I WAS always going to having mixed feelings about this show, which had a fantastic line up and yet would formally mark the end of a great Basingstoke band, Burning Idols.

One disadvantage of it being a Friday gig instead of a Saturday is that most were coming from work, so it was really quite a bundle to get all the gear set up and the show started on time.

Things kicked off with Ill Gotten Gains, a fantastic ska-punk band from Basingstoke, who were alas doing an acoustic set on account of having no drummer that night.

Still, they had fun with it and delivered an interesting performance and at least got proceedings off to a flying start.

Next up were Take Warning, also ska-punk and also from Basingstoke, who have been getting better and better with all the shows they have been doing since the summer.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Being female-fronted they are well placed to take on the mantle of Burning Idols. By the time they got started, the crowd had grown to quite a size and were really getting into the band and the whole party atmosphere of the night.

I can't wait to hear their EP which I believe is due out early next year.

The mid-way slot was taken by DSA, a punk band from Reading. They were quite different in style to all the other bands on, but what an amazing performance they did.

Basingstoke Gazette:

I have seen them several times before, but this was the best I had ever seen them and I know a lot of other people who were seeing them for the first time were similarly impressed. Even more remarkable is the fact their bass-player could not make the show and so one of the guitarists had taken his place. Now that is one talented band.

Main support was provided by Newbury band boys Bandits UK. I have made a point of seeing them so many times this year because they are just such an exciting live band to see in action.

I have never seen a duff performance, and this one was way up there, earning plenty of positive response from the crowd, with plenty of dancing and skanking.

Basingstoke Gazette:

It was also notable as for the first time ever I saw a four-tier, 4, 3, 2, 1 human pyramid - amazing! Kudos to the young lady brave enough to perch on top!

Then that time have finally arrived, Burning Idols playing their final show and undoubtedly the reason why so many people had turned up for the show.

They cracked through their set at a fair old pace. I know and love the songs so well and it just seems a pity that they will not be heard again as many of them have not yet been recorded.

Basingstoke Gazette:

The band were really in the zone and all the hard work and effort was worth it - indeed things had run so smoothly that there was time for their legendary song Sunday Drinking as an encore.

Not only was it a great show and a fond farewell to a beloved band, but Basingstoke Voluntary Group were doing some fund raising for the homeless in town. They not only raised over £230, but received donations pf lots of food for the food bank.

So thanks to all the bands for playing, the management and staff of the Irish Centre and to everybody who bought raffle tickets, donated food or bought merch from bands who passed on the money for the charity - the Skamas Spirit lives!

Neil Duncan, Issuepunkzine