The Mo-dettes Dunelm Ballroom Durham University Students Union 25 October 1980. 
The Mo-dettes were an all-female punk/new wave band. They were formed in 1979 by guitarist Kate Korris, who had been an original member of The Slits and was also briefly a member of The Raincoats. The other members of the band were Jane Crockford (bass), Ramona Carlier (vocals) and June Miles-Kingston (drums). The Mo-dettes were championed by John Peel and their best known song is “White Mice”, which was self-released as their first single in mid-1979 on Mode records, and spent five weeks at No 1 on the Indie chart. They were a fun live band, dressed in shiny 60s gear, all jerky guitar rhythms. The highlights of their set were “White Mice” and a reggae-tinged version of the Stones “Paint it Black”. I saw them live on at least a couple of occasions; once at this gig at Durham University and again at Darlington Arts Centre. I may also have seen them at Middlesbrough Rock Garden, but can’t be certain. The Mo-dettes only existed for a couple of years, and are largely forgotten now. If you are interested, there is a great video of them playing “White Mice” on YouTube.
27 Oct
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Tim on February 25, 2023 at 7:23 am
From my recollections this wasn’t a good gig.
I didn’t know much about them, but I had the bug for going to live shows at the period. I’d heard White Mice, Dark Park Creeping and the Rolling Stones cover, Paint it black, and so decided to pop along in search of another fun filled night.
On wandering down the stairs, once inside, the Modettes vocalist Ramona could be seen hungrily playing the pinball machine like it was her last action on Earth. Standing next to her was Jah Wobble (her boyfriend of the time?) who for the next thirty minuttes attempted to sell me a beret which he claimed was Captain Sensibles. I’ve no idea if it was or not, perhaps he thought he saw me coming.
Onto the gig. Opening that night were Theatre of Hate.
Kirk Brandons voice. didn’t go down well with the local clientele, and to my recollection pint glasses were thrown to persuade him to leave.
T.O.H. exited stage left, the room was uneasy.
On came the Modettes, and it wasn’t too long before the place went up again, as the as the groups bassist slammed her instrument into a punters head. Don’t recall why, just remember bad karma in the air throughout the gig..
The end… Unfortunately no good memories of the night, but documented for posterity via my personal memories only.
Posted by vintagerock on February 25, 2023 at 12:12 pm
Hi Tim
Many thanks for sharing. You have a great memory! I wish I remember as much detail as you can. Concert experiences in those days were often scary and edgy. Sometimes that just added to the atmosphere! Best wishes Peter