In the coastal town of Southwick lives the juggernaut of poetry, authentic DIY punk and political activist, Attila the Stockbroker. I sat down for a chat with Attila, real name John Baine, about all things punk, politics and the music industry.
Confidence, anger and knob gags
I’ve been a fan of Attila from a young age and to a great extent owe my love for punk music to him. I was lucky enough to attend his DIY beer and music festival, Glastonwick, when I was just thirteen. Fascinated by the sight of middle-aged men crowd surfing to a wonderful song about awful jeans by Wonk Unit, from that weekend onwards, my interest in the punk scene began.
We kicked off with a broad introduction to who he is and how he got to where he is. Being 19 in 1977 meant John witnessed and embodied himself within the birth of the punk movement, joining Rock Against Racism whilst studying at the University of Kent.
His live performances are hallmarked by his thematic swings from all elements of human life.
“I go from my mother’s death from Alzheimer’s, to football, to the miners’ strike, to a knob gag in 20 minutes.”
“I hate being called a celebrity, I hate being called a comedian – I’m a performance poet and musician – and the thing I hate most of all is being called a veteran.”
“We are looking at the rebirth of fascism.”
Baine prides himself on not having a “self-doubt gene”, which shines throughout the interview. He’s bold and speaks his mind, telling me: “If I think one of your questions is shit, I’ll tell you it’s shit.”
Class politics
I was interested to hear Attila’s views on class politics. I spent much time during the sixth form debating with other students as to why some working-class people might feel represented by right-wing politicians.
John told to me about his family’s perception of social class referencing his aunt, who worked in the public sector her whole life, and her disdain for unions and strike action. He launched into a private yet passionate performance of his dialectic poem “Poison Pensioner” in which he questions his aunt’s class unconsciousness and ignorance.
Attila’s analysis of the phenomenon of working-class Tories comes down to two main factors – intelligence and media influence. The majority of print newspapers are owned by right-wing wealthy individuals who have a specific agenda to push.
John suggested that an unquestioned acceptance of information from Murdoch-owned papers, plus the influence of social media – especially Facebook for the older demographic – has led to a warped understanding of politics and society by more gullible individuals.
“Probably sixty percent of my generation (baby boomers) are brainwashed sponges who don’t think for themselves – frankly.”
Attila was also concerned at the inability of many left-wing politicians to take a head on approach to the populist and shouty demeanor of the right.
“Politics is moving out of the measured, neo-liberal, pseudo democratic forum of the past into something that is approaching the 1930s.”
“Why is there nobody out there on the left who’s prepared to stand up to someone like Farage on their own terms and say you’re talking rubbish!”
Perhaps it’s no wonder Britain suffers from political apathy and an ever-rising Reform Party when the elected representatives of the left seem unable to passionately argue or call out absurdities within their opponents’ doctrine.
The evolving threat from the far-right
Having been at the heart of the anti-fascist movement throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, Attila is well versed to speak on the dangers of far-right thugs.
In an attempt to defy the increasing occupation of pubs and venues by the far right, on 8 May 1982 Attila held a “No Pub is a Nazi Pub” gig with the Newtown Neurotics and Sub-Active.
The gig was held at the notoriously fascist-infected venue, Skunx, in London. However, during his performance a mob of neo-Nazis jumped up on stage and attacked Attila, smashing his mandolin over his head and cutting his jaw open. Luckily his large, skinhead friend Pixie Maddison intervened, preventing an even more gruelling outcome, though heavily outnumbered.
Attila asserted that things have changed drastically since the days of the Anti-Nazi League:
“They don’t have boots and Doc Martens anymore, it’s mostly online and mainly gullible boomers who get spoon fed garbage by right-wing billionaires that own social media sites.”
“There is now an ability to literally make up lies and have it amplified by billionaires like Elon Musk”.
“Lots of the people my age that are going along with Farage are many of the same people we fought against when they were little skinheads.”
Glastonwick Festival
Attila the Stockbroker is the proud organiser of his very own independent punk festival, Glastonwick. I was curious to hear whether, like many independent festivals and venues, Glastonwick had struggled over recent years.
Attila’s proudest moment
To end the interview, I asked John what he’s most proud of across his career as a poet, musician and activist.
He considers his finest cultural achievement to be his leading role in saving Brighton and Hove Albion, the legacy of which is marked in the North stand of the stadium with his poem “Goldstone Ghosts” printed on the wall. He also co-founded the Independent Supporters’ Association and was strongly involved in the battle against businessman and majority shareholder of the club, Bill Archer.
If bold and explorative punk poetry is up your street, you can catch Attila the Stockbroker across the country on the remainder of his Tory Free 2024/2025 tour.
Or head down to Glastonwick on 30 May-1 June for a weekend of DIY punk and quality beer.
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