So, the conversation went like this. Laura: “Dad I thought you said you saw The Jesus and Mary Chain?” Me: “Yes. I’m sure I saw them at Newcastle Mayfair.” Laura: “Well it is not on your blog.” Me: “I must’ve forgotten about it. I shall add it!”
Now when I wrote my blog I took it from tickets, programmes and my memory. And somehow, I had forgotten this one. Not surprising; my memory is not great. I went straight to eBay and what did I find, but a ticket for the show which I quickly purchased. I had no ticket so presumably must’ve handed it in on the night. I heard a lot about this band and how legendary they were. I read the following on their official site:
“Few bands have had such a huge effect on musical culture, as The Jesus And Mary Chain. Their attitude alone, dressed in black, angry with the world, playing short sets drenched in feedback, set the bench mark in the post-Sex Pistols music scene of London. Their seminal debut album Psychocandy would go on to change the course of popular music, channeling the sneering angst and noise distortion of the live shows into hypnotic sweet melodies layered with dark lyrics that would beguile and bewilder. Released into the world, The Jesus And Mary Chain became the darlings of British press, as they searched to find the owner of the post punk crown in the mid 80’s.”
Pretty impressive! Now did my memories live up to this?
It was a Wednesday night and I had heard quite a lot about The Jesus and Mary Chain. So, I decided to go along, by myself, to the Mayfair to see what they were like. I recall stark black-and-white lighting and lots and lots of drums and noise. I would like to say I was blown away by the birth of grunge, but the truth is my memory of the concert is quite sketchy. I remember thinking that they were different, loud, stark, very “in your face” and quite scary in a way. I wasn’t familiar with the material but enjoyed the show and came away quite impressed. I have since watched some of their material on YouTube, such as “Kill Surf City“, which completely drags the Jan and Dean classic through punk into grunge and wish I could go back and watch the gig again!
Setlist: In a Hole; Fall; You Trip Me Up; Happy When It Rains; Cherry Came Too; Nine Million Rainy Days; Just Like Honey; The Hardest Walk; April Skies; The Living End; Taste of Cindy; Everything’s Alright When You’re Down. Encore: Kill Surf City; Never Understand
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Mala Reay on October 5, 2021 at 6:50 pm
If my mind serves me rightly the gig was sold out!
I should know because we couldn’t get in!
Posted by vintagerock on October 6, 2021 at 11:18 am
Hi Mala my memory must be getting worse. I am 100% certain I saw them. I will update my blog accordingly thanks Peter