19-04-2012 Anti Flag

Supports: Hostage Calm& Red City Radio; Venue: Schlachthof, Wiesbaden (Germany)
By: Nina Mende

Anti-Flag is a United States punk rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, formed in 1988. The band is well known for its left-wing political views, focusing on anti-war activism, imperialism, class struggle, human rights, 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 (#2) 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.

Along with Hostage Calm and Red City Radio Anti Flag rocked Wiesbaden tonight. The tiny venue was sold out. Many fans, old and young filled the audience room. Time for Hostage Calm to start the evening. Unfortunately I missed them and only got to see the last view songs, but they definitely rocked.

After them was Red City Radio. An amazing four-piece from Oklahoma City. They have released an EP “To the Sons and Daughters of Woody Guthrie” and a full-length LP “The Dangers of Standing Still” on Paper + Plastick, as well as two split EPs and a digital single. The guys came on stage and were loved instantly. The audience rocked with Red City Radio, sang along, clapped along and danced along. The band did not even have to say much to the audience to go along. The crowd just did. It was as if the audience simply felt what they had to do. Simply amazing. The catchy music of Red City Radio did not leave much choice other than to go along and have a good time. What an amazing band. They should definitely tour here much more often and rock with us. But it was not their show.

Anti-Flag still had to play. Warmed up audience, everyone having a good time. All excited to see Anti-Flag perform on stage and play some songs off their new album. What more can one ask for? The band to finally come on stage. And they came. The audience went wild with Anti-Flag on stage. The guys played old and new songs. Filled with energy they spread their positivity throughout the venue. You could feel everyone was on the same page with what Anti-Flag has to say in their songs. Simply amazing to see how they all connected even though no one knew the other. If somebody fell while moshing everyone helped them back up. After an hour playing Anti-Flag said good bye to the audience. But they wanted more. And they got more. Not only one more song but three instead. How amazing. Afterwards the band shook hands with their fans and were up for a little chat, a signature and a picture. What a wonderful band. What an amazing live show. Go check them out. They’ll be on the road for quite a while now!