I was at the M/cr Apollo gig in 1981 on the 'Go For It' tour and it was the same day/night that Bob Marley passed. Needless to say 'Johnny Was' was both emotional and powerful. A great tribute from a great band to eulogise a truly great artist! By extension 'Roots, Radicals, Rockers' (written by Bunny Wailer) was also moving/profound...
I’ve seen fingers 15 or 16 times over the years still my fav band to see live. I’m 55 now looking forward to gigs starting again. Please guys don’t stop be well stay safe see you soon. Thanks for the years and many more. Ronan thanks bud this made me so happy
I was a wee 13 year-old when I bought the first SLF singles. The hair on my arm yet becomes at once erect, when I hear ‘Alternative Ulster’ or the beginning of ‘Wasted Lives’. I was at Brockwell Park, Brixton when SLF were rudely interrupted by patriotic young closets, Tyndall’s boys club en masse and I got trampled in the tumult ( which I must say is a painful place to be trampled in.) The gig was powerful up to the point that the National front decided to end their march, at the Rock Against Racism gig. They got on the ruddy stage, smashed equipment and the band fled,in the van. Ooh, such rage and pent up man love! I have recently found myself in the footage in the crowd, for it was filmed for a TV programme. I think Jake and the boys were incredibly brave to say what they said and to talk about the both sides in ‘the troubles‘ being to blame for the ongoing nonsense. When gangsterism supplants freedom efforts, you know things have gone skew-wiff - same in Palestine. I still get a massive dose of energy from SLF when I have little SLF sessions every six months or so. And Ali was so cute, But now I look back - you all blimmin’ were! Love to you and yours.
Great stuff. Got a bit of a story on SLF. I was a big fan in the early years and then they sort of dropped off the radar a little for me. Anyway, think it was 1996 in a pub in Newcastle Upon Tyne and got talking to a bloke who said he was a guitarist in the band. I wasn't up to date with their line up at the time, so argued blind with him and was insistent that he was lying. There was a bit of alcohol involved of course. However, it transpired that it was Ian McCallum so apologies Ian, not that you'll remember the episode, for my doubting Thomas routine. Still managing to get to see the band in recent years. Long live SLF!
I remember standing outside brum odean, next to the alleyway where the roadies loaded the gear in, hoping to sneak in for the soundcheck if possible, i was wearing the nobodys heroes t-shirt under my customary leather jacket, Now Jake always travelled to gigs then by train ,so he got off at new street, walked down the ramp, turned right and i spotted him, he spotted my t-shirt and gave a great big smile, put his hand up to wave and tried to speak, as if out of nowhere four very boisterous 12 year old fans jumped on him, he looked up to me as if to say sorry we cant chat as im a bit busy at the moment...lol, all i could do was smile and wave as he attempted to gets these lads off himself . Was this the gig , mike scott ...soon to form the Waterboys, was in support or was it the nobodies heroes tour?
Couldn't believe how good it felt when I first heard silver lining. Then I heard the album... Silver lining is in my top 10 songs. Still defines my political outlook.
Remember getting the album from a little shop in Hollywood then getting drunk in I think was the railway and seahorse when I was at palace bks and playing it full blast
Always interesting to hear how things were in the band and stories " from the road." It would have been great if Henry and Jim could have given their input too. Forty years....time passes too fast!
Could've invited Henry & Jim on. Strange that when Jake was talking about why it was Fingers/Ogilvie, he said that it was because of Ally's bass playing, Jim's drumming, then bypassed Henry. Cmon guys. Life's too short.
He did not say that at all. He said the songs were either written by Gordon and himself or Gordon and Henry. He then said, it only sounded the way it did because of Ali and Jim’s playing.
About the cover art…. as a kid in So Cal in early 80’s I remember a video game called Crazy Climber and as you climbed the building it would blurt out Go For It…. So My friends and I always thought the cover came from that game … I just wiki’d Crazy Climber my memory is sharp!!!
Please remind me which TV show in the 80’s had Go For It as a theme song!! I can’t recall or find the info. It was my introduction to SLF and now I’m a drooling fan who raised a second generation of punker.
There best album love go for it with its reggae influences mixed with rock makes me feel so old was a young lad listening to my older brother’s record collection this had a big impact on me
Like most of SLF history, this should be renamed as Jake's interview. Talking over Ali, assuming all the questions were for him, all the anecdotes about his own experiences. Dude wrote some amazing tunes and is a great guitarist - but his ego seems to be massive. Over a dozen talented people have left the band whilst he is the continual remaining member, apart from the time he did a hissy fit and walked away. Love their music but from day 1 always sceptical of how much of SLF is SLF and how much is the Jake Burns project. I'm sure Henry and Jim have some interesting insights. Ali is probably happy collecting the $$$ and having fun as a cracking bass player.
I didn't lie it at first. I was used to all the old Rigid Digits 45s and the first two albums. It was quite a different direction, and SLF didn't want to do punk anymore at this point. After much passing of time, I can appreciate it now, an everything that came after it, but I still prefer the old stuff, and while I appreciate everything after Nobody's Heroes I still prefer the earlier stuff, but that's just my personal tastes. Seen 'em twice, once opening for Cock Sparrer, and it was a bit disappointing, and then when they went on tour for the 40th anniversary of Inflammable Material which were MUCH better, probably because this time they were the headliners.
Big thanks for this. One of my 10 all time favorite punk bands and I was lucky enough to see them on their first US tour here in NYC in a little out of the way club on West 72nd St called Trax. IMO they were arguably the best punk band at playing reggae and reggae influenced songs. Here are two examples. The first is a great send up of Bunny Wailer's classic song.ua-cam.com/video/1x-gaTyH30w/v-deo.html And the latter would make a Jamaican group proud with its soulful feeling IMO. ua-cam.com/video/z5_7fEKzW-E/v-deo.html Go For It is often overlooked in light of the bands first two incredible albums but take it from me, it is an excellent album and the power of Just Fade Away would have fit in perfectly on either of those outings. I've said it many times--" Minor Threat and Stiff Little Fingers are the two most inspirational punk bands I have seen. Seeing them could change one's life---and always for the better."
SLF is so, so much better than the overrated U2. In fact, I read an interview with the Edge where he said that one of the first, and most influential bands he saw was Stiff Little Fingers.
I love both bands so much , it always hurts when i hear someone put one band down just to raise the other band up. U2 is right where they should be - but unfortunately SLF should have so much more recognition, so much more. But hey ,SLF still rock my world no matter what
Loved this album, so underrated, saw live a few times at The old Edinburgh Odeon, great nights
I got to see them back in 1996 at Glasgow SECC supporting the Sex Pistols, Filthy Lucre tour. Bruce Foxton was playing Bass for SLF.
Saw them there when i was 15 . The Wall were the support band if i remember right
Nice to see Ali, the world's greatest bassist make an appearance. Always great to hear from Jake, the world's greatest guitarist/lyricist too!!
I was at the M/cr Apollo gig in 1981 on the 'Go For It' tour and it was the same day/night that Bob Marley passed. Needless to say 'Johnny Was' was both emotional and powerful. A great tribute from a great band to eulogise a truly great artist! By extension 'Roots, Radicals, Rockers' (written by Bunny Wailer) was also moving/profound...
Great to hear the inner workings from Jake and Ali.
Only down side.......it makes me feel so old!
Thanks guys.
Fabulous interview with Jake and All. ...I was at Manchester Apollo , on the Go for it tour. ..no other band comes close live. ...the best!!!
I’ve seen fingers 15 or 16 times over the years still my fav band to see live. I’m 55 now looking forward to gigs starting again. Please guys don’t stop be well stay safe see you soon. Thanks for the years and many more. Ronan thanks bud this made me so happy
I was a wee 13 year-old when I bought the first SLF singles. The hair on my arm yet becomes at once erect, when I hear ‘Alternative Ulster’ or the beginning of ‘Wasted Lives’.
I was at Brockwell Park, Brixton when SLF were rudely interrupted by patriotic young closets, Tyndall’s boys club en masse and I got trampled in the tumult ( which I must say is a painful place to be trampled in.) The gig was powerful up to the point that the National front decided to end their march, at the Rock Against Racism gig.
They got on the ruddy stage, smashed equipment and the band fled,in the van. Ooh, such rage and pent up man love!
I have recently found myself in the footage in the crowd, for it was filmed for a TV programme.
I think Jake and the boys were incredibly brave to say what they said and to talk about the both sides in ‘the troubles‘ being to blame for the ongoing nonsense. When gangsterism supplants freedom efforts, you know things have gone skew-wiff - same in Palestine.
I still get a massive dose of energy from SLF when I have little SLF sessions every six months or so.
And Ali was so cute,
But now I look back - you all blimmin’ were!
Love to you and yours.
Incredible that 40 years has passed since the release of the album.
Great stuff. Got a bit of a story on SLF. I was a big fan in the early years and then they sort of dropped off the radar a little for me. Anyway, think it was 1996 in a pub in Newcastle Upon Tyne and got talking to a bloke who said he was a guitarist in the band. I wasn't up to date with their line up at the time, so argued blind with him and was insistent that he was lying. There was a bit of alcohol involved of course. However, it transpired that it was Ian McCallum so apologies Ian, not that you'll remember the episode, for my doubting Thomas routine. Still managing to get to see the band in recent years. Long live SLF!
Still blasting the album out regular today .
Simply Brilliant
That was a brilliant interview Ronan it was good to see Jake and Ali take part in it
Timeless...
This is absolutely wonderful !!!!! 🔥🔥🔥
i ve had me 2 jabs too can t wait to see fingers live again.....
Brilliant stories, loved it.
Brilliant band
Come back to bedford corn exchange as soon as gigs are allowed. And in the gig borrow my beautiful yamaha sg2000 for a few songs.
I remember standing outside brum odean, next to the alleyway where the roadies loaded the gear in, hoping to sneak in for the soundcheck if possible, i was wearing the nobodys heroes t-shirt under my customary leather jacket, Now Jake always travelled to gigs then by train ,so he got off at new street, walked down the ramp, turned right and i spotted him, he spotted my t-shirt and gave a great big smile, put his hand up to wave and tried to speak, as if out of nowhere four very boisterous 12 year old fans jumped on him, he looked up to me as if to say sorry we cant chat as im a bit busy at the moment...lol, all i could do was smile and wave as he attempted to gets these lads off himself . Was this the gig , mike scott ...soon to form the Waterboys, was in support or was it the nobodies heroes tour?
Couldn't believe how good it felt when I first heard silver lining. Then I heard the album...
Silver lining is in my top 10 songs. Still defines my political outlook.
Fantastic!!! Hope there will be a look back at Now Then album.
Remember getting the album from a little shop in Hollywood then getting drunk in I think was the railway and seahorse when I was at palace bks and playing it full blast
Always interesting to hear how things were in the band and stories " from the road." It would have been great if Henry and Jim could have given their input too. Forty years....time passes too fast!
Just saw this!Big surprise…I wasn’t asked to contribute to my own band lol.Sad
Sorry to hear that Henry
You should've been asked to be involved, it's incomplete in my opinion, it wouldn't have done any harm to involve you at all, all the best 👍
Excellent, nice one!
Could've invited Henry & Jim on. Strange that when Jake was talking about why it was Fingers/Ogilvie, he said that it was because of Ally's bass playing, Jim's drumming, then bypassed Henry. Cmon guys. Life's too short.
yeah I picked up on that too, poor form Jake
Concordo contigo
He did not say that at all.
He said the songs were either written by Gordon and himself or Gordon and Henry.
He then said, it only sounded the way it did because of Ali and Jim’s playing.
Legends...
About the cover art…. as a kid in So Cal in early 80’s I remember a video game called Crazy Climber and as you climbed the building it would blurt out Go For It…. So My friends and I always thought the cover came from that game … I just wiki’d Crazy Climber my memory is sharp!!!
John 'Teflon' Sims has been doing the artwork for Pressure Sounds releases for a number of years now.
Try n see Henry n co doin X-SLF,IN A SMALL VENU, FAST N LOUD -- PUNK AS FUCK - PUNKS DEAD BUT WERE STILL DYING
Sublime ✌🔥✌
Wasn't punk enough at the time but I like it now!
Please remind me which TV show in the 80’s had Go For It as a theme song!! I can’t recall or find the info. It was my introduction to SLF and now I’m a drooling fan who raised a second generation of punker.
There best album love go for it with its reggae influences mixed with rock makes me feel so old was a young lad listening to my older brother’s record collection this had a big impact on me
Interesting enough - but no real mention of the contributions of Jim Reilly plus no comment on Henry’s 3 songs and my personal fav ‘Piccadilly Circus’
I suppose they wouldn't want to speak for them. They weren't totally ignored, they were mentioned a few times.
Airbrushed
Like most of SLF history, this should be renamed as Jake's interview. Talking over Ali, assuming all the questions were for him, all the anecdotes about his own experiences. Dude wrote some amazing tunes and is a great guitarist - but his ego seems to be massive. Over a dozen talented people have left the band whilst he is the continual remaining member, apart from the time he did a hissy fit and walked away. Love their music but from day 1 always sceptical of how much of SLF is SLF and how much is the Jake Burns project. I'm sure Henry and Jim have some interesting insights. Ali is probably happy collecting the $$$ and having fun as a cracking bass player.
Disponibilize o filme legendado em português.
I didn't lie it at first. I was used to all the old Rigid Digits 45s and the first two albums. It was quite a different direction, and SLF didn't want to do punk anymore at this point. After much passing of time, I can appreciate it now, an everything that came after it, but I still prefer the old stuff, and while I appreciate everything after Nobody's Heroes I still prefer the earlier stuff, but that's just my personal tastes. Seen 'em twice, once opening for Cock Sparrer, and it was a bit disappointing, and then when they went on tour for the 40th anniversary of Inflammable Material which were MUCH better, probably because this time they were the headliners.
Big thanks for this.
One of my 10 all time favorite punk bands and I was lucky enough to see them on their first US tour here in NYC in a little out of the way club on West 72nd St called Trax.
IMO they were arguably the best punk band at playing reggae and reggae influenced songs. Here are two examples. The first is a great send up of Bunny Wailer's classic song.ua-cam.com/video/1x-gaTyH30w/v-deo.html And the latter would make a Jamaican group proud with its soulful feeling IMO. ua-cam.com/video/z5_7fEKzW-E/v-deo.html
Go For It is often overlooked in light of the bands first two incredible albums but take it from me, it is an excellent album and the power of Just Fade Away would have fit in perfectly on either of those outings.
I've said it many times--" Minor Threat and Stiff Little Fingers are the two most inspirational punk bands I have seen. Seeing them could change one's life---and always for the better."
SLF is so, so much better than the overrated U2. In fact, I read an interview with the Edge where he said that one of the first, and most influential bands he saw was Stiff Little Fingers.
love em both for this reason
I love both bands so much , it always hurts when i hear someone put one band down just to raise the other band up. U2 is right where they should be - but unfortunately SLF should have so much more recognition, so much more. But hey ,SLF still rock my world no matter what
Completely different styles, hardly worth making a comparison. That being said, U2 sucks.