I don’t believe I’ve ever quoted Sir Bob Geldof before and I’ll likely not do so again but the aging rockstar/activist got it right years ago when he said “Rock music in the seventies was changed by three bands: the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, and the Saints.” It’s entirely possible that some fans out there might find the inclusion of Brisbane, Australia’s Saints as an occasion to cock an eyebrow or make haste to cite their favorite early punk combo as an alternative (Clash, the Damned, Buzzcocks, whohaveyou) but a quick look at the numbers and a passing familiarity with punk rock history argue otherwise. The original version of the Saints formed (as ‘Kid Galahad & the Eternals) in 1973, changed their handle to ‘The Saints’ in ’74, and recorded their first two tracks (including the classic ‘(I’m) Stranded’) in 1976. While the Pistols and the Ramones became more widely known over time (especially in the US), the Saints were there first and their impact on music (and perhaps more importantly) and their impact on MUSICIANS, is undeniable. The first proper incarnation of the band produced three LP’s: 1977’s (I’m) Stranded, followed shortly by the equally excellent Eternally Yours and the criminally underrated Prehistoric Sounds. Singer Chris Bailey parted ways with his bandmates in 1978, effectively bringing the era of Saints V.1. to a close. Bailey subsequently passed away in 2022. The version of the Saints touring now under the moniker ‘The Saints ’73 – ’78’ celebrates the music from these first 3 albums and includes original members Ed Kuepper on guitar and Ivor Hay on drums. Keupper and Hay are joined by multi-instrumentalist Mick Harvey (Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, the Birthday Party), bass player Peter Oxley (Sunnyboys), vocalist Mark Arm (Mudhoney, the Monkeywrench), and a three-piece horn section.
The passage of time was evident as the Saints took the stage at the Neptune (in all fairness, their heyday WAS 50 years ago!) but the decades melted away as the launched into their opening tune. Keupper’s churning, propulsive rhythm guitar (every bit as essential to the Saints’ early acclaim as Chris Bailey’s vocals) has lost none of its razor edge and Hay’s solid drumming pushes the band along at a brisk clip. Mick Harvey’s tasteful leads added a nice bite and Mark Arm’s vocals were just what the punk rock doctor ordered. Arm has wisely chosen to avoid anything approaching a Chris Bailey imitation, singing instead in a manner not at all unlike what he does in Mudhoney. The sum total of these parts manages to pay tribute to the early days of the Saints without devolving into a rote recitation or straight up copy. The pacing of the set Sunday was spot on, with the band picking up momentum all along the way, peaking with a final, set closing one two punch of ‘I’m Stranded’ and ‘Know Your Product’. The band was enthusiastically called back for a three-song encore, ending with a truly epic version of ‘Nights in Venice.’
