Brit Punks Overcome Disability to Rock New York

Formed more than 12 years ago, Britain's Heavy Load, who call themselves "Brighton's answer to the Ramones," is comprised of members with and without learning disabilities.

The band began by playing gigs at social services and disability centers, and eventually gained enough clout to hit the UK festival circuit. And with last summer's rockumentary 'Heavy Load: A Film About Happiness,' courtesy of 'Deep Water' director Jerry Rothwell, their story was made available to an even wider audience. The film, which follows the band while they record their debut album, 'The Queen Mother's Dead,' was called "a triumph of disfunctionalness" by rock icon Wreckless Eric, and was well-received when it aired at SXSW and on IFC.

Now, for the first time online, you can see Heavy Load in action at their first gig last June at New York's Arlene's Grocery. It really doesn't get more punk that that.

Catch the film, 'Heavy Load in New York,' free on SnagFilms.