Exeter Cavern – 9th August 2010
Part-way through tonight's gig at the Exeter Cavern, 7 Seconds vocalist and founding member Kevin Seconds admits that, until he arrived earlier today, he couldn't remember playing here before. Then he realised that he'd performed at the venue only a year previously as part of his solo acoustic tour. This is probably a sign that someone has been in a band for so long that they can't remember one town from the next. However, this seems fair enough if you bear in mind the band's longevity.
Like fellow US punk rockers Bad Religion, 7 Seconds are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year and, while the Nevada-based group have not shared the same success as their LA contemporaries, they have equalled them in terms of their continued representation of the US hardcore scene.
Throughout the gig, Kevin makes numerous references to the band's age. Prior to playing 'You Lose' from their 1984 debut album 'The Crew', he informs the youngish crowd: "This song was probably recorded before ninety percent of you were born." Later on, while discussing their recent performance at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, Kevin mentions that the punk rock event provided them with a rare moment of nostalgia. "For once, we weren't the oldest ones there."
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Included amongst some of the other old favourites from 'The Crew' are the tracks 'Here's Your Warning', the aptly-named 'Young 'Til I Die' and 'Not Just Boys Fun', which Kevin dedicates to the girls and women in attendance. 7 Seconds also play a few songs from their second album 'Walk Together, Rock Together', such as the title track and opener 'Regress No Way'.
Despite his earlier comments regarding the venue, Kevin Seconds frequently thanks the Exeter fans for their loyalty and their response to tonight's gig. This proves that, although he may occasionally forget a certain town, he cherishes each individual audience as much as the last. The crowd at tonight's show certainly are a lively bunch. Even though the mosh-pit may not be the most hectic than 7 Seconds have seen, they are clearly humbled by the way that people are singing along to their old tunes.
Although 7 Seconds are not the most well-known punk/hardcore band from the last 30 years, they are still remembered by many as one of the most hard-working, as well as one of the most important of their era. The positive subject matter of their lyrics still seems as powerful today as ever and, hopefully, their music will continue to be appreciated for its ongoing relevance in the modern punk scene. Looking at the reaction and age group of tonight's crowd in Exeter only helps to strengthen the proof that 7 Seconds are still widely regarded as one of the highest rated bands of the hardcore genre.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 1 available.