REVIEW: Levellers at Portsmouth Guildhall

We may have a little less hair, be a bit podgier and have more responsibilities than in the early 90s but it's clear to anyone still following the Levellers' way of life, punk is not dead.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Dec 2016, 13:45 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 12:32 BST
The Levellers in action Picture: Joe Lee PPP-160412-131323001The Levellers in action Picture: Joe Lee PPP-160412-131323001
The Levellers in action Picture: Joe Lee PPP-160412-131323001

Boos and hisses rang out as images of Thatcher and Blair loomed over the packed crowd at Portsmouth Guildhall shortly before the Levellers took to the stage. Interestingly, Blair’s boos were the loudest, maybe borne out of the justified angst from the generation who were promised so much more, but got the same.

It might be 25 years since Levelling the Land - the Levellers’ most successful album - was released.

But it’s like times have hardly changed.

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There are still issues to rage against and corners to fight, it’s just we’re a little bit older nowadays.

Frontman Mark Chadwick took the fans on a pilgrimage back to 1991, rattling through hits such as the Levellers’ anthem, One Way, 15 Years, The Road and fans’ favourite, the Battle of the Beanfield.

Then came their most popular song, Beautiful Day and the hauntingly beautiful, Julie.

The years may pass, but the fight for tolerance remains strong for the Levellers.

Long may it continue.

PAUL FOSTER

Related topics:Levellers