Rebellion Festival Preview: The Ramonas

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 seventh of The Punk Site‘s Rebellion Festival previews we feature The Ramonas, originally conceived back in 2004 they have evolved into a razor sharp live band in their own right. These four lovable cretins rarely even stop for a quick sip of water and a hello…. It’s 1234 and they’re onto the next hit, and the great thing is that they do it all in their own unique way. Since 2016 the girls have also been releasing their own original material in the shape of their 2017 debut album, First World Problems, and 2016 EP, You Asked For It. The Rebellion Festival will be taking place at Blackpool Winter Gardens between the 2nd and 5th August 2018, you can view the full line up and purchase tickets for this years festival here. 

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

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

Vicky – We’ve been so lucky to play there for the last 5 years, this will be our 6^th time but our first playing a full set of originals in addition to the tribute set. 

Max- my first experience was last year. I’ve never known anything like Rebellion. It’s absolutely mental in the best possible way haha. 

Cam- Last year was my first year, it was probably the best festival experience I’ve ever had. Bring on Rebellion 2018!

What can we look forward to from your set?

Max – We’ll be playing 2 sets, one of our own material on the Thursday at 11:55pm on the Pavilion stage. We’re preparing some new tunes to air so are really excited for this one. It’s also our first full original set at Rebellion! We are also playing Friday on the Club Casbah stage 7.30pm a full Ramones set. Can’t go wrong with that.

What makes the Rebellion Festival special for you?

Vicky – It’s just one big punk party and good vibes all round. The punk community is the best! 

Max – The friendly atmosphere. Everyone’s just there for a good time, a giggle and a beer, and that’s exactly what you get. There’s no pretentiousness or pressure to be a certain way like you get at other festivals 

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?

Vicky – My must see band this year are IDLES.

Max – I’m looking forward to loads of bands! A couple of them are Svetlanas, The Professionals, Maid Of Ace, PIL and The Murderburgers 

Cam – yes there’s so so many bands I want to see this year, it would take me all night to list them all so I’ll just mention a few faves, Poly-Esters, The Members, Anti Nowhere League and UK Subs of course!

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

Max- Joan Jett

Cam- that’s a tough question. They already did a couple of years ago but Descendents again please so I can catch them this time!?

Vicky – I’d love to see Autoramas at Rebellion, they’re great.

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

Max – one from last year was jumping on stage with UK Subs. I had had a lot to drink by that point and remember just feeling so happy to be surrounded by my favourite people and ‘dance’ like an idiot in front of thousands haha. 

Cam- drunk dancing on stage in front of thousands of people during the Subs set last year.

Vicky – Playing the Empress Ballroom a couple of years ago was definitely a highlight. 

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

Vicky – We’ve been touring pretty much non-stop for the first half of this year, all over Europe and the UK, which has been amazing. After Rebellion we’ll be playing mainly UK shows until the end of the year plus a couple in Germany.

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

Max – We have a lot in the pipeline. Expect new visuals, new tunes, and loads of gigs. 

Cam – keep your eyes and ears peeled! There’s a few new things happening this year, and also next year- I can assure you that much 🙂 

Do you have any festival survival tips?

Max – no. Good luck. 

Cam- Good advice from Lemmy – “To get hangovers, you have to stop drinking!”

Vicky – Visit punk art! 

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

Vicky – Get an ice cream on the pier ☺

Cam – can’t remember what it’s called but go to that pub by the back entrance of winter gardens, it’s ace! They stay open all night!

Finally when and where are you appearing?

Vicky – Thursday 11:55pm on the Pavilion stage (original set). Friday 7:30pm Club Casbah (tribute set).

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

The Ramonas website is here and their Facebook page is here

The Punk Site review of The Ramonas debut album, First World Problems, can be read here

Live photograph courtesy of Dean Unsworth