Gigs with Ivan

THE Sound of the Suburbs: The Members

The Junction, Plymouth 8.11.19

Friday night in Plymouth, well Mutley (Plain) to be more precise. Tonight it’s late 70s, early 80s punk revisited in The Junction pub. Headlining are The Members.

Sunbury Cross 1979

For me this gig tonight is pure and absolute nostalgia. One of the early Members’ singles ‘Sound of the Suburbs’, was an anthem of my youth – maybe the biggest – maybe the most relevant anthem of all. When it was released in 1979 I’d just moved from Ashford Common, not far from the rubbery smell of the Bendy Toys factory, and the roar of the Staines Road West to Sunbury – the leafy, frustratingly Tube-less, riverside suburb at the start of the M3.

My school mate Nick (NCo) lived round the corner and his sister knew the band, from further out in Camberley. That led to early purchases of the clear vinyl, label-less, cut out TV picture cover version of the ‘Sound of the Suburbs’ single. Bought from the Sunbury Cross ‘Record Scene’: a place we used to hang around and listen to new stuff at.

Coincidentally, The Members’ Jean-Marie (JC) Carroll produced a local band (most of whom were from our school in Hampton) The Dials’ first single which was put out on the shop’s Scene Records label (Scene 1).

Within weeks of the ‘Sound of the Suburbs’ release I remember being crowded around a portable radio at school (in the Lower Tower Room) listening to the charts when the single went in at something like number 26 (I looked, it was 23) – Top of the Pops beckoned and it peaked later in February at number 12. Suburban school mates, and even more urban ones (that I envied), were lapping it up. We were 16. The lyrics were ‘ours’:

“Same old boring Sunday morning; Old man’s out washing the car; Mum’s in the kitchen cooking Sunday dinner; Her best meal, moaning while it lasts.
Johnny’s upstairs in his bedroom sitting in the dark;
Annoying the neighbours with his punk rock electric guitar’.

‘Heathrow jets go crashing over our homes’ – they did. And on the original cut was the sound of a very familiar station announcement “Staines, this is Staines…”, tragically removed from the later cut due to a royalties issue (?). This was a truly great anthem and has remained so for me for 40 years….yes in 2019 in a pub in Plymouth (yes, Mutley Plain to be more precise) when they played it, the grey hairs on the back of my neck still bristled.

Sound of the Suburbs from YouTube: https://youtu.be/NsHGnw1txLY

Pre-gig pint

A few beers in, at, up or on, Mutley Plain first (the locals’ll know which). At the top of the road, is The Hyde Park. Didn’t wander up there this time but worth a look for the fantastic array of old pub signs and general sign memorabilia – jugs, ash trays etc. If I remember right the food looked good if you can find a table.

With gig buddy Dave (DPi) again tonight, who leads us to the Dog and Duck. Swift one. Time for a sharp exit and on to The Fortescue where all the relaxed old punks are, amid a great selection of ales and a sea of band t-shirts. UK Subs is the most popular. I have mine on. Instant friends and knowing nods.

Then it’s back across the road to The Junction for tonight’s entertainment: TV Smith, Vice Squad and then The Members.

The Junction

The Junction holds 200 I read. 200 is a squeeze and involves packing people in everywhere with or without a view. If it’s full then armed with some discrete essential ear defence I’d recommend getting in the slightly separated part next to the stage and forget the bar – the gents is a distant dream.

Fortunately it is not as rammed full as the other time I came down here, in March this year, to see The Vibrators, 999 and The Lurkers.

TV Smith

Beyond a few classics from his days with The Adverts – ‘Gary Gilmore’s Eyes’ and ‘Bored Teenagers’ – I don’t know the TV Smith material. I have seen him before supporting The Skids in Frome at The Cheese and Grain, in June 2018, totally solo, as he is tonight. Certainly easier to grab some clearer photos at that one. It’s dark in here.

We stood near the bar and being solo this was a quieter and suitably introductory set which was lifted at the end with the aforementioned ‘Bored Teenagers’ and ‘Gary Gilmore’s Eyes’.

Vice Squad

Formed in Bristol in 1979, Vice Squad got some momentum going around ’81 and ’82 but they had split up by 1985. A band I would have liked to have seen back then but it was probably more hardcore than the post punk/’new wave’ stuff I was going to see then. Same with The UK Subs for instance but I’ve got to see them both in the end. I’ve seemingly grown back into this genre as part of a positive regression.

Lead singer Beki Bondage (erm …not her real name..it’s Rebecca 😎) restarted the band in 1997. She is now 56 – we have that in common.

I was really surprised just how good their set was. Good sound and more refined than the albums. Still fast and frantic with the occasional drift from late punk and Oi! into metal.

Highlights were, no surprise, ‘Last Rockers’ and ‘Stand Strong, Stand Proud’. We found a spot near their really very extensive, good value, merch stand with a nearby side hatch to see onto the stage. A £12 t-shirt was irresistible.

Hanging around afterwards in my new t-shirt with Rebecca ‘Bondage’.

The Members

There are two original members in the Members these days, as it’s been for many years: JC Carroll (Jean-Marie) and Chris Payne. Front man Nicky Tesco left them early on in the 80s and was soon to be spotted in a civil service office by my mate big Gra (GGu).

Back in 79/80 I saw them at Royal Holloway College near Egham. Huge glass windows down the side of the venue were smashed from outside half way through the set to give a bit of an edge to it. Skins? Hells Angels? Who knows? Rumours were rife.

As with most old punk bands these days, tonight was all smiles and relaxed. The trademark reggae/punk mix of The Members with occasional melodic guitar solos. Soho a-go-go, Chelsea Nightclub and the story telling Solitary Confinement stood out. Sound of the Suburbs of course, a bouncing room and everyone’s happy.

Chris Payne, me and JC Carroll after – from the suburbs

“…..Youth Club group used to want to be free; Now they want ANARCHY”. Ok maybe we don’t want anarchy any more but I look forward to hearing it all again in February at the Butlins Alternative Festival in Minehead.

My Vitriol on Islington High Street

Islington Assembly Hall 1.11.19

No, not an outburst in North London but a rare chance to see the band, My Vitriol, in the classic reborn civic building that is Islington Assembly Hall, or certainly hear them. I will get to the gig eventually.

A night out on Upper Street

Upper Street, the main street, the A1, Islington, heads north away from Angel tube station, festooned with restaurants, casual eateries, bars, theatres, venues, shops, and there’s even the old Screen on the Green cinema – yes there’s even a green. It costs a mint to live around here but there is so much going for it…..and there is a recently upgraded Premier Inn tucked behind the less original Angel Shopping Centre down near the tube station.

Tonight’s gig is about half a mile up Upper Street but so much temptation on the way.

The Nag’s Head is a good pick (cheers Chris for that one. CMe) down the tube station end and the slightly more spacious York pub over the wide bit of road is good for watching the football and spilling out on the pavement in the sunshine, if there is any. This Friday I’m starting with a Wild Beer ale in the Bull further up while menu browsing (another Chris intro) but on we go, passing the more conventional Fox on the Green (open for a loud, late one), passed the King’s Head theatre pub (very good but busy and we need to eat something) and on to…ahh what’s this?…Slim Jim’s Liquor Saloon. Totally uninviting, almost sinister, plain entrance but we remembered going in here after seeing what was billed as the last ever Eddie and the Hot Rods gig – at the O2 Academy in April. (I’m with my mate Dave tonight, as I was that night. DPi.)

Very sadly, Eddie and the Hot Rods’ lead singer Barrie Masters recently passed away, aged 63, and his funeral is in Southend on Wednesday.

Barrie Masters RIP
“Do Anything You Wanna Do”

Slim Jim’s Liquor Saloon

After the last special Hot Rods show we came to Slim Jim’s and got some added insight into Barrie, and the Hot Rods, from their guitarist Richard Holgarth who we found at the bar.

With Hot Rods’ Richard Holgarth in Slim Jim’s in April

This place is a corker: narrow, dark, sticky and rock’n’roll all over. It feels like you should order a Jack Daniels. It’s empty early on but a chance to survey the place, with a pint of Roadie Signature ale.

I honestly didn’t realise last time but most of the ceiling is ‘decorated’ with donated bras. Tonight I can only offer a supportive ankle sock, and my need is not over yet.

Believe me, they’re less obvious in darkness without a flash

We returned here after tonight’s gig. They have bands on here as well as a late DJ playing stuff I actually like and know. On looking at their website later I found they are linked to the saloon bar place I was in the last week in Tufnell Park, Eights and Aces. Both great.

http://www.slimjimsliquorstore.com/

On to The Taproom

Still not eaten yet. The repeated and foolhardily laddish phrase ‘eating is cheating’ is ringing in my ears. We are heading for a schoolboy error here. The doors open for tonight’s My Vitriol gig soon and the clock is ticking.

Into another smart looking bar (John Salt) further up the road on the left, with food, but all tables reserved, this is for a longer stay and we bail out…but then, almost at the venue, we stumble upon The Taproom. A feast of craft ale on offer and a pizza oven for a perfect no nonsense bite. Excellent.

I’m no Time Out. These are just some tips from a few trips up here, but have a look at this. Slim Jim’s strikes a chord with the Time Out bods too: https://www.timeout.com/london/blog/14-reasons-to-go-to-upper-street-in-islington-n1-042916

Islington Assembly Hall

The Assembly Hall is a classic civic building opened in 1930. After being closed in 1980 it was left as a store, until re-opening in 2010. Brass, dark wood, red carpets, art deco finishing and civic pride from an era when these sort of buildings were a priority for communities.

We had unreserved seating in the balcony, a timely relief given my current foot ailment, but the bar was downstairs and I so I had a look round.

Tonight’s bands are ready to go: Area 11, Novacub and My Vitriol.

Area 11

Area 11 are an indie rock band from Nottingham. The lead singer had a really strong voice. Shut your eyes and you might be expecting a hairy tattooed rocker but no.

Glad we got here early. I’d certainly look them up again.

Area 11 You Tube pick: https://youtu.be/9fMVdvuCekg

Novacub

Novacub were next on, featuring drummer Louise Bartle and guitarist Russell Lissack from Bloc Party.

Louise Bartle fronts Novacub having started writing her own songs.

My Vitriol

My Vitriol were formed in 1999 and their ‘Finelines’ album released in 2001 was really it – great album – attracted a lot of attention – good gigs and key festivals, but the one album.

Lead singer Som Wardner (born in Sri-Lanka) met drummer Ravi Kesavaram at university in London (UCL) and they started from there.

They had a single, ‘Always Your Way’, that got them to number 24 in the UK chart and on Top of the Pops, and two other singles from the Finelines album but the wait for a second album was a long one. When it came it was a crowd funded type of self release: ‘The Secret Sessions’.

Single ‘Always Your Way”: https://youtu.be/egoef0mWIeo

Live there is certainly an essence of Muse about them, powerful full-on guitar, with fit inducing lights – I found out just now that they supported Muse a few times.

The lighting was quite unusual as for most of the gig it was hard to see the band. A quick snap from the balcony as they darted out of the shadows – we had nabbed a front row position and not many up there so quite handy.

Certainly enjoyed them and I hadn’t heard anything for years – the main single I knew and the Finelines album was my revision but this was quite unfamiliar ground.

Before leaving us for the merch desk signings scrummage Som Wardner mused at doing a Brexit style encore….and just never actually leave.

Well you won’t have learned much about the bands tonight from me, but a few tips to help a night out involving the lovely Islington Assembly Hall, or to help prompt you looking for an Islington gig.

Off back to Slim Jim’s Liquor Store. Gig numer 66 of 2019 is over.

Great Escape – The Rifles

London Roundhouse 26.10.19

At the end of last week I had already planned to be up in London for a few days off and added another to include The Rifles’ Roundhouse gig, marking the 10 year anniversary of their Great Escape album.

So nearly a disaster. After two days of laying about in a rented flat in Tufnell Park resting a dodgy ankle, I hobbled off with a crutch and my partner, on a foul night, to find a 393 bus to make the two mile journey to The Roundhouse at Chalk Farm.

Made it to the sanctuary of the handy Muang Thai restaurant nearly opposite the venue. As prompt, tasty and as good value as last time.

Got in to the venue shortly after the doors opening at 7pm. Not many about but I did notice that both The Enterprise Bar and Joe’s Bar opposite were pretty full early on as we passed, slowly – a lot of the audience were clearly in no desperate need to see the support bands. I had access to the Roundhouse members’ bar so was set on a seat at the front of that balcony bar to save my dodgy ankle. A relief to get there and secure seats – most grateful for that, and the lift up the two floors to it.

The side view is a bit different but it allowed me to enjoy what would otherwise have been a physical ordeal. (If a regular Roundhouse visitor there are various membership options available on the website to help support this active centre for various arts.)

I’d had a brief listen to tonight’s support bands during the week before – The K’s and The Moons – but they were basically new to me.

The K’s

Not a lot of people were inside and ready when the K’s kicked off: in fact it was suggested by frontman, Jamie Boyle, that it was touch and go if the band were going to get there in time for their slot after a six hour drive…but they did and launched themselves loudly, maybe too loudly in comparison to the other bands tonight.

All of of tonight’s bands have an essence of Weller, the Jam and varying degrees of Mod-ness. This is the punchier end. The K’s sound great and listening to some of their stuff since the gig, they are a band I would go and see again.

They have been going since 2017 and the standout numbers for me are Glass Towns – they are from Earlestown, St Helen’s area, between Liverpool and Manchester – and Sarajevo.

Have a listen to the excellent Sarajevo on You Tube: https://youtu.be/Nk-RjSd2HQg

The K’s – view from balcony members’ bar

(I do wonder if the apostrophe that appears everywhere, nearly, in their name may end up going the same way as the one that lost its place in The B52s.)

The Moons

Less urgent and more psychedelic were The Moons. They have supported Ocean Colour Scene at The Albert Hall and the whiff of Weller and The Kinks is evident, making another good choice as support tonight.

The Rifles

The place is pretty packed – not sold out – but packed inside the Roundhouse inner pillars, with a vocal and mobile audience. The gig is being recorded for the band’s first live album.

I first saw The Rifles (from Chingford, North East London) several years ago at The Brook in Southampton and really enjoyed it. I wanted to come tonight, not just because the Great Escape is a top album to celebrate, but I was a bit disappointed with the short 30 minute set at Victorious Festival in August – just too little and too early on for a band like The Rifles I thought.

Photo opportunities from the balcony side bar are not best so just a few to mark my attendance. I loved the performance and the night, including all three bands. The General, Science of Violence and the title track, The Great Escape, are my favourite ones tonight live from that featured album, as they are on the album. Still it’s Local Boy that wins again for me, from the No Love Lost album.

A special night and one that will appear as a live album for The Rifles. I hobble out and get a lift back to Tufnell Park.

Lastly I’ll leave this classic clip below from You Tube – a bit different – Rifles’ main man Stoker taking trip down memory lane…well Green Street actually. Up the Hammers!

https://youtu.be/XWRw_X4u3uA

Crowd Surfing at the Boston Music Room – Oso Oso and Prince Daddy

Boston Music Room, Tufnell Park, London 24.10.19

New bands for me tonight and a new venue. A dip into some current New York Emo indie punk with ‘Oso Oso’ and ‘Prince Daddy and the Hyena’. Support band tonight are indie punky popsters, ‘Fresh’ from London.

I’m here with my partner’s son Ben to celebrate his birthday and help with my late 70s and 80s music rehab program, maybe. 😁 Yes tonight I am the oldest one in The Boston Music Room – no doubt – but does a ‘Grey Haired Gig Goer’ care? Naaaah. Gig 64 of 2019.

‘Oso Oso’ are basically Jade Lilitri (not his real surname), from Long Beach, as the only permanent member, touring with his latest accomplices. Touring jointly with them, and alternating the headline spot, are ‘Prince Daddy and the Hyena’ from New York. Three and two albums each respectively and exploring the UK this year with some gigs selling out including this one at the 250 capacity Boston Music Room.

The mutually supportive arrangement extends to joining each other on stage during their sets and even the occasional stage dive and crowd surf.

The athleticism of the younger-than-my-average audience was impressive on the off-stage gymnastics front. My feet are rooted to the floor though as I prop myself up against a pillar in old-man-with-dodgy-ankle stance. I was especially in awe when one of the Oso Oso band members disappeared and moments later appeared, at speed, from the back of the stage and straight off the front for a high scoring crowd surf.

Kory Gregory’s rasping vocals are archetypal US newer punk style and at its most hoarse. This is their trademark. (That lad must do some gargling in the morning.) The audience participation, indeed the other band’s participation, was infectious. How could you not enjoy this I thought and I don’t know their stuff at all.

I detected an audience reshuffle for the slightly more refined but no less energetic Oso Oso.

The surfing continued – my YouTube clip.

..and by the end everyone had piled in for the last song.

Thank you and goodnight from Oso Oso and Prince Daddy

..and a happy birthday to my gig buddy tonight, Ben, from Jade of Oso Oso

Support band – Fresh

This band was a really good start to the night. Poppy, punky and jingley jangley indie – Fresh – upbeat smiley tunes with edge. I liked this a lot.

If you left Altered Images, The Primitives and The Wedding Present in a studio for a while this is what might come out. I shall explore further.

A YouTube taster: https://youtu.be/KZ2bSRcf8p8

The Boston Music Room

To be honest I’d not heard of this place. More of a local destination in the main perhaps but The White Stripes, Blur and Sham 69 have all played here.

Opposite Tufnell Park tube station is the Boston Arms – a very spacious heart of the community feel old bar with screens, big TVs and good Guiness. Out of the pub door and upstairs is the Boston Music Room and this is next to another sister venue, The Dome.

Good range of ales in cans (including Roadie Signature IPA), bottles and on the pumps in the Music Room. The Aces and Eights Saloon Bar, over the road junction, is a pre-gig alternative – pizza and good ale range on pump and in the fridges.

Back in the Music Room small mirrors adorn the varied wooden clad pillars to ensure no out of sight hiding places and there is some saloon bar seating with tables to the side if you need a seat.

(I’m now hanging around in a flat in Tufnell Park resting my dodgy ankle. After 40 hours of this I’m hoping to get down to the Roundhouse later.)

Gary Numan, the new Numan

Bristol O2 Academy 22.10.19

New Sound of the Suburbs

Before leaving for LA Gary Numan grew up and lived around the suburban hinterland of Heathrow Airport where I spent the first 16 years of my life. On the edge of the big city with huge reservoirs dotted around – Ashford (Middx), Stanwell, Staines, Wraysbury, Slough. ‘Heathrow jets’…went…’crashing over our homes’, quite literally at one point.

I wasn’t particularly aware of that when Tubeway Army were appearing on Top of the Pops and being top of the pops when I was at school in 1979. Beggars Banquet, Tubeway Army and Numan’s record label had a shop in Kingston which was something of a local mecca but while the electronic era that grew after punk was part of listening to music as a youth I didn’t go to see any of his gigs or own any vinyl…more a jukebox choice for me.

In about 2001 I did have a ticket to see him in north London – the Forum – and after a date mix up I never got there – never done that before or since – but I didn’t see him live until the Dead Son Rising album tour in September 2011, in Bournemouth (Boscombe O2). I remember being surprised how powerful and heavy the sound was. A revelation to me. Subsequent albums have just got even better and I think the heavier versions of older Tubeway Army classics have also added to the new Numan.

I saw him back at the beautiful night club (The Opera House) that is Bournemouth O2 Academy on the tour after the release of the hugely successful ‘Savage’ album in October 2017 and was fortunate to get along to his rehearsals in Manchester last year before the orchestral tour. Great experiences. Wonderful big industrial sounds. I generally pop in my specialist music ear plugs when I need to, or I would be deaf by now, and I recall being near the speaker to get a photo or two and my chest cavity pulsating with the sound. My ears rang despite having the plugs in.

Tonight’s soundcheck in Bristol

Got to Bristol for a 3pm start as my gig buddy Dave had engineered the special bonus of the soundcheck. An opportunity to hear three or four songs as the sound check, get some photos with a bigger camera, closer up, get some stuff signed and meet some ‘Numanoids’ with deeper Numan knowledge and experiences. Amazing what you find out – they do know everything there is to know – including detail of the enforced high quality substitutions on the tour: including Gary’s previous producer Ade coming in on keyboards at short notice the gig before this.

Some soundcheck photos:

Guitarist Steve Harris.
Amazing foot pedal set up.

More on Steve Harris: https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2014/04/09/the-current-s-guitar-collection-steve-harris-of-gary-numan-s-band

Our pre-gig bonus was finished at 6pm giving not much time to get a bite at the excellent and practically speedy Wong’s Chinese restaurant round the corner. This allowed me to drop some stuff off including the bigger camera I would not be allowed to take in (expressly, and quite usual) and a few beers in the old pub – The Hatchet Inn – opposite the venue, full of various shades of black and a variety of Numan tattoos on show and some 79-80s sounds…obviously.

Skipped the support band, partly due to such negative reviews, and bit of an error in staying in the pub too long. ‘A schoolboy’ as we say.

Plenty of time for Numan coming on stage but the place was packed to the rafters when we got in.

The gig

I do like the side-on shape and elevated tiers of the tidy medium sized Bristol Academy. I have seen it this full just once and moving around is an effort, for me specifically with a booted strapped up ankle. We try a few upper tiers. I squeezed down a side balcony. These would give great views if you are in early and maintain a place on the rail…otherwise…No.

O2 Academy Bristol – Packed to the rafters

Numan takes the stage – view from a side balcony

I couldn’t really see at all from the top balcony so decided to go down to the main floor, persevere through the crowded stair wells and squeeze in a bit. Well worth it. Just don’t move and forget the bar.

I couldn’t fault the set. Songs taken from 14 albums including 3 Tubeway Army ones and a new song, Intruder, the title track of the forthcoming Numan album. (Yes I have to refer to the set list after – I am not a well seasoned Numanoid. I’m new-Numanoid.)

The three from Savage, included opener ‘My Name is Ruin’ were up there and I was amazed at how good the heavier versions of ‘We Are Glass’ (the best) and ‘Are Friends Electric?’ were, with those gruff talky bits interspersed. Another favourite of mine: ‘Dead Son Rising’, which marked my new Numan interest.

An overtly appreciative Numan says goodnight after picking up the guitar for a bit – acoustic – who’d ‘have thought eh in 1979.

It was a good night. My best Numan gig…not got the track record of the real Numanoids but I’m on the bus now.

The set list – thanks for posting on Facebook group Louise Barnes.

‘Where’s Captain Kirk?’ Spizz at THE 100 Club

100 Club, Oxford St, London 19.10.19

Took the train to London, heading for Oxford Street’s legendary 100 Club (carrying an injury and a walking pole!). Gig 62 of the year having seen 129 different bands – sometimes I think it is taking its toll.

Tonight it was Spizz….or should that be Spizz Oil, Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzenergi or the Spizzles. This lot used to change their name annually, band member turnover matching the name instability. A full range of t-shirts and badges available on the merch stand – pick which name you want.

At the heart of it all is ‘Spizz’. Last Saturday I was at the Roundhouse for The Psychedelic Furs. In the bar afterwards we noticed a guy with a leather jacket on with ‘Spizz’ on the back so I bowled over and asked if he was going to the 100 Club the following Saturday. “Hope so. I AM Spizz!” was his reply. He let me off and I grabbed a selfie after he had put his comedy teeth in and glasses on.

How was I supposed to know? I hadn’t seen him since 1981 and which bands go around with their own names on their backs?

I can’t really remember seeing Spizz but a mate I went with from school (Nick NCo) reminded me we were at The Lyceum in the Strand. It was 1981 and the five band line up was headlined by ‘The Spizzles (Athletico Spizz80..in brackets in case we didn’t make the link)’. He reminded me we had ‘Where’s Captain Kirk’ badges: they played it and we went home happy. I remember that bit now, with prompting, and let’s face it that is what we wanted to hear tonight.

My first and only previous Spizz gig in 1981

Having reopened the Spizz vault recently I also wanted to hear Soldier Soldier, Amnesia, No Room and Red and Black. I’d start with these if opening the Spizz vault.

THE 100 Club

You would hardly know it’s there. Even if looking for it you can miss it. Just a doorway and a small sign sticking out above it, leading downstairs to the 355 person capacity museum of jazz, blues and rock. A historical vault, its walls laden with photos of the greats who have played here.

The historic photos on the walls of The 100 Club

Terry Hall and The Specials amongst the old pics

It started as a jazz club in the 1940s and in 1964 became the ‘100 Club’ that it is today. All sorts have played here: The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned, and Siouxsie and the Banshees as the punk think was exploding but also big names doing special gigs like The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Alice Cooper. September 1976 was the infamous punk festival.

The club’s website expands on the history here:

https://www.the100club.co.uk/history/

Hard work to keep a live music club like this going here given the nature of Oxford Street and developments that surround it in this shoppers bit of ‘tourist London’.

A lot of old punk, post-punk and Oi! bands seem to rock up here: Custer’s last stand against a tide of inevitability.

My 100 Club visits

It was the last century, just, but I didn’t visit this historic venue until 23 February 1999 when I came into town from near Reading to see ‘Straw’. Really good poppy band that released several EPs and an album before disappearing.

It was 17 years before I returned, excited, to see my first Ramonas’ gig – I was limping with a dodgy foot then come to think of it – but it had all the pace and energy of the original Ramones live. I leant on a pillar – one of the three that get in the way – and just punched the air. That was 19 March 2016 with
the interestingly named and even more interestingly dressed Pussycat and the Dirty Johnsons supporting – lead singer sporting a tail. Good. Leaping on the tables next to the stage like ..er…a pussycat.

In October 2017 I came to The Blow Monkeys with mate Dave (DPi) I’m here with tonight. We came to the sound check and I was amazed at how good they were. I really like their last album – The Wild River – mellow – well worth a listen. One of my favourite albums that year.

Since them The Members and Chron Gen in January 2018 and the best of all, Sleeper on 23 May this year after I won a couple of tickets for a special live radio concert for Absolute Radio.

Tonight: Spizzenergi

A gig celebrating a 40 year anniversary of Spizz. Good crowd in, of an age and smiling.

Spizz himself came on complete with accessories – laser pen, light up space-age glasses, led enhanced jacket, flashing coloured gloves – I have never seen anyone else wave a laser pen on stage like a lecturer.

After a bit of manoeuvring and pillar dodging we got to see and hear Red and Black, Soldier Soldier and Amnesia, which made early appearances. 6000 Crazy was another that stuck in my head. Spizz thanked everyone who had bought the bright yellow 40th anniversary t-shirts and invited them all on stage for a glorious rendition of ‘Where’s Captain Kirk’ with several beaming extras on backing vocals.

This was a one of those gigs that far exceeded expectations. The early-bird tickets were ten quid. A marvellous celebration.

As the set came to an end we played the encore game – going back stage here involves going across the room through the punters to a door at the back so acting out the process is more practical and was delivered with more enthusiasm for it.

On a day of Brexit marches it was fitting that Spizz put the last song to a vote between second goes at Soldier Soldier and Captain Kirk. Soldier Soldier got huge support but hey, Captain Kirk was always going to be a good ‘backstop’..and that’s what we got. Once again I went home happy, 38 years after the last time…and with another badge.

Me and Spizz – I recognised him this time

‘No Tears, Party Time is Here Again’: Psychedelic Furs with The Wendy James Band

London Roundhouse 12.10.19

Saturday night. Third gig night in a row and we are down in London at the Roundhouse for the finale of the UK leg of the Psychedelic Furs tour. This was a special one. We did have a focus on the support act tonight and it unfolded into a classic one.

An early start at the ‘Sir Richard Steele, powered by the Intoxicologist’ pub, just up the hill from Chalk Farm tube – tapas a good option – plenty of it – in case the pub’s name wasn’t mouthful enough.

Soundcheck

We needed to be at the Roundhouse in time for the Wendy James Band soundcheck – booked as an extra. Passes issued at the stage door and Wendy’s tour man Ollie took us in. The band had about an hour or so to sort out and settle the sounds echoing around the empty, hard floored restored engine shed – this beautiful restored engine shed – with eight blokes in their 50s (predictably) looking on absorbed.

I find it fascinating, perhaps because I can’t play a note on anything and admire what performers can do. What an opportunity and a chance to get my Transvision Vamp vinyl – albums Pop Art (1988 peaked at no.4 in the UK chart) and Velveteen (a no.1 album in 1989 ) – signed just as the doors open and early birds flood in.

Wendy James says hello – mate Dave who engineered this grabs the pic

We went to the upstairs side bar to see what the view was like – good – more open and less equipment and speakers in the way than our previous visit for The Sisters of Mercy. It is in line with the stage so an unusual view.

No sign of the Furs anywhere, until saxophonist Mars Williams wanders through.

View from upstairs side bar – filling up downstairs

Wendy James Band

Wendy James Band site gives more detailed background to recent activity:

https://thewendyjames.com/

The band are a great collaboration, together for the tour and my second chance to see them on it. (Link to Portsmouth gig below)

https://gigswithivan.home.blog/2019/10/05/the-butlers-are-back-the-psychedelic-furs/

So much tighter this time which Rupert from the band confirmed later – it just gets better through the tour which generally you would expect, barring upsets or technical problems.

James Scavnulos, the big man in the pink suit tonight on drums, I later learned, drums with Nick Cave and has played with The Cramps and Lydia Lunch. All the band have some pink on to be pretty in this evening.

The set is a fairly even mix of material from Transvision Vamp, Racine (Wendy’s band after TV) and newer solo material. They started with the Holly and the Italians song which Wendy made more famous with Transvision Vamp, ‘Tell that Girl to Shut Up’ – great start – on through ‘I Want Your Love’ ‘Bad Valentine’ and the last one is ‘Baby I Don’t Care’ (Reached No.3 in the 1989 UK singles chart) and the crowd are loving it. Wendy’s loving it shouting “I want more, I want more” at the end. She’ll be back with a new album early next year. This support slot opportunity with The Furs looks like a huge success to me.

The Psychedelic Furs

This was a top tour ending show for the originally London based Furs. It must feel like a homecoming at this classic rejuvenated venue.

Despite plans to move from our balcony side bar vantage point we didn’t see the need. Sound was good and we got a different perspective, even seeing into the backstage marshalling area before the bands walk up the steps to the stage.

Furs from the side members’ bar at The Roundhouse

The set was virtually identical to the Portsmouth one I blogged about earlier on the tour. ‘Sister Europe’, President Gas’ and ‘Heaven’ the winners on my card, surpassed by only the fantastic ‘India’ to finish….was that the finish?

After show

….but that’s not it. With passes from The Wendy James Band soundcheck we asked if we could move over to the other bar where we could see the bands gathering – no problem. We mingled, beaming smiles and wide-eyed. Fantastic. When you get a chance to drop in on a party with bands you’ve watched, listened to and respected for decades it’s just going to be a great night.

Caught up with most of the Psychedelic Furs with some party style polite manoeuvring.😎

The Butlers started life not far from where I grew up, and I let Richard know I was born in the same hospital (he’s older than me so no chance we were switched at birth mum).

Fine products of Kingston Hospital maternity ward

…what was the b-side of Dumb Waiters again Richard?

Tim ‘brother on the bass’ Butler with two blokes he doesn’t recognise

….yes we even managed to convince original Furs guitarist (sorry I didn’t realise at first) Roger Morris to take part in the lookalike competition with my mate Dave.

Furs guitarist Roger Morris, left…and right!?

We had a cracking time – hope no one noticed too much. Can’t thank The Wendy James Band enough and cheers for the chat the insights and intros.

(Pics after show by Dave/ frankly anyone passing.)

Next stop The 100 Club, Oxford Street for Spizz, next weekend.

A Peaky Blinder played by Alice Cooper, The Stranglers and MC50

Resorts World Arena, Birmingham 11.10.19

Day two of my three day gig excursion. Alice Cooper and, for me, the big added attraction of The Stranglers.

Having recently binge watched all of the Peaky Blinders tv series – and I really am not a tv watcher – I was amused to see the branding being enthusiastically adopted in the pre-gig hospitality area – yes this was a special one with gig buddy Dave.

The packages and annual membership arrangements get you seats up the front in this big seated arena for which I’m extremely grateful – regulars get an early shout and we are on the front row, just to right of centre stage. Thirty years ago I could get down the front here but that was with assistance from friends on security – it is strictly policed these days by polite well-trained staff. This really is the opposite end of the spectrum to the basement of the Anvil Rock Bar the night before. I love ’em both.

MC50 (MC5)

Wayne Kramer is the only only original 1964 member of MC5 in the MC50 touring band. Active initially until 1972 MC5 were an inspiration to US punk rockers at the end of the decade. I didn’t know much about them but the Spotify trawl was an enlightening one and their Hendrix-like lead singer tonight brought it to life on this ‘Kick out the Jams’ tour.

Kramer introduced his line up – drummer from Fugazi, bassist from Faith No More and guitarist from Soundgarden. Seasoned professionals.

I however delivered a true amateur performance by accidentally deleting all the pics from my camera after an evening of various ‘Peaky Blinder’ branded brews, including the Peaky Blinder two pint lager bucket. I had copied my Stranglers pics across to my phone before this schoolboy error and I have nabbed some of my mate Dave’s.

Hence photos of MC50 and Alice Cooper are all courtesy of Dave.

The Stranglers

My 26th Stranglers gig. A ritual that started in July 1990 and continues – I’ll catalogue the lifelong tour at the some point – I’ve been digging.

Menininblack Tour 1980 – London Rainbow and Hammersmith Odeon

The original members still touring are Jean-Jacques Burnel (bass and vocals) and Dave Greenfield (keyboards). Baz Warne (guitar and vocals) has been in the band longer than Hugh Cornwell was though. Jet Black has stepped aside for Jim MacCauley on drums and he has been touring with them in recent years. For a while Jet was coming on as a sub for a few songs but not now that I know of. Even JJ is 67 now.

Never quite the same seeing them as a support act but a mainly greatest hits set that started with ‘Toiler on the Sea’ and finished with ‘No More Heroes’. I enjoyed it more than most of the seated masses but they were here for Alice Cooper. That’s how it is.

The Stranglers with down in the sewer backdrop

Remaining photos courtesy of ‘Dave’ following my late night deletion error. These are from a phone!

Old Black Eyes is Back: Alice Cooper

What a showman. The old rocker just keeps going and looks good on it. Leather clad with all sorts of props he’s known for, perhaps tamed a little but we are still exposed to some dark cartoon fantasies on stage.

A fantastic selection of musicians with him, including some from the Hollywood Vampires. The drummer – Glen Sobel – was exceptional.

I can’t say I know Alice Cooper material beyond the obvious – Poison, School’s Out – but I’d been listening to a Spotify playlist I’d assembled from more recent Setlist.com tip-offs. While this can be a spoiler I prefer that if I’m seeing a band I haven’t got stuff by (not that owning stuff matters any more).

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/alice-cooper/2019/resorts-world-arena-birmingham-england-3b9db464.html

Best for me “Roses on White Lace’ and ‘No More Mr Nice Guy’. The former aided by his wife in a mock blood splattered wedding dress. Rock ‘n’ roll eh.

Encore is inevitably ‘Schools Out’ mixed in with ‘Another Brick in the Wall’. Smoke filled bubbles and an invasion of giant balloons full of confetti.

A guillotine appeared to add to the gore with Mrs Cooper enthusiastically chopping.

Goodnight Birmingham. A peaky blinder of a gig. Next we are off to London to The Roundhouse for the last night of the Psychedelic Furs tour, with The Wendy James Band.

“Oh no, they’re playing the NEC.” Birmingham’s premier gig venue revisited.

Today I am heading up to Birmingham ‘Resorts World Arena’ (that’s what they call the NEC gig venue out near the airport now) to see Alice Cooper, The Stranglers and MC5. A bit of time to dredge my NEC history as it was in my old back yard.

The NEC: a ‘cruise ship’ of venues?

The arena where bands have generally played at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) site is the Arena which opened in 1980. I went up to university in Birmingham in 1981 and stayed in the area, Brum and then Coventry, until 1998. In my time there the NEC was widely seen as a rather faceless modern place but time has shown its convenience has won through. Travel to it by train and car from over a wide area is easy and the car parks have always been vast, making getting out a lengthy challenge. A place for the big bands. A comfortable ‘cruise ship’ of venues which continues to be the first place on any major tour outside London. If it’s a big name then it certainly works and they come here in droves.

Occasionally the other exhibition halls have been used – I remember a very sensible grown-up ‘stay in your seats’ Bryan Ferry gig in the late 80s in one of the big Halls. I thought I was hitting middle age and left with spirits dampened. Still rocking over 30 years later though, as is Bryan Ferry. It wasn’t all over.

Yiva

I found an old t-shirt the other day – in a bag of nostalgic clothing in the loft – for the Yiva Oxfam festival in August 1986. A novel indoor festival type event, at the time, with a half-sized arena using black curtains and barriers and the stage half way up. The bands were strangers to the NEC size of venues: King, from Coventry, Feargal Sharkey, Half Man Half Biscuit, Balaam and the Angel and one of my longstanding favourites, The Icicle Works.

King

I read that King got back together in 2015 to do some more stuff. Jim from King used to work in HMV in the centre of Coventry and me and my work mates used to play ‘HMV with Jim from King’ at 5-a-side football, tackling him respectfully. (I’m sure ungainly Chris – CMe – must have clattered him a few times.)

The Pogues and Kirsty

More atmosphere was generated when they halved the size of the Arena and made a big standing area – referring to it as the Forum. A particularly riotous application of this set up was a Pogues gig just before Christmas – 12 December 1988 – a cracker with me and my mate Sean in full voice (SMu). Guests on stage were The Specials from down the road in Coventry and Kirsty MacColl at the height of her popularity. She sang Fairytale of New York in a duet with Shane MacGowan – absolutely of the moment – a special one. Both surprise guest acts had emerged from a giant ‘fridge’ amid dry ice, as a drunken MacGowan opened the door for a beer.

The best version of Fairytale of New York I’ll ever hear

Jarvis v Jacko

Several friends and acquaintances worked at the NEC in the late 80s, early 90s which was handy for getting in last minute to good seats – that was how I made it to the front rows for UB40 and Frankie Goes to Hollywood and somewhere in the arena for the unmentionable Gary Glitter.

Then there was the brilliant Pulp gig at the Forum on 22 February 1996 – frontman Jarvis Cocker the anti-hero after his assault on the stage at the Brit Awards ceremony earlier in the week, during a nauseous Micheal Jackson showcase moment – surrounded by a battalion of smiling children.

Link to Jarvis story with video: https://vanyaland.com/2016/02/19/20-years-ago-today-jarvis-cocker-crashed-michael-jacksons-performance-at-the-brit-awards/

An early R.E.M tour – OK not that early but their first big album tour for ‘Green’ – was another good ‘un.

Beautiful South

The last visit I recall when living in the West Midlands was for The Beautiful South. I went on my own and bought a ticket outside – bit lightweight but I was a Housemartins fan and listened to all their stuff as well. The drummer fell of stage at the end of the main set and broke his arm.

My return: a few recent ones

When I moved south in 1998 I didn’t see that I’d have any reason to return to the NEC to see a band, but in recent years my gig buddy Dave (DPi) has come up trumps with some irrresistable tickets for things up here: Kings of Leon – who managed to make it feel like a more intimate gig in Tennessee somehow – and an extraordinarily memorable night seeing The Hollywood Vampires in June 2018 with meet and greet before, with Johnny Depp and all. The Damned and the Darkness were supporting that night.

Johnny Depp, me, Alice Cooper and don’t forget Joe Perry at the Hollywood Vampires gig June 2018

That completes my NEC/Resorts Arena Birmingham lookback. Tonight we are here for Alice Cooper, the Stranglers and MC5.

Maybe you have some favourite NEC gigs – or some horrors?

The Professionals pack ’em in

Anvil, Bournemouth 10.10.19

The start of three gigs in three days for me. The venues couldn’t be more diverse and in three towns and cities. Tonight, my 59th gig of the year, is a short hop on the train to Bournemouth and the tiny Anvil Rock Bar for The Professionals with Poole punks The Mistakes and Self-Abuse as the support bands.

Small venues

The venue can’t hold more than about a hundred in its basement bar. It opened around 2011. I didn’t know about it as a venue until going to see The Ramonas and The Skones here earlier this year, in March.

Not sure about the precise capacities but there are a couple of other classic small venues in this region – I’m not sure I have been to anything smaller than the Winchester Gate in Salisbury, where I also saw The Ramonas in April this year – surely no more than 60-70 able to squeeze in there. Then there is The Railway near Winchester Station which is about the same as The Anvil. I saw Kirk Brandon do an acoustic gig there with a guy playing a cello a few years back. These are great places.

There must be some crackers out there waiting for me still. Any more I should check out?

The Anvil Rock Bar

The Anvil is half a mile down from the main Bournemouth train station, going towards the town, in a bit of a student heartland. The Old Fire Station is opposite, another venue – next size up.

Tonight a substantial merch stand greets on entry instead of downstairs. Fabulous range of t-shirts tonight but these are on the aging punks rather than the merch stand. (I’ve gone with a Pete Shelley number.)

The Anvil’s street level bar, with its wow factor engine block beer taps and decent beer range – including a the Anvil Stout (£3.50 a pint) – is the landing stage before being invited down to the basement.

Tonight’s support bands

First, Self-Abuse (make up your own jokes) from Bournemouth with a chance to play about six songs to this full house… and use Paul ‘Sex Pistol’ Cook’s drum kit.

Original material – plenty to draw on I’m told – with ‘Over the Top’ the winner for me. Lead singer was soon back down the front very actively enjoying The Professionals.

Next, from Poole, The Mistakes. They have been having some success in Europe and supported the UK Subs in a rare Wimborne gig recently – which I went to – a lot of familiar faces from that gig here tonight (including Rob from Wimborne Square Records).

There was substantial piece about them in Vive Le Rock in the Summer.

The Professionals

The Professionals were bulging out of this small packed venue from the start. The 4 inch high stage could barely contain them. Loud and punchy. ‘Silly Thing’ and ‘Kick Down the Door’ the big ones with plenty of new stuff in there. We got enough but wanted more.

Not great for pics in the cosy basement so more of an image to confirm my presence.

An ex-Sex Pistol in the Anvil in 2019. Wouldn’t have predicted that one.

Paul Cook was escorted upstairs and away afterwards. What a legacy the Pistols left and he was part of it.

Last year in Birmingham

As I haven’t been recording my rock’n’roll manoeuvres very long, I’ll just park a few photos here that I took at their O2 Academy gig in Birmingham last summer, supporting Billy Idol.