Anarchy in the ukulele
Posted: 02/12/2011 Filed under: Music | Tags: Blondie, The Clash, The Damned, The Pukes, The Ramones, X-Ray Spex 9 CommentsThere’s only three weeks until Christmas and if you’re still wondering what to get the punk in your life, the answer may lie with The Pukes. I’m not talking about some obscure group from 1977 with a solitary crackly seven-inch to their name. The Pukes are about as here and now as you can get. Well, kinda. They are a self-proclaimed “anti-society” of 10 ladies, some of whom have had several 21st birthdays, who perform classic punk songs on ukuleles. Which is a marvellous concept – and all the more so since they play with considerable skill and a big bucketful of gusto.
I’ve got to say that I’m buying pretty much whatever The Pukes are selling. And right now, as well as dusty old ditties rattled and twanged from teeny-weeny stringed instruments, the ladies are selling a 2012 calendar featuring their interpretations of 12 iconic punk record sleeves. Should you need telling, the revamped creations above are The Damned’s “Damned Damned Damned” and The Clash’s “London Calling” (yup, that’s a ukelele being trashed on “London Calling”), and others in the set include Blondie’s “Parallel Lines”, X-Ray Spex’s “Germ Free Adolescents” and the first Ramones album. The images have been put together by photographer Diana More and designer Lorna Tiefholz, who is herself a Puke.
Well I’m smitten. Is there a link Mr Push?
Anything and everything in bold is a link. At least it should be!
Thanks, I understand that bold are links but I meant a musical link, like u tube, but don’t worry Dave Jennings has found one and I’m in there! Putting this on a shared gig sheet for December 17th for thegirlsare x
Bother, just realised it’s an exhibit not a live date. Hey ho.
Hey we play live in London A LOT. Upcoming gigs are DEC 18 at Dublin Castle, Camden and DEC 23 Royal Sovereign, Stoke Newington.
http://www.thepukes.co.uk
Clara
hey push, its melissa from The Trudy here. (long time ago, mister!)
i am also a pUKE these days so saw this piece and thought ‘hey, i know that name…..’
hope you are well and happy. Xx
Marvellous stuff. I’ve picked up a uke recently with the poor excuse that it might help 7-year-old Luke with his guitar practice. Notice The Puke playing at Norwich Arts Centre at their Iconic Punk Art Exhibition Opening Night 5pm-7pm… you know you want to…
… oh, it’s 6 Jan.
Oh, F*** YEAH! I LUV THE CONCEPT! A group of middle aged women breaking out their ukeleles and banging out old punk classics by The Clash, X-Ray Spex, and The Damned! BRING IT ON! I LIVE FOR THIS KIND OF STUFF! Can’t wait to hear it!
I’d be more than willing to open up for one of their concerts any time!