March 2008 SXSW, Austin. I arrived and stayed with friends off Lamar in Austin. Saw Chuck and The MX twice. The second time with Ronny Elliot trading howls, yelps and licks. I also saw Jad Fair playing with Half-Japanese. More about that later.

But I also watched a fascinating, funny documentary directed by Jerry Rothwell, produced by Al Morrow and Jonny Persey entitled Heavy Load. A film about happiness. It had its world premiere here at SXSW, and is due to be shown on the BBC later on this year. The `Loads bass player Paul Richards was there as was producer Al Morrow, and it was great to meet up with them again. Paul even introduced me as their original bass player in their Q & A session after the showing. I felt the tears welling up as he did so. Sentimental fucker that I am and, yes, its all true........

Anyhow the film charts the rise of the UK`s only disabled punk band.

HEAVY LOAD.

They are coming over to NYC to play later on this year. About a year or so late from my original predictions.....but what the fuck.

I have written about these guys before in an article on The Brink entitled A Heavy Load, and in another piece He Is heavy, He`s My Brother.

They recently finnished their second album, recorded again with producer Al Scott (The Waterboys, The Levellers, Asian Dub Foundation & The Oyster Band) at The Levellers own Metway Studios in Brighton UK.

Go see them in NYC and try and get to see the film. Demand to see it.......it may just make you change your life as well as your tyres, therapist and hairdresser all in the space of 90 odd minutes. I will post up more details as they come. Their cover of Kylie Minogue`s  Cant get You Out Of My head is mind-blowing.

The `Load have websites cropping up all over the place so take your pick;

their band website is here, as well as the movie website here and their campaigning website here.

Watch a trailer for the movie here

PRAISE THE LOAD

paulhesterGlock