Joe Jackson 1981 and 1982
By 1981 Joe Jackson was doing the Jumping Jive. This tour called at Newcastle Mayfair, and saw Joe in a big band format with an album and tour which recreated 40s swing. It was an interesting and enjoyable gig, and very different from the Joe Jackson gigs I had previously attended. I went with my mate Gillie who was really into Joe and the Jumping Jive at the time. 
By 1982 Joe was back in the singles charts with the great Steppin’ Out, and touring with a new band. I caught his show at Newcastle City Hall in 1982. The ticket tells me that there was no support that night and that “the artiste” ie Joe) came on stage at 8.15pm. I can’t recall a lot about this gig, the early Joe Jackson gigs are the ones which stick in my mind. Songs like Is She Really Going Out With Him? and Fools in Love mixed new wave, pop and jazz in a stylish way like no other band at the time. This was the last time I saw Joe Jackson in concert. Joe’s visits to the UK have been less frequent in recent times. He’s another guy who I’d like to see again.
Archive for the ‘Joe Jackson’ Category
11 Jul
Joe Jackson 1981 and 1982
10 Jul
Joe Jackson 1979 and 1980
Joe Jackson 1979 and 1980
Joe Jackson was a cool guy when he emerged as part of the punk and new wave scene in the late 1970s. He hit the charts with his debut album Look Sharp! and the singles Is She Really Going Out with Him? and Its Different For Girls. And he wore the coolest Denson shoes, which can be seen on the cover of the Look Sharp! album. In those days you could pick up Denson winklepicker sidelacers and Chelsea boots for a few quid in sale shops. I wish I’d stocked up on them! All my pairs wore out many years ago. 
I remember the City Hall show as a great gig, playing the singles and the tracks from the album. I first saw Joe Jackson as support for a band called the Pleasers at a gig at Newcastle Poly. The Pleasers were an interesting band who modelled themselves on the Beatles and Merseybeat and yet had their own style. A typical Joe Jackson setlist from 1979: One More Time; Pretty Girls; Look Sharp; Friday; Sunday Papers; Baby Stick Around; Is She Really Going Out With Him; Fools In Love; Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries; Kinda Kute; Happy Loving Couples; I’m The Man; Throw It Away; Got The Time; Pressure Drop; Come On.
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