Review – Punk Rock Factory, The 1865, Wednesday 1st November 2023 - In-Common

By Nick Mabey.

A second Celtic storm hit Southampton last night, swirling round The 1865. While Ciaran blew outside, inside the venue South-Wales thrashers Punk Rock Factory ripped it up in front of a sell-out crowd. When I interviewed lead singer Peej a couple of weeks ago, he gave me a sense of what to expect from a PRF gig, but nothing could have prepared me for the surreal experience to come.

I probably should declare I’m old enough to have remembered when punk rock first broke in the mid 70s. Shows were called gigs and were dark, scary affairs. Bands growled on stage in front of crowds of mostly sweaty, drunk young men intent on mischief. Fast forward to The 1865 and a bright, friendly atmosphere with a diverse crowd of all ages, including plenty of primary school aged kids. If I hadn’t guessed something different was afoot already, the enthusiastic crowd singalong to Avril Levine and Kelly Clarkson among others told me to expect the unexpected.

Sure enough when the band appeared, following some entertaining pre-recorded banter from the band members, it was to the opening strains of that famous Zulu chant from Lion King. I Just Can’t Wait to be King exploded into life and the crowd followed suit. While Peej prowled the pit in front of the stage whipping up the crowd as he sang, Benj on bass and Ryan on guitar strutted across the stage, backed up by the blistering pounding rhythm of Kob’s drums.

Mamma Mia was followed bizarrely by Mighty Morphin Power Rangers before some sort of order was restored with Little Mermaid’s Under the Sea. The kids (of all ages) were going wild as the sounds of their youth were being reimagined in a terrifyingly-wild-yet-strangely-inclusive way. In between songs some gentle humorous back and forth among band members was well received and gave everyone a chance to prepare for the next onslaught.

Perhaps the only moment of pathos was a heartfelt tribute to the recently departed Matthew Perry, followed of course by a pumped-up rendition to the Friends theme tune. The fact that this was followed by Alvin and the Chipmunks tells you everything you need to know about this crazy evening’s entertainment.

Punk Rock’s Factory tour continues with the UK leg concluding in Birmingham on 4th November, before the band head to mainland Europe for a further 15 shows. Fear not though if you are keen to see them; the 2024 UK dates, of which there are many including Portsmouth and Bournemouth, are already on sale. Details are on their website www.punkrockfactory.com

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