Community
25 October, 2024
Convict Class makes waves overseas
POPULAR Warrnambool-based band ‘Convict Class’ has returned from its triumphant tour of the UK.
While overseas the band played to packed venues and impressed fans from all over the globe with their Aussie punk rock.
“We all had an amazing time playing at some iconic venues and making so many new friends,” band member Ben Lakey said.
Convict Class began the tour in Bristol, alongside three other Aussie bands, and received positive feedback from the event organiser and people who attended the show.
“We couldn’t believe that so many people new us and travelled from all over the UK to come watch us in Bristol,” fellow band member Shane Godfrey said.
Convict Class then headed to Belgium for a one-off gig in Kortrijk.
“This was a real experience for us and some great stories came from our adventures through France and Belgium,” Alistair Wilby said.
“We played with a band from China and met some really great people from Belgium and beyond.”
Convict Class then converged on the famous Blackpool in England and played at the Scream and Shake Horror Bar on the eve of the Rebellion Punk Music Festival.
“It was a small venue which had a capacity of 75 people situated on a mall,” Mr Wilby said.
“When we played we had 150 people inside and another 200-odd outside in the mall.
“That was one of the most memorable nights we have had and really set the tone for the coming days.”
The band then took to the stage at the Rebellion Punk Music Festival, which ran for four days from August 1, with seven indoor stages at Winter Gardens.
Over 300 bands from all over the world played with over 20,000 punks staying in Blackpool for the long weekend.
“Blackpool is a coastal city and the residents really embrace this festival with businesses having signs and posters everywhere welcoming the punks,” Shane Stenhouse said.
Convict Class performed on the final day of the festival – in front of a crowd in excess of 1,000 patrons.
“It was a pinch me moment to know that 1,000 people came to see us play and that there were people waiting outside to get in,” Mr Stenhouse said.
“Fans that we were yet to meet from all corners of the globe singing along to our songs was very overwhelming.
“We are truly humbled by the response we received and to be given the opportunity to play at the biggest and oldest running Punk festival in the world”.
Convict Class is already planning to return to the UK in 2026.
