Motivation somewhat was low for this Friday and i casually was about to let go this show. On a 2nd thought i was thinking about a mate who thoroughly loves Gimp Fist and decided that i need to support him supporting Gimp Fist.
And ran into many friends, including people travelling from far to enjoy not only one blast of Punk Rock but also next days show with Toxoplasma (since 1983 an very ill-fated relationship for me, so i sure would pass that one).
Support was U.E.D.L. and ever since i saw them on the Blanker Hohn 40th anniversary bash at the Stellwerk i knew that i could be up for a surprise. By the looks they have a new bass player and by the setlist they seemed to have a couple of new songs too. It was a wee bit longer than the 9 songs they had down at the Stellwerk.
U.E.D.L. (Monkeys, Hamburg, 02.05.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
It pretty much turned out a mixed bag for me: Some songs, specifically those where Arne but all of his (actually real) working class self in had something, others – for my ears – just where not of the same quality. The style is still hard rocking Oi! and reception was largely positive.
Next The Spartanics from sunny Leipzig, self-proclaimed Streetpunk with 77 vibes. As much as i distrust labels that bands stick on them i was surprised that it was 100% correct.
I missed them when they played the 2nd day of MOi!n It’s Hamburg #8 two years ago due to another commitment and wow, they surprised me big time now.
The Spartanics (Monkeys, Hamburg, 02.05.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
3 guys, simple setup and a wow amount of melodies and an even wowowow amount of vocal harmonies: Their main asset is that all 3 sing and use their vocal capabilities to create a relatively unique sound.
Plus they got most of the female audience up-front and dancing – for me that is always a positive indication of a bands quality.
The Spartanics (Monkeys, Hamburg, 02.05.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
On top they came across well rehearsed and hand-in-glove, though not too much talkative. But their sound and their songs had something, as such my urge to buy some vinyl kicked in. Later i realized that they had a 10″ (the best format in the world) on sale, so after the show i had to score that one.
And yes, they got plenty of cheers and – my guess – convinced many in the audience. I am pretty sure that i will make an effort to see them again, they are worth it!
Gimp Fist next and by now it was full in front of the stage, though the Monkeys was not sold out. They are a busy band, many shows and almost every other year a new record. And they are utmost friendly, utmost humble and utmost … all around nice guys.
Gimp Fist (Monkeys, Hamburg, 02.05.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
As ever when they play Hamburg they don’t have to do a lot to take the audience by storm and get it to sing-a-long. They just have to start playing, smiling and singing and the lot will chime in. Sometimes louder than the band itself.
Gimp Fist (Monkeys, Hamburg, 02.05.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
For my mu-sick-al mind they most likely are the best transformation of ingredients taking references from Clash, SLF and others into something modern. I won’t even stick a label on it, if i had to it would read Gimp Fist.
Great band, great show and plenty of energy flowing back/forth between on stage and off stage. And that is the way it should be. Can’t wait to have them back as having them in the house is a safe bet for an entertaining evening.
As The Spartanics convinced me live i had to score. And as format matters there was no question about what to score:
The Spartanics had a 10″ on sale (and a Best-Of CD thrown in), so that was a must to take home.
I was not the only one to take that beauty home and right so! If you want to check it out for yerself go here:
Thankfully i got a ride home by a mate, so it was late but not too late (as there was a decisive home game on Saturday for FCSP).
And me mate who loves Gimp Fist? He was a happy one, knowing that his love is actually echoed.
Because Gimp Fist do take good care of their supporters!
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