Oi Polloi / Collision Course - Bannerman’s, Edinburgh 7th May 2025

So why a concept? Well, Oi Polloi is very much a platform for Deek and his views. He is not a shrinking violet and proudly wears his heart and political opinions on his sleeve. Whilst I don’t agree with all he stands for, I have always admired that he does, indeed, stand for something and is not shy about sharing his thoughts.

It's been a while since this particular anarcho-punk bus rolled into Edinburgh and I was keen to see it park at Bannerman’s.

First up though was Collision Course. This three-piece made full use of their thirty minutes. Total punk, they had to restart their first song as the guitar was feeding back too much – not sure anyone but the sound man noticed. Another was restarted as it didn’t go well on the first try. This was a band who took a few songs to settle into their set. Once they did, this turned out to be a quality, hard core start to the night. If you like a bit of thrash punk, Collision Course are worth a look.

After grabbing a quick beer I took position and waited for the main event. Now, this was Bannerman’s on a Wednesday night. I have been to many gigs in here mid-week, many poorly attended affairs. Tonight was not one of those. At £10 for three band, sorry I missed the first one, this was a good value night for the fans, but I expect none of the players made anything from the night. I reckon there were around 80 punks of various descriptions in the room. That “description” thing was quite a sliding scale. Behind me were a couple of guys, one was telling his mate how chuffed he was to have brought his golf handicap down to 14. Infront of me, was the mosh pit. Punks with Mowhawks, studs, chains and bullet belts all stood waiting for the action to begin.

The action did begin, albeit a little late. The band were ready, but they had to pretty much send out for Deek who was up to other things when his party was dues to start. He ambled his way to the stage and, frankly, set about it.

Nuclear Wast and UK2025 kicked us off. A wee commentary on drugs warmed us up for THC and then, a favourite of mine – Punx Picnic. I remember the days of the punk’s picnics in Princes Street Gardens. They were happy affairs everyone enjoyed, well apart from the guy fin the Beefeater costume. It had a solid hat and body. This made him easy pickings as he was stuck on his side and rolled through the Gardens.

Every song in the set brings it’s own preamble from Deek. Anti – religion, anti-foxhunting (the hunt saboteurs had a table at the gig), anti-homophobia and anti-Keir Starmer these are just some of Deek’s targets. One thing he does like is linguistic freedom and a couple of numbers are sung in Gaelic, it's funny how ‘fuck the police’ sounds the same in most languages though!

Dirty Protest, Boot Down the Door and When Two Men Kiss - it was good to see a couple of punk guys have a kiss when this ditty was announced, kept this 20-song set on the boil.

As their hour came to a close, two bangers to finish, Americans Out and Let the Boots Do the Talking wrapped up the main set fantastically.

Deek remains a man with a mission so his introduction to the encore song was heart felt and impassioned. Bash the Fash, sums up punk – fast, no prisoners music, that invites inclusion and is not welcoming to bigoty. It was a great way to end a top punk night.

These guys with the Mohawks and studs, well, they spent the hour at the front carrying on a mosh pit worthy of Oi Polloi gigs of the 80’s. The years may have gone by but the music and attitude has not changed. Deek Allen has also managed to retain his passion and integrity in spades. Long may that continue.

Punk is certainly not dead