Stiff Little Fingers
Belfast punk written under the Troubles — Jake Burns's sandpaper roar over songs about getting out, 'Alternative Ulster' still the loudest exit plan.
Before becoming Stiff Little Fingers, Jake Burns, Henry Cluney, Ali McMordie and Brian Faloon played together as Highway Star, a schoolboy covers band named after the Deep Purple song. Cluney discovered punk and brought the others into it; they took their new name from a song by the Vibrators. Heavily influenced by the Clash and Elvis Costello, Burns later said the Clash gave him the confidence to write about his own life.
Songwriting partner Gordon Ogilvie pushed the band toward material drawn from life in the Troubles, co-writing the lyrics to 'Suspect Device.' The single was self-released on the band's own label, Rigid Digits, in February 1978 and sent to DJ John Peel, whose repeated airplay led to a distribution deal with Rough Trade. Inflammable Material followed, becoming the first independent album to reach the UK top 20.
The band's fast, direct approach paired lyrics about sectarian violence, boredom and the urge to leave with tunes built for the pit; 'Alternative Ulster' and 'Suspect Device' remain the songs most identified with them. Later records, moving toward power pop and more conventional rock arrangements, softened that early edge.
The band split in 1983 and reformed in 1987, continuing through numerous lineup changes with Burns as the only constant. Bassist Ali McMordie, an original member, rejoined in March 2006 after Bruce Foxton's fifteen-year run ended. A tenth studio album followed in 2014, backed by a world tour.
Stiff Little Fingers at a glance
Where is Stiff Little Fingers from?
Stiff Little Fingers is from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
What kind of music does Stiff Little Fingers play?
Stiff Little Fingers is tagged punk and post-punk.
What festivals has Stiff Little Fingers played before?
Stiff Little Fingers has played Rebellion 2026.
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