Fucked Up - Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, London, 9/8/2010
by Chris O'Toole
published: 29 / 7 / 2010

intro
Chris O' Toole at the Hoxton Bar and Kitchen in London watches a celebratory, yet terrifying set peformance from Canadain hardcore outfit F**ked Up
Terrifying. That is the only word which can accurately be applied to witnessing Canadian hardcore outfit Fucked Up in the flesh. While the group place themselves at the cerebral end of the genre, their fans still represent a rabid, baying mob, screaming, banshee like, in time with each syllable. Particularly unnerving is Pink Eyes (frontman Damian Abraham) who towers over the assembled, screaming hysterically when he is not tearing into the audience leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. He is supported by a duo of attack dog guitarists (third guitarist Ben Cook is presently in hospital recovering from, what is doubtlessly, a gig related injury), Sandy Miranda on the bass and ferocious Mr Jo (Jonah Falco) on drums. To the casual fan – hell, even to the diehard – this assault can be a little overwhelming. But there is solidarity amid the madness at this kind of event. No real danger. Indeed the band is in celebratory mood at the Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen this evening. (Despite having a 7’ entitled 'Hoxton Cunts', the group is happy to take the paycheque). New single 'Year of the Ox' has just been released and receives a rapturous reception this evening. Drawing from the Chinese Zodiac, it is the sort of material which has allowed the band to set themselves apart from the more mouth breathing fraternity which predominate the scene – see support act Trash Talk. Politically motivated, melodically inclined, Fucked Up offer more than the usual pummelling assault; mixing in elements of theatrical performance, Krautrock and Camel citrates. Of course the exploration of organised religion, rebirth, and mysticism, the use of sigils, the chat show appearances, the deliberately murky back catalogue, limited editions and semi-naked live shows all add to the drama. To the outsider they look like cheap gimmicks, a band of dilettantes with a grab-bag of cultural references to shield themselves from awkward questions. But to believers, the mythology is a symbol of Fucked Up’s uncompromising stand. How much you take from their show depends on your position; with them or against them.
Picture Gallery:-


live reviews |
Ritual, Ottawa, 4/5/2012 |
![]() |
Andrew Carver watches hardcore band play an inflammatory set in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Ritual in Ottawa |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Garfunkel and Garfunkel Jr. - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Sukie Smith - Interview
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPBoomtown Rats - Ten Songs That Made Me Love....
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Doris Brendel - Interview
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Kay Russell - Interview with Kay Russell
Pulp - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Barrie Barlow - Interview
Sound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 1
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart