Charlie Harper & Knox live at Signal Gallery London December 17th

Photo by Steve Worrall

This was a very special treat to mark the last day of Gaye Advert's superb and very successful Punk & Beyond Art exhibition at the Signal Gallery. Charlie Harper of the UK Subs and Knox from The Vibrators played a solo acoustic set each and then joined together for a run through of a few classics in front of a packed out gallery. The two used to play together in the Urban Dogs, their first release being the excellent "New Barbarians" album back in 1983, and today they played the outstanding "Limo Life" from that record along with a version of the Subs "Warhead". 

Both Charlie and Knox were extremely entertaining and kept the crowd amused with their between-song banter and humourous asides. On the announcement that signed exhibition posters were going to be sold off for charity Knox quipped "Yeah, for Knoxfam...!" Before that Knox had the crowd singing along with the Vibrators' classic "Baby Baby" and further tracks from their excellent debut album "Pure Mania" such as "Wrecked On You" and "Whips and Furs". Charlie then ran through a selection of old Blues numbers and also versions of UK Subs tracks "Tomorrow's Girls" and "Stranglehold". It was a pleasure to hear these gems played in such an intimate and stripped down manner.

Charlie Harper - Photo by Paul Slattery

But there was no rest for Charlie, as after generously chatting to fans, he was straight off to the Garage in Islington to play what was to turn out to be a blinding full-on set with the UK Subs.

UK Subs have just released their latest album "Work In Progress" which features Charlie being ably supported by the fantastic line-up of Alvin Gibbs on bass, Japanese guitarist Jet and drummer Jamie Oliver. You can buy the album and loads of other merchandise from UK Subs official site.

Knox has a country album out now under the name of Knox & The Trailer Trash Orchestra called "The Knoxville Boy". The album is available now from all the usual outlets or direct from Trashville.

Photo by Paul Slattery

Finally, it was sad to see the Punk & Beyond exhibition finishing, it was a great show and I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent there seeing the artwork, hearing some great music, meeting some very nice people - including a fair few of my original Punk Rock heroes (and heroines...!). I sincerely hope that Gaye will consider a repeat event next year as I am sure that it would be an even bigger success due to all the very positive reviews and comments. Here's to next year (fingers crossed!).

Please check the Blog archive to read previous features on the Punk and Beyond exhibition opening night and TV Smith's solo acoustic performance at the Gallery.

Charlie Harper & Knox - Photo by Paul Slattery

Charlie Harper - Photo by Steve Worrall

Charlie Harper - Photo by Steve Worrall

Gaye Advert with Knox and Charlie Harper - Photo by Paul Slattery

 With thanks to Paul Slattery for contributing photographs.