Punks not dead.

Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. March 2004.

What a pleasure to see the Stranglers back in Wolverhampton, entertaining a packed Wulfrun Hall with selected tracks from the new album Norfolk Coast and well-worn classics that recalled a time when punk rock actually stood for something.

Whilst some of the musicians from the late seventies have tried and failed to become mainstream personalities, The Stranglers have maintained their position of being humorous, energetic and youthful, while growing old disgracefully.

Which fitted with the set list as well through like Peaches, Something Better Change and Golden Brown were interwoven skilfully with new tracks.

The evening was rounded off perfectly by encores including Walk On By and No More Heroes.

Ian D. Hall