Astoria rocks against the bnp
The LMHR benefit at the London Astoria last Tuesday night (16th) was an amazing occasion. Over 2,000 people heard storming performances from The Libertines, Buzzcocks, 80s Matchbox, Miss Black America and The Others, and hundreds signed up to get involved in LMHR and Unite Against Fascism. Clash legend and Rock Against Racism original Mick Jones even joined The Libertines onstage for their last four songs.
For a full report and pictures click below!
What a night!
Tuesday’s LMHR benefit gig at London’s Astoria served notice that many music fans will be joining the fight to stop the BNP in June’s elections and beyond. As well as it being an amazing, full-to-bursting, sweaty and perhaps historic music event, Tuesday night showed that everyone was also there for a reason - passionate opposition to racism and fascism.
There was a speaker between every band - and every speaker went down a storm with this clued-up political audience, from Has Mahamdallie talking about Islamaphobia and growing up with racism in the 70s to Unite Against Fascism national secretaries Weyman Bennett and Sabby Dhalu to trade union and Ethical Threads organiser Geoff Martin, all were cheered to the rafters. We were also delighted to welcome to the stage two Scottish nursery nurses who are currently on a three-week strike against low pay. Their story and how they linked their struggle to the anti-fascist fight inspired everyone and a proportion of the bucket collection made at the end has been donated to them.
A massive thankyou to everyone who worked hard to make this event happen, to name just a few:-
Paul Samuels - for putting together such a fantastic line-up, plus Goatie at Creation, Matt Willis, all the agents and management.
Jamie Favell - for tireless dedication to the cause, and keeping everything running smoothly
Kerri Parke, Donna Guthrie, Louise & Jane Trainer and all the Unite & LMHR workers
Geoff Martin, Sarah Greene and all at Ethical Threads/Leftfield/Workers Beer Co
Tony Gulley - LMHR stage manager extraordinaire
Emma & Paul for amazing LMHR/RAR visuals all night long
Chris, Gillian and all at the Astoria for a friendly stress-free experience every time!
Dan and all at Darling Dept for press work
And of course … all the bands, backstage crews and anyone we haven’t mentioned
For a real taste of the gig, check out the superb photos below (more coming soon), donated to us for free by Phil Fisk (see www.philfisk.com for more of Phil’s work)…
(Click on image for full size photo)
Carl Barat, Libertines singer …
Buzzcocks’ Pete Shelley
(L-R) Pete Shelley & Steve Diggle (Buzzcocks), Pete Doherty (Libertines)
