As frontman of anarcho punk progenitors Crass from 1977 until 1984, Steve Ignorant forged a reputation for his brash persona and forthright lyrics in one of the most notoriously political bands of that era. Now, 34 years since their dissolution, Steve will be visiting Jac’s Music Venue in Aberdare on Sat Aug 11 with his acoustic outfit Slice Of Life and the town still holds a special place in his heart.
“Crass played their last gig at a miners’ benefit at Aberdare Coliseum. Last year I was in the 100 Club in London and saw a bit of graffiti on the wall saying ‘ABERDARE PUNKS’. I couldn’t believe that had been there since 1984, and got filmed next to it. The guy putting on this gig got in touch, said he’d wrote it and that he’d love for us to come back.
“My return was meant to happen, I think. It was a good final gig. This one is going to be different, I play quieter music now!”
Slice Of Life have gained a strong following since Steve joined forces with Carol Hodge, Pete Wilson and Pete Rawlinson two years ago, yet Ignorant admitted it took a while to pursue a completely new sound.
“For 20 years I wanted to do a more musical and acoustic thing, but I never found the right people to do it with. I felt a bit afraid of going onstage with an acoustic guitar. But now, at my age, why can’t I put my own influences in there – why I can’t have a bit of The Temptations, Joni Mitchell or Leonard Bernstein or Miles Davis? I’m using all those influences and just enjoying it. Punk doesn’t have to be three chord thrash and blasting your ears off. The words are still meaningful in a different style of music.”
Now living on the Norfolk coast, Steve, 60, has forged a far different life as a volunteer for Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat. “Whereas before I was trying to make a difference by screaming into a microphone, years later there I was plucking people out of the North Sea.” And hopefully he’ll be plucking some punks out of a moshpit soon enough. JAMES AYLES
Steve Ignorant’s Slice Of Life, Jac’s, Aberdare, Sat 11 Aug. Tickets: £11. Info: 01685 879491 / facebook.com/jacsaberdare