Rebellion Festival Preview: Delinquents

Ahead of this year’s Rebellion Festival we’re asking a selection of the band’s who are appearing about what we can expect, and for their advice on surviving the four day festival. In the tenth of The Punk Site‘s Rebellion Festival previews we speak to David Hennessy of Delinquents, they have been around for a little under two years and in that time they have been turning many heads by playing alongside almost every punk band in the UK that is still relevant, they also released their critically acclaimed debut full length, About last Night, earlier this year via Violated Records. The Rebellion Festival will be taking place at Blackpool Winter Gardens between the 2nd & 5th August 2018, you can view the full line up & purchase tickets for this years festival here. 

You can read about what to expect from Delinquents at the 2018 Rebellion Festival below

Is this your first experience of the Rebellion Festival or have you played before?

We played the Introducing Stage last year which was incredible. As far as my history goes, my dad used to talk about going every year when I was a kid but something always came up. I’ve been going to Rebellion every year since 2012. I wouldn’t miss it.

What can we look forward to from your set?

A different line up to start with. We have Gav Ballantyne filling in on Bass who plays in Coventry/Birmingham punks Face Up!  They are playing just before us on the Thursday so get down and see them first! Other than that, just expect the usual shit chat from me. You might get a new tune though.

What makes the Rebellion Festival special for you?

The people. The bands. The atmosphere. It’s like a family holiday every year for me. It started off as just me, my brother and dad. Now it’s turned into both of their families and a few friends of mine who are also coming for the weekend. It’s great to see friends that I may only see once or twice a year and as always, we tear it up at Rebellion! I’ve told Ryan to keep me away from the gin the night before though. Can’t have a repeat of Nice and Sleazy.

Will you have the chance to catch anyone else whilst you’re there and is there anyone else on the bill you’d recommend people go and see?

Absolutely. I’m staying all weekend. There’s no bigger buzz (other than playing yourself) than watching your mates who work hard all year tear it up at a festival like Rebellion. They bust their guts all year so they thoroughly deserve it. I hope there are many more bands and friends of mines who manage to get there too. The Introducing Stage is usually where you will find me. My band/artists picks are The Menzingers, SLF, IDLES, The Murderburgers, The Wildhearts, Buzzcocks, Angelic Upstarts, Adolescents, Billy Liar, Aerial Salad, No Thrills, The Eddies and Face Up.

If you could pick one band to appear at the Rebellion Festival who would it be?

The Replacements (if they ever decided to do another reunion tour which is highly unlikely), Bob Mould or The Offspring

Do you have a favourite memory from a previous Rebellion Festival?

Past performances from Slaves, Rancid, Less Than Jake and Anti Flag were all standouts. Playing the introducing stage last year is my obvious highlight though. If there was a low point losing my phone and hotel room key then trying to get four drunken Zips members in a taxi at 3 am.

Are you currently on tour if so where else are you playing this year?

Mostly more festivals. Playing in Oldham at The Flair Witch Project Weekender, then a show in Dublin, then Skegness at the Great British Alternative Music Festival, then Dundee’s own Punktoberfest, then Morecambe Punk Festival then a show with the Cockney Rejects in Derby then finally Book Yer Ane Fest in Dundee. Dundee is the only city in Scotland with two punk festivals, we are pretty lucky that way.

What can we look forward to from you in the next twelve months?

A settled line up. Our first Scotland Calling at the O2 Academy in Glasgow in April. Hopefully finish writing then record our second album and book some European dates.

Do you have any festival survival tips?

Try and nap when there aren’t bands on that you want to see. Otherwise you ain’t lasting till 1am! Don’t get too drunk and lose your phone. Remember what hotel you are in and don’t try and blag your way into other hotels when you can’t find your hotel key. Also, don’t kick the arse out of it on the first night.

Is there anything else in Blackpool you’d recommend people experience whilst they’re in the town?

Just the obvious, Tower, Pleasure Beach, Waxworks etc which is always fun. Blackpool brings back childhood memories for me as we used to go there every summer as kids so there is plenty to do. There are a few of venues around with bands who aren’t playing Rebellion so that’s always worth a punt too! We are playing a wee show on the Friday in the Temple Bar with some pals so we can’t wait for that either! I managed to go for a beer in one of the pubs during Rebellion 2015 and ended up blind drunk watching a band called CSOD who are sadly about to split up. They were absolutely ferocious. It was great.

Finally when and where are you appearing?

4.15 Pavillion Stage on Thursday. Don’t get your hopes up.

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, we’ll see you down the front

The Punk Site review of About Last Night can be read here

The Delinquents Facebook page can be found here