It was one of these dates left and right of Rebellion in Blackpool and for those who do not make that pilgrimage (like myself) it was a perfect setting – 3 mu-sick-ally different bands and a first: Shattered Faith never graced Hamburg before i believe.
Early start on a typical Hamburg Summer day – wet, rainy and largely miserable. And the fear that many would be en route or preparing for Blackpool and as such a low turnout.
But somewhat the three different bands drew different parts of the scene and some Blackpool pilgrims decided to watch them anyway in Hamburg too.
Shattered Faith came about in 1978 already and gained visibility through Posh Boy (1981 7″ with I Love America) and their 1982 half live half studio LP on Prophet.
That’s how they looked back then, and this is how the now incarnation of Shattered Faith took the stage:
I am not sure about how many original members remain but for sure it is Spencer on vocals. And he was quite unhappy – his voice was almost gone (and during some songs was just a hoarse something).
Pity, but sometimes that happens when you are a singer.
EDIT: From Blackpool a mate brought home the message that the voice of Spencer was gone-gone, so he could not sing. Kerry Martinez (thus 2nd original member identified) took vocal duties. Real pity!
Shattered Faith (Hafenklang, Hamburg, 05.08.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
How did they sound? Definitely not H/C but more of the California pre-H/C Punk with an emphasis on Rock. But with a very different spin than most of the contemporary bands back then.
I do remember them most for the Posh Boy 7″ and their songs on various compilations. Here are some old 1979 demos:
Whilst many of their songs had good structures the lack of full vocals and the somewhat a little bit off drummer made it not a full blown positive surprise. But indeed they deserve a 2nd chance, let’s see how the Blackpool pilgrims report back on them.
Next Sloppy Seconds, a real mainstay over here in the 90s and still going strong. This is how B.A. took the stage (the rest was already there):
I guess within the surprisingly well filled Hafenklang they had the biggest share of fans, many did sing along and came to the front.
They positively get away with a biggest hits set easily, the bass throwing smiles and faces whilst being rock solid, the guitar bouncing around and the drummer driving it forward whilst singing along on many songs for himself.
Sloppy Seconds (Hafenklang, Hamburg, 05.08.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
And front, with his typical high pitched voice, B.A. – not too much interaction but definitely more then Spencer.
And sure they gave the lot their big hit, aptly named Germany (and remember, that ones dates back to 1988):
More than solid set, drive, umpf and emitting fun – perfect!
Next T.S.O.L. and they share a lot with Shattered Faith: Starting 1978 in Southern California, first record on Posh Boy and for sure the singer being … currently the one Original.
Here is how they took ownership of the stage:
Ups, a lot of new faces (though one definitely known): Ron (Guitar) and Mike (Bass) where out injured, so Jack got help from Tevor (D.I.) on Guitar and Brandon (Head Bored) on Bass.
And Brandon was fully exposed by Jack on stage: His youngest daughter is with them on tour doing merch, Brandon his her boyfriend and he recently proposed to her.
Love is in the air!
T.S.O.L. (Hafenklang, Hamburg, 05.08.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
Against these two “newbies” Antonio on drums – a definite powerhouse – is already with Jack and T.S.O.L. for 10 years.
From start to finish Jack was in a smiling mode, chatty and taking questions from the audience (but only if you properly raised your hand). So we got a bit of learning, a bit of preaching and – for me a surprise – the very friendly side of him.
T.S.O.L. (Hafenklang, Hamburg, 05.08.2025)
(c) gehkacken.de 2025
And very frank, that friendliness paired with super tight, super hard and super pushy play by the others made it a real blast. From start to finish.
Here is another one, feel the energy!
What surprised me the biggest was the perfect sound and within that the perfect sound of Trevors guitar, never being off a chord. Wow.
T.S.O.L. left many in the audience stunned and most people after the show chatted about Shattered Faith having something (but not being able to bring it really across) and T.S.O.L. most likely having delivered their best ever set in Hamburg.
For me it was simply one big enjoyable surprise with T.S.O.L. providing the icing on the cake. Now it is not a surprise to me that over in Blackpool they play a top spot, 2nd but last on Sunday at the Empress Ballroom.
Great Punk Rock show! Thanks yet again Hafenklang…
Leave a Reply