The Stranglers Newcastle Polytechnic Green bar 23 February 1977

14 Jun

The Stranglers Newcastle Polytechnic Green bar 23 February 1977

Posted June 14, 2020 by vintagerock in Stranglers. Tagged: concerts, gigs, music, punk, rock. 22 Comments

My Ticket

This is an update of an earlier post, thanks to Mark the promoter, who sent me more details of the first three punk gigs in Newcastle. This was the second gig of the three, the first being the Vibrators and the last being Penetration; both of which I have already written about.

I first saw the Stranglers in the Green bar of Newcastle Poly in February 1977, and have a natty little ticket from the event (pictured here) which shows a victim of (I think) the Boston Strangler. The bar was completely packed. The audience was a mix of students, and locals with a smattering of people starting to wear punk gear. A group of fashion students were into the punk scene and would dress in Vivienne Westwood gear which they must have bought from Seditionaries in London. The Stranglers played a blistering performance featuring early songs, many of which were to appear on their soon to be released first album, “Rattus Norvegicus”. Their only release at the time of the Poly gig was the first single “Grip”/”London Lady”. “London Lady” was probably my favourite song of theirs at the time.

I found a bootleg listed for a performance at Middlesbrough Rock Garden, also on 23rd February 1977. The Rock Garden gig was in fact the night after, on 24th February 1977. The recording shows the set as being: Get A Grip On Yourself; Sometimes; Bitching; School Mam; Peasant In The Big Shitty; Straighten Out; Hanging Around; Ugly; London Lady; Down In The Sewer; Something Better Change; Go Buddy Go. If that set list is correct it seems that the band had already written, and were playing, tracks such as “Bitching” and “School Mam” that would end up on their second album “No More Heroes”.

Picture courtesy of Mark from a later gig at The City Hall

Mark says: “The Stranglers originally asked for more money than we had in the bank. But they made us an offer… if we put them up for the night, they would reduce their fee by £50, which made the gig possible. They were a great bunch of guys, very interesting to talk to. And they gave my and my bother a lift in their old rover car to the gig at the Rock Garden in Middlesbrough which was the next day. I recorded the Middlesbrough gig and is available amongst collectors (Aha, so that is where the aforementioned bootleg came from; it was courtesy of you Mark!) I also recorded the Newcastle Poly gig, but the sound on the recording was no good, so I didn’t keep it (the sound at the gig itself was great). All the posters had the same design, except different colours. The Stranglers sent publicity stuff, which I used for the tickets. But I designed my own poster, because I didn’t want people copying the poster to forge tickets. At that time, the Stranglers were the best known punk band after the Pistols.”

“RIP Dave Greenfield. His keyboards defined The Stranglers sound.” Well said Bryan.

22 responses to this post.

Posted by Caroline on June 14, 2020 at 4:43 pm

The ‘locals’ included two 15 year olds, one of whom had blagged herself a job at HMV Records in Northumberland Street and thus had access to tickets. And gave one to a grateful mate. RIP Helen.

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- Posted by vintagerock on June 14, 2020 at 5:55 pm
  
  What a great time to be 15, and what a great band to see at that time! Peter.
  
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Posted by Bryan on June 14, 2020 at 5:47 pm

RIP Dave Greenfield. His keyboards defined The Stranglers sound.

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- Posted by vintagerock on June 14, 2020 at 5:51 pm
  
  Well said Bryan.
  
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Posted by Prof_Alistair on June 15, 2020 at 12:47 am

Saw them at about the same time at Huddersfield poly. An excellent band – one of the more memorable gigs I’ve seen. 1st album out just after that – bought it first day out!

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- Posted by vintagerock on June 15, 2020 at 12:03 pm
  
  Happy days cheers Peter
  
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Posted by david howarth on June 15, 2020 at 9:11 am

I have fond memories of this gig as I was already in the building early on. The Green Bar had a line of pinball machines along the back wall and the ‘stage’ was to the right of them. I had Jean Jacques Burnell playing on a machine next to me on the left, and Hugh Cornwell playing next to me on my right. I am also pretty sure that this wasn’t the first Stranglers gig at the Poly. Just before Christmas they had been booked as a support band in the main hall. The main band cried off so they ended up headlining and I remember them playing stuff then that appeared on their second album, so much of their material must have been written long before they were signed up to a label. The Entertainments Officer at the time told me that most punk was shit but the Stranglers were different because they could play and were reminiscent of the Doors. I have never been able to track down the date and have never read anything about the gig. If anyone else can remember it would bring my gig list further up to date.

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- Posted by vintagerock on June 15, 2020 at 11:54 am
  
  Yes I remember the great pinball machines David. I think they had a KISS machine which was very impressive and probably very rare, and worth a lot now. I’m afraid I can’t shed any light on the gig you mention. I used to go quite often on a Friday and don’t recall the Stranglers playing; but then my memory is terrible these days Cheers Peter
  
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- Posted by mark taylor on June 16, 2020 at 10:15 pm
  
  Hi David… I don’t like contradicting you… but if the Stranglers had played Newcastle Poly in late 1976, I’m sure I would have been there. I had seen them 3 times earlier in the year, and knew what a great band they were, and was desperate to see them at every opportunity! So I think your memory might be playing tricks on you.
  Are you maybe remembering the first gig in Jan 77 which was originally the Buzzcocks, who cancelled and were replaced by the Vibrators?
  regards, Mark.
  
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  - Posted by david howarth on June 17, 2020 at 9:49 am
    
    Hi Mark. I remember you in the Fine Art department having copies of the Ramones and Patti Smith albums long before anyone else, so I bow to your knowledge! Memories do become fuzzy over time but Ian has posted on the City Hall July thread that he remembers it too. I don’t think it was advertised, they just ended up playing to a pretty much empty hall.
- Posted by thegroovegoesround on November 19, 2025 at 10:29 am
  
  Just wondering by chance if you happened to be in Teeside Poly around that time because the Band played on 20.11.76 @ Teeside Polytechnic.
  
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  - Posted by Mr David Howarth on November 19, 2025 at 10:50 am
    
    I wasn’t but if they were in the North-East that would tie in with my recollection of them playing Newcastle Poly late 1976. Could have been the night before. My memory is that they were booked as a support band but the main band cried off. Stranglers still went ahead. Nobody else though has any recollection of it. I’m beginning to put it down to my predeliction for consuming copious amounts of alcohol in my early twenties.
Posted by Nick Beddoe on June 20, 2020 at 4:08 pm

Actually I am pretty sure they played in the main Ballroom, because it was sold out immediately, so moved downstairs and extra tickets made available- I was on the lighting crew, I know the social secretary Pete Brannigan (?) gave them extra cash because they hired a PA which cost £60, think their fee was only £50. Vibrators were in the Green Room, but I don’t remember a second gig upstairs for the Stranglers.

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- Posted by vintagerock on June 20, 2020 at 6:36 pm
  
  Hi Nick I am pretty sure it was upstairs. I remember standing right in front of Hugh Cornwall. But then again my memory plays tricks these days! Cheers Peter
  
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  - Posted by Caroline on November 11, 2020 at 10:00 pm
    
    Sorry just seen this thread again – as one of the 15 year olds, all I can remember about the room was that it seemed fairly cosy and to have a ‘sprung’ floor (which was actually fantastic).
  - Posted by vintagerock on November 12, 2020 at 1:33 pm
    
    Hi Caroline I don’t remember the sprung floor but I do remember lots of Pogo dancing; which the sprung floor would have helped with! Happy days Peter
Posted by The Stranglers Newcastle Polytechnic Green bar 23 February 1977 | stranglers (serbia) on August 12, 2022 at 3:59 pm

[…] by Caroline on June 14, 2020 at 4:43 pmThe ‘locals’ included two 15 year olds, one of whom had blagged herself a job at HMV Records in […]

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Posted by vintagerock on August 12, 2022 at 4:38 pm

Sounds intriguing Caroline. So did you work in HMV records? Best wishes Peter

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Posted by Jimmy Burns on September 7, 2024 at 11:05 am

Great reading these posts! I was convinced the first punk gig in Newcastle was the Vibrators in January 1977. As the Sex Pistols concert which was due to be held at the City Hall on December 5th 1976 was cancelled as a result of their infamous “Filth & the Fury” outburst on the Grundy show. But the Stranglers may have played an earlier gig at the uni?

Anyone else have any further information on it?

Also, does anyone habve any ticket stubs or heaven forbid a poster of any of these early gigs?

I have several posters of Punk gigs in Newcastle. Currently in the process of negotiating a Clash poster from their White Riot tour held at the university. It just has the details written along the bottom of the poster, but still nontheless historical.

Also just acquired the Adverts/Penetration gig from the Guildhall festival that was held in June 1977 (Jubilee week). Which looks marvellous.

Would love that Stranglers Feb 77 ticket if you ever fancy selling it!

Cheers Jimmy

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- Posted by vintagerock on September 7, 2024 at 11:18 am
  
  Hi Jimmy yes the Vibrators at Newcastle Polytechnic was the first punk concert in Newcastle. I think the Stranglers were set to play there first but it never happened. I think they played there after the Vibrators if my memory serves me well. I was certainly at all those early concerts. No, actually I think the. Buzzcocks was due to play first but it fell through. Do you realise that Warsaw (who became Joy Division) played that night with Adverts and Penetration? Sorry but I will never sell any of my tickets, Jimmy. Best wishes and thanks for your comment Peter
  
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Posted by Jimmy Burns on September 8, 2024 at 9:55 am

Hi Peter,

Damn! I thought you were going to say that regarding your tickets. 🙂

I don’t blame you mate. Fantastic memories for sure.

Regarding the Stranglers gig. Someone had mentioned playing Newcastle in 76 as a support to another band?

I seen the letter where the Buzzcocks were busy recording their Spiral Scratch EP. That would have been a great gig!

Yes, it was only Warsaw’s 4th gig at the Guild hall, so it must have been a very raw performance.

Did you know that Joy Division were due to play again at the Guildhall in June 1979? They were supposed to be supporting John Cooperr Clarke. He played the venue, but JD didn’t make it for whatever reason? I still have a flyer (which mentions Joy Division) and ticket for the gig.

Great page Peter. Keep up ht egood work.

Thanks Jimmy

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- Posted by vintagerock on September 8, 2024 at 11:09 am
  
  Hi Jimmy you know me too well. Selling any of my own memorabilia would be like chopping off an arm. Never going to happen I am afraid. Yes I heard about the John Cooper Clarke concert at the Guildhall but I didn’t go along. Not sure why. Happy days Peter
  
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