C-30's

Chaplin’s Cellar Bar, Boscombe, Bournemouth

After a Saturday evening at the O2 Academy spent in the company of The Who’s Roger Daltery, I was not ready just yet to retire to my bed, a quick drink was in order as it was Saturday night ,just across the road from the 02 in a great place called Chaplin’s Cellar Bar. I had almost forgotten that there was a band playing: Bournemouth’s very own punk rockers the C-30’s were already up on the stage running through a set of energetic punk fuelled numbers with lots of excited people on the beer soaked dance floor.

I managed to see the last few songs of their 1st set which included largely their own material included a great number called ‘Wake Up’ which got the audience singing along to the simple yet effective chorus. The band left the stage for a short break for the said fag and a pint, stating that they would return in 15 minutes later with a set of surprise covers. The C-30’s are a 3 piece band who comprise of Andy Nazer (Guitar & Vocals), Paul ‘Sonic’ Mackenzie( Bass & Vocals) and Dom Webb ( Drums). They were orginally in an old Bournemouth punk band called ‘Self Abuse who supported the mighty Stiff Little Fingers at a memorable gig in 2009 at the The Old Fire station.

The atmosphere in the venue was warm and welcoming, it was filled with plenty of like minded music fans. There was no shortage of interesting conversations about various gigs that everyone had been to over the years. The band bounced back on the stage after taking a little bit longer than they should off, possibly making the most of the venue’s kind hospitality.

The band were joined by a fourth member on guitar for the second set Matt Upchuck formerly of local bands Demonic Upchucks and The Subatomics (also Dom’s brother). What followed next was an hour of fun and mayhem as the band ploughed through a selection of their favourite numbers including Mudhoney’s ‘Touch Me I’m Sick’, The Damned ‘New Rose’ and a hilarious version of welsh singer Shakin’ Steven’s ‘Green Door’ with guest Matt on vocals.

The dance floor was a chaos of inebriated souls dancing to these familiar tunes and obviously enjoying every minute. The band sincerely hoped that Roger Daltrey might and popped in after his gig to come and see them play, they name checked him from the stage with sadly no reply, so they performed a punked up version of The Who’s ‘Can’t Explain’ in his honour. The rawkus evening ended with a storming version of the Iggy Pop classic ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ which saw lead singer Andy literally throw his guitar on to the dance floor amongst the audience after being frustrated when breaking a string. It is great to see this old school punk is still alive and well in great venues like this.

The C-30’s will be playing a couple of dates at Champions in Bournemouth in the near future, one on 23rd April to benefit a cancer charity with a whole host of other great bands and again on 1st July supporting the mighty punk legends the UK Subs.

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