"West End Riot" is a song by Australian punk rock band The Living End. It was released in July 1999, as the fourth single from their self-titled album. It peaked at 83 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart in August 1999. The song was more popular with listeners of national radio station, Triple J, appearing at No. 48 on their Hottest 100 poll for that year.
The video for the song was directed by Don Letts, (who also directed a number of The Clash's videos). It was filmed in London while the band was touring the UK.
A crowd favourite, it is often played at the end of a show, most notably at Festival Hall in 2006.
The song appears in the opening film clip for the video game World of Outlaws: Sprint Cars 2002.
Background The song title and lyrics refer two boys who are born and raised in two different areas, who play together in the streets with toy guns, but who grow up to live very different lives, with their childhood fun being nothing more than a memory. The song is based on the West and East sides of Melbourne, even though in later years the feud has died down.
Track listing
Personnel Band members Chris Cheney – vocals, guitar Travis Demsey – drums, backing vocals Scott Owen – double bass, backing vocals
Recording process Producer – Lindsay Gravina Engineer – Lindsay Gravina Assistant engineer – Matt Voight Mastering – Stephen Marcussen at Precision Mastering Mixing – Jerry Finn Assistant mixer – Mark and Tony Editing (digital) – Don C. Tyler Studios – Sing Sing Studios, Melbourne Mixing studios – Conway Studios, Los Angeles
Artwork Cover art – Craig Preston
Charts +Chart performance for "West End Riot"Chart (1999)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA)83
Release history + Release history and formats for "West End Riot" Region Date Label Format Catalogue Australia July 1999 Modular CD MODCS005 EMI 7243 8 87265 2 8
References