photo by John Greenwood
This annual pilgrimage to the country of my birth has been a cherished tradition for many years now, and it’s a real honor to be attending this year as a photographer and reporter. Since its beginnings in 1996 under the title Holidays in the Sun, the festival has gone from strength to strength. Just the sheer number of quality headliners across nine stages each year dwarfs any challengers to the title of “Biggest and Baddest.” And the setting—inside the glorious, Victorian-era Winter Gardens—gives it a style and atmosphere all its own.
Captain Sensible of the Damned - Photo John Greenwood
For anyone lucky enough to have experienced a full-throttle punk set inside the Empress Ballroom, it’s unforgettable. Every August, punk rock’s global family converges on Blackpool, filling the halls with a riot of color, sound, and languages. I’ve heard nearly every tongue spoken while walking the venue's many corridors. The warmth and camaraderie of the crowd leaves a lasting impression—especially on the many first-timers I’ve dragged along over the years.
What’s not to love?
Rat Scabies of the Damned - Photo John Greenwood
As a lead-up to this year’s festival, I caught up with two of Rebellion’s brightest stars when they passed through my home state of California: The Damned and TV Smith, performing with his all-star Adverts lineup. Both played the UC Theatre in Berkeley on May 30, 2025, and it was a night to remember.
No openers. No filler. Just two top-tier acts delivering everything they had.
TV Smith of The ADVERTS—Photo by John Greenwood
TV Smith of The ADVERTS—Photo by John Greenwood
Video shot by Pam Gloston-Zeck
At that point, I could have gone home more than satisfied. But this was only half the show.
But this was a very special night, and it was still young, as we had not one but two very special bands to celebrate the music of tonight. As now, The Damned, Messrs. Vanian, Sensible, Gray, and Burrow hit the stage and spotlights with the added bonus of Scabies back in the fold on skins.
the Damned - Photo John Greenwood
I found myself torn between capturing the perfect photos and simply giving in to the moment, watching Scabies hammer out those beats while Vanian—part Elvis, part Dracula, 100% charisma—commanded the stage like few others can.
The setlist was a dream for fans: “Lively Arts,” “The History of the World,” “Is It a Dream,” “Stranger on the Town,” “I Just Can’t Be Happy Today,” “Limit Club,” “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde,” “Plan 9 Channel 7,” “Beware the Clown,” “Eloise,” “Alone Again,” “Invisible Man,” “Fan Club,” “Ignite,” “Neat Neat Neat.”
Dave Vanian of the Damned - Photo John Greenwood
After a short break, they returned for two encores, starting with an epic “Curtain Call.” Then came a crowd-teasing solo from Scabies that had us all guessing until we heard that unmistakable intro to “New Rose”—played with rebel-rousing intensity.
Captain Sensible, in full Clown Prince mode (as ever), was the killer axeman we know him to be. The man can make a guitar whisper, scream, or saw your head off depending on the moment. His solo on “White Rabbit” was thick with atmosphere, and when it came time for “Smash It Up,” he reeled us in gently—before dragging us under in the chaos of its final movement.
What a night. What a blast.
Dave Vanian of the Damned - Photo John Greenwood
Video shot by Pam Gloston-Zeck
