I went to alot of gigs this year as per usual, yet a much lower number than any year since I was 18. I've managed to narrow it down to 13 of the best (see below).
The best music experience was definitely seeing Shellac in an Art Space in Maine. It felt special. They are incredible.
I felt most alive watching Descendents, Kimberley Steaks, and Beach Slang. Some great singalongs and pogo dancing there. Seeing Screeching Weasel was also an amazing box ticker.
Iron Chic in a brewery was fun and White Lung was a great new discovery. Drop Dead were by far the best brutal band I saw. And of course any opportunity to go back to my spiritual home and go to Puntala was special.
Plans for 2017: Just see my fave punk rock bands and spend more time watching other genres.
Petrol Girls, Atterkop, The Repeats @ Wharf Chambers
Snuff, Bad Cop / Bad Cop @ The Key Club, Leeds
Screeching Weasel, MXPX @ Kentish Town Forum, London
Manchester Punk Festival
Iron Chic, Caves @ ABC Brewery, Manchester
Manic Street Preachers @ The Arena, Leeds
Puntala Rock, Lempääla, Finland
Rebellion Festival, Blackpool
Beach Slang @ The Parish, Huddersfield
Sage Francis and Brendan Dolan @ Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
White lung @ Empire Chinese Kitchen, Portland ME, USA
Shellac, Shannon Wright @ Art Space, Portland ME, USA
Siege, Drop Dead, Endless Grinning Skulls, Marked for Death @ Temple of Boom, Leeds