D.I.Y. Punk: My New Obsession

While enjoying a pint at the Bernard Shaw and brainstorming for my next story, a conversation with a random stranger led to an intriguing suggestion: “If you’re into underground stuff, why don’t you check out the punk gig across the way in Bo’s? It’s so underground they don’t even have a permanent venue. They bring all their own equipment and amps.”

This sounded exactly like something for me! A little Google and Facebook snooping later, I found it. The entire thing seems to be spearheaded by a gentleman who goes by the name “Conor Koresh.”

Conor Koresh is a notable figure in the Dublin punk scene. Known for his deep involvement in organizing and promoting punk events, Conor has been instrumental in bringing together various punk bands and fans through events like the Dublin Oi and Streetpunk Fest. His efforts have helped keep the punk spirit alive in Dublin, fostering a sense of community and providing a platform for both local and international punk bands.

Conor’s dedication goes beyond just organizing events; he’s also known for his passion for the music and the culture that surrounds it. His influence has made a significant impact on the local punk community, making him a well-respected and recognized name among punk enthusiasts in Dublin.

These D.I.Y. Punk rockers have a society and philosophy all their own. On their Facebook event pages, you see mottos like “Usual Bohs gigs etiquette applies: No Cans, No Creeps, No Bigots, No Bouncers.” This shows they are a self-policing community that respects the establishments they are in (don’t sneak in drinks because the venue needs money). Don’t be a creep, but we don’t need bouncers because we will look after it ourselves. I love this attitude as it stands for a unique form of underground self-governance.

“Bohs” refers to Bohemian Football Club, commonly known as Bohemians or Bohs. Their home venue is Dalymount Park in Phibsboro, Dublin. This iconic venue is not only used for football matches but also hosts various events, including the underground punk gigs that Conor and his crew organize. Dalymount Park, with its rich history and deep roots in the community, provides an authentic and gritty backdrop for these punk events. The venue’s multipurpose nature reflects the versatility and resourcefulness of the D.I.Y. Punk scene, transforming a sports ground into a haven for music lovers.

With a plethora of bands spanning over two days and an unbeatable ticket price, this event seems to be one of the truest and most underground happenings in the music scene at the moment. Tired of extortionate ticket pricing because of overvalued headliners? No problem, Conor has you sorted! 20 euros gets you a full weekend ticket with music from 4 PM till 1 AM on Saturday and 2 PM till 9 PM on Sunday. That’s about 15 hours of real underground music from 20 bands. This honestly feels like something from a 1990s wet dream.

I managed to get myself into this event incognito and casually ask some of the punters what they felt about the event, all while trying to keep it casual and not blow my cover, of course ;)

Here’s what some people said:

“Conor and the boys are legends for putting this on. We wouldn’t have a gig if it weren’t for him.”

“Venue fees are shocking these days, and not many people want to have punk playing at them, so we gotta do it ourselves.”

“I love having a place where we can play our music for people who love the scene.”

One of the people I talked to mentioned that this pub, “Bo’s,” is increasingly becoming a home for underground bands that are too underground even for the underground venues.

The lineup for this event was advertised on Facebook, and while there may have been some changes since then, a special shoutout goes to the following bands:

Saturday

• 4:15: Loveen (Galway)

• 4:50: Pink Glasses (Dublin)

• 5:40: Hunger Pains (Dublin)

• 6:30: YOP (Ballina)

• 7:20: Genuflection (Galway)

• 8:10: Nichts (Ballina)

• 9:00: Okus (Drogheda)

• 9:50: Mana (Dublin)

• 10:40: Hands Up Who Wants to Die (Ireland)

• 11:30: Surge (Ireland)

• 12:20: Special Branch (Dublin)

Sunday

• 2:00: Big Tears (Dublin)

• 2:45: A Dead Human (Dublin)

• 3:25: Marrowbone (Dublin)

• 4:15: Chrononaut (Dublin)

• 5:05: Hectic Bins (Enniskillen)

• 5:55: 50 Foot Woman (Limerick)

• 6:45: Wild Rocket (Ireland)

• 7:35: Yurt (Planet Yurt)

• 8:25: Bartape (Dublin)

  
  

While the D.I.Y. Punk scene is vibrant and passionate, it’s not without its challenges. Limited resources and logistical issues are common, and maintaining harmony within such a self-governed community can be tough. However, these challenges also foster creativity and resilience among the musicians and organizers.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Conor Koresh and his crew’s efforts is their ability to liberate themselves from the tyranny of traditional venues in the city. By bringing their own PA systems and amps, they bypass the high costs and restrictive policies often imposed by mainstream venues. This self-sufficiency not only allows for greater freedom in organizing events but also ensures that the true spirit of punk — independence and self-reliance — remains at the forefront. Their commitment to this D.I.Y. ethos enables them to create authentic and raw music experiences, free from commercial constraints.

On the flip side, mainstream venues and events offer their own advantages, such as better infrastructure, larger audiences, and professional management. This can sometimes make the mainstream music experience more accessible and convenient for a broader audience. However, the D.I.Y. Punk scene’s resourcefulness and dedication to maintaining control over their events highlight a powerful counter-culture movement that thrives on passion and collective effort.

The D.I.Y. Punk scene represents a crucial part of the broader music industry and cultural landscape. It offers a raw and unfiltered alternative to the polished productions of mainstream music. This scene is a testament to the enduring spirit of punk, emphasizing self-expression, independence, and community support.

Discovering D.I.Y. Punk has been a refreshing experience, reminding me of the power of grassroots movements in the music world. It’s a scene that thrives on passion and collective effort, offering a genuine and immersive experience for those who seek something beyond the mainstream. In a world where commercial interests often overshadow artistic integrity, D.I.Y. Punk stands as a beacon of authenticity and self-reliance. If you’re looking for real music, real people, and real passion, this scene is where you’ll find it.