When Stiff Little Fingers emerged from Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1977, their militantly raucous sound echoed the violent contradictions of their religiously and politically divided hometown. Early songs such as “Suspect Device” and “Alternative Ulster” decried the waste and ruin of “the Troubles,” and lead singer Jake Burns' hoarse-throated roar made him the Northern Irish equivalent to Joe Strummer. Burns' antiwar broadsides, such as “Tin Soldiers” and “Bloody Sunday,” still retain a startling power, especially in contrast to the more cautiously derivative and mainstream approach of bands they influenced, such as U2. Over the years, Burns has led varying lineups of Stiff Little Fingers, but the band's original bassist, Ali McMordie, has returned to the fold, replacing onetime Jam bassist Bruce Foxton, who sat in earlier this decade.

Wed., Sept. 3, 9 p.m., 2014
(Expired: 09/03/14)

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