Stiff Little Fingers live in Custom House Square, Belfast (22.8.2026) with The Undertones, Ruts DC and The Sabrejets supporting.
Here we are again. Our third visit to the annual Stiff Little Fingers gig badged as Putting the Fast in Belfast. This one is number 8. Last year’s blog here. Gig buddies Plymouth Dave and Big Gra joined me in 2025 and 2024. We thought if the line up was attractive we’d do it again. The Undertones and Ruts DC did it for us.
Despite trying to leave more time we still missed the first band, this year The Sabrejets, distracted slightly by catching up with ‘Dave from Belgium’, an old school mate and SLF fan.
Ruts DC are a very tight, loud, solid trio. What a great mixed sound they have with those reggae tones infused with the sounds of punchy protest. In this brief support slot there is enough to remind me to go and see them on tour again: Jah Wars and Staring at the Rude Boys have more subtlety than the punchiness of classic early singles, In A Rut or Babylon’s Burning.
Every song they play this evening is a classic. Even Kill The Pain, a more recent song has established itself now. A belter.
What a treat to have The Undertones next. Another one of those bands, much like SLF, where they could play any songs from their catalogue, including new songs, and I’d enjoy it.
From Jimmy Jimmy to My Perfect Cousin it’s a beautiful package of songs about chocolate and girls – so distinct from the subject matter of SLF.
Each time I see them I find I move a favourite track up and down my personal Undertones chart. Tonight the risers are Male Model and the rumbling Doherty drumming of Hard Luck.
Paul McLoone is the established front man and has been for 27 years now. Always enjoyable…and yes I have booked to see them on tour again later this year. Is it Pensioners’ Kicks now?…well nearly. I’m not quite there.
Two fine acts to have before the main event.
Great build up and SLF come on stage, recorded here in my amateur way and saved here on my YouTube channel.
Not a lot I can add to my previous observations on seeing SLF in Belfast in 2025 and 2024 but some photos to add.
It’s a great event – the pinnacle of any SLF live year. Jake never seems to lose the passion or his appreciation.
As this is my third year in a row I suppose I know what to expect, with a few different songs and a reordering, except of course for the Alternative Ulster finish. How else could it end?
That fact that we are stood here in the middle of Belfast, listening to songs mainly from an era of the ‘troubles’ is something of a triumph, while the rest of the World looks to self-destruct.
Maybe it will have to be a mainstream tour date next year…perhaps I should do a Barrowland?
Once again boys: Hanx!
Gigs with Ivan 