The Cult Of The Bleeders

When I sat down with The Bleeders I didn't expect to have such a long conversation, especially not one where almost none of what was discussed could go in an article. Three hours of John Waters, death threats against libertarian media personality [redacted], and ring side seats for a fight instigated by an octogenarian. All that being said, they are as endlessly funny and captivating in person as they are in their music.

While our conversation did start with films over music it highlighted a vital part of the ethos of this band. They love the freaks of the world, and want them to find a safe space with the band. Hoping to upset the intolerant every step of the way.

It's not much effort on their part to cause waves outside of the left leaning space they occupy. They wear makeup, they kiss on stage, and they make clear references to queer culture. They publicly denounce the tory party, they kick incels out of their gigs, and they refuse to work with anyone who has even rumours of sexual assault allegations.

The warmth the band radiates only reaches as far as those who tolerate others.

As far as the right infringing on punk spaces, they have ideas about how to fix things. Far beyond keeping just their own space safe. Like with anything else of this magnitude, keeping the entire punk scene punk isn't a walk in the park. The ownes falls on the shoulders of venue owners, bands, promoters, the community needs to make a space that's so hostile to right wing ideals that they are suffocated out.

For the time being kicking fascists in the head is encouraged.

This was the band's closing statement before disappearing in a cloud of smoke, leaving the bill payed and everything.