From out of the blue, I received a text message that said the new Ungdomshuset at Dortheavej 61 debuted with it's very first punkrock concert...a few hours pror to the show started. September 2nd 2008 - truly a historical event after the old legendary Ungdomshuset at Jagt 69 was demolished in 2007.

Some might say, especially people at my age, oh it will never be the same again...blah...blah...senile sentimental whining galore...blah...blah. Well, here's the deal, sellout cockholes, the quality of Danish bands is A LOT better now than in the early 80s when the original Ungdomshuset was born, I mean, today's K-town scene totally pukes on all the crap I saw in the 80s and 90s at Jagtvej 69!

Okay, back to Dortheavej 61. Never been there before, so me and the missus had a little trouble finding it, but at last we found a building that said 'Kulturhuset' and we were met by a crowd of young punks with familiar faces. In we went, after we paid a 'donation' (true underground style, haha), into the little basement called 'Dødsmaskinen' (The Death Machine) which kinda looked and felt like the old Spejlægget at Jagtvej 69. The lineup was four bands that I've seen plenty of times this summer at Lades, Shit-Town etc., but I guess Dødsmaskinen wanted to start with a bang with some acts that everybody knew kicked ass. Fair enough.

De Høje Hæle and their "Røvguitar" tune premiered the venue, can't think of a more appropriate band and song. Almost brought a tear to my eye. The set was short but catchy and sweet and filled crowd pleasers like "UFO", "Storebror" and their Kalemaris cover "Staldfræseren". Magnus' voice was a bit hoarse, probably due to their busy live schedule at the moment. Fy Fan, I think it's the 3rd or 4th time I've seen the hardcore combo from Malmö, most of their Discharge inspired tunes hadn't impressed me that much but tonite they really connected with me, and the crowd ate it up, going completely gaga. Local hardcore ragers Ripping Headache continued with the frantic speed and some tasty metallic leads. Excellent as usual, but maybe they should consider getting a 2nd guitarist to beef up their sound. It was great to hear leadsinger Martin give a little welcome speech to this new venue, thanking the people who made it happen and to us for showing up. Love Potion's Klaus sure had fun in the pit, that fuckin' psycho, haha. Last act of the night was the mighty Hjertestop who's got a brand new LP out now on Hjernespind Records, and they kicked off with the title track, "Vi Ses I Helvede", and ended with "1-800 Suicide Club" from their 7". Despite some bass sound problems in the beginning Hjertestop totally killed with the best show of the night, and the crowd went nutzoid like amphetamines-infected monkeys in a cage. Lasse had his fist cast in plaster, that dude always been in some kind of fight it seems, haha. But it didn't effect his bassplaying at all, and he thanked Bispebjerg Hospital for their services. There you have it, a grand punkrock opening of 'Dødsmaskinen' and the new Ungdomshuset which later around January 1st will include a larger venue which apparently can hold 600 people and plenty of rehearsal rooms for bands. Looking forward to another 25 years at Dorthevej 61. The future looks bright...for now.


De Høje Hæle

Fy Fan

Ripping Headache

Hjertestop

P.S. The beer could've been colder and no cigarettes were sold in the bar, but that's a minor complaint. Photos by Mette Huus Christensen.