25-10-2010 Anti-Flag

Venue: Exhaus, Trier (Germany)
By: Nina Mende

Anti-Flag is a punk rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States, formed in 1988, and known for its outspoken left-wing political views. Much of the band’s lyrics have focused on fervent anti-war activism, criticism of United States foreign policy, corporatism, U.S. wealth distribution, and various sociopolitical sentiments. The line-up includes singer/guitarist Justin Sane and drummer Pat Thetic, who founded the band; later members are guitarist Chris Head, and singer/bassist Chris Barker who replaced Jamie “Cock” Towns, who had replaced original bassist Andy Flag in 1997 following his departure one year prior. Anti-Flag is known also for their advocacy of progressive political action groups such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International. Most recently, the band has focused criticism on the United States bailouts, which were executed to give massive portions of capital directly towards salvaging the national banks.

Tonight they played at Exhaus in Trier in front of 150 people. Sold out house – the show sold out within 48 hours – with all the money going to charity, to Emmäus to be precise. Emmäus is an organization that is helping homeless people, drug addicts and other people in need. The venue was tiny and packed. 150 punk fans were ready to rock with Anti-Flag and their support Versus You from Luxembourg. Justin was sick and had almost no voice. To be able to do the vocals on the last show on their little tour the band had decided that both Chris’ were singing all the songs instead of Justin. In 60 minutes show time Anti-Flag played old and new songs and everyone in the tiny venue could sing along. The fans danced along and even tried crowd surfing. The venue was a little too small for that though. The room was heating up quickly and nobody was standing still. The band jumped around on the tiny stage and their fans rocked their minds out in front of the stage. Rocking for a good cause. Anti-Flag did not miss a chance to mention what this show was for and thanked everyone for they support, knowing that only together we can make a difference. Closer to the end of the show the audience was going even wilder, jumping up on stage, grabbing a mic and singing the songs. Nobody got angry or pulled them down roughly, it was a punk show after all. As pure and close as any punk rock show can get. Band and audience were one and that not only because they were altogether helping Emmäus to do their deeds, but also because the music connected them all. 150 people plus bands, crew and house staff, almost like a little family. It was for sure a well spent evening this Monday night in Trier with everybody having a blast.