Dr Feelgood Newcastle City Hall 1975 and 1976
Dr Feelgood were just plain amazing in their early days. They grew out of pub rock and preceded punk, and were pretty untouchable as a live act. I first saw them as support for Hawkwind on their 1974 tour, and was blown away by them. I couldn’t take my eyes off the two front men Lee Brilleaux and Wilko Johnson. Wilko strutted backwards and forwards across the stage, playing his Fender Telecaster in his characteristic choppy style, while Lee stared menacingly at us all, dressed in a sharp white suit, wringing the mike and pumping his fist. Sparko and The Big Figure silently and relentlessly provided the rhythm. I loved those tunes: “Back In the Night”, “Roxette”, “She does it right”. There was no one like them and no-one to touch them. 
The Feelgoods visited the City Hall every year from 1976 to 1979 and I went each year. They were always a great live act, and I never saw them put on anything other than a great performance. They also had some pretty cool support acts: GT Moore and the Reggae Guitars on the 1975 tour, and the George Hatcher band in 1976 (although the ticket says Clover, I am pretty sure they were replaced on the tour by George Hatcher). I also saw them at the Reading Festival in 1975, where they were the favourites of the weekend. Went with a group of mates; I can remember all of us coming back from the local pub specially to catcg the Feelgood’s set. 
And then the unthinkable happened, and Wilko was gone. I was shocked, and couldn’t see how the band would survive the loss of such a charismatic figure. Wilko wrote many of the songs, and was so crucial and integral to their sound, and their live show. But survive they did. I’ll blog tomorrow on the post-Wilko gigs that I saw at the City Hall. The live album “Stupidity” gives an idea of a setlist from those days: Talking About You; 20 Yards Behind; Stupidity; All Through The City; I’m a Man; Walking The Dog; She Does It Right; Going Back Home; I Don’t Mind; Back in the Night; I’m a Hog for You Baby; Checking Up on My Baby; Roxette; Riot in Cell Block No. 9
Posts Tagged ‘music’
3 Sep
Dr Feelgood Newcastle City Hall 1975 and 1976
2 Sep
Thomas Dolby Newcastle City Hall 1984
Thomas Dolby Newcastle City Hall 1984
Thomas Dolby is better known as a producer of acts such as Foreigner and Def Leppard, than as a performer or recording astist. However, he did hit the UK singles chart in 1982 with “Windpower” and “She Blinded me with Science”, and again in 1984 with the single “Hyperactive!” He toured in 1984 off the back of this success, and I saw him at his concert at Newcastle City Hall. The gig wasn’t well attended, but was good fun. Dolby was see as a sort of mad musical scientist of the time. I remember the voice of Magnus Pike featuring on “She Blinded me with Science”. Thomas was interviwed by Record Mirror at the time and said of the US leg of The Flat Earth Tour: “All the money I’ve ever made I’ve invested in this tour. If it doesn’t pay off I’ll be broke – if it does I’ll be a millionaire. I have no aspirations for speedboats and fast living. I need to sell records because it’s a measure of success. I don’t need to make money beyond being comfortable and having cash for new projects.” A bootleg exist of the London date which was at the Dominion Theatre. The setlist will probably be the same as I experienced at the Newcastle concert and consists of 11 songs: Dissidents; The Flat Earth; One Of Our Submarines; Puppet Theatre; New Toy; Airwaves; I Scare Myself; Hyperactive!; Europa And The Pirate Twins; She Blinded Me With Science; Windpower.
1 Sep
Dead Fingers Talk Redcar Coatham Bowl 1978
Dead Fingers Talk Redcar Coatham Bowl 1978
I can’t be certain exactly when I went with a couple of mates to see Dead Fingers Talk, but I would guess it was around 1978. Dead Fingers Talk are a largely forgotten, and very under-rated band. They hailed from Hull and released one album entitled “Storm the Reality Studios”, which was produced by Hull-born Mick Ronson. Their best song, and the highlight of their live show, was a song called “Harry”. “For the uninitiated, `Harry’ was a song protesting against the persecution of gay people by society. In the form of a dramatic monologue over a basic backing track, Bobo takes the role of the persecutor, picking upon members of the audience as the persecuted. Chillingly effective, it is still the highlight.” (From a Record Mirror interview of the time). Dead Fingers Talk played extensively in the North East in the mid-70s, and built up quite a following in local clubs, before they were drawn into the punk movement. The Coatham Bowl was quite empty for this gig; I would guess that there were no more than 50 to 100 people there. But those of us who were there were treated to a great show by Dead Fingers Talk. 
Front man Bobo Pheonix was just amazing, “charismatic and an absolute dynamite stage performer – he was compelling and riveting” (Jeff Parsons, Dead Fingers Talk guitarist, 2005). During Harry, Bobo picked out members of the audience and shone a massive flashlight on them, shouting directly at them, persecuting them and haranguing them with a barrage of anti-gay slogans. Very, very powerful stuff that had to be seen to be believed; and I was so relieved that Bobo didn’t pick on me. A poor guy standing just in front of us bore the brunt of Bobo’s fury, and clearly didn’t know what had hit him. Their music showed influences of The Velvet Underground, the New York Dolls, and they mixed punk with more traditional rock. Sadly Harry was never recorded so all I have to remember the song are my memories of that night in Redcar.
31 Aug
Kiki Dee Middlesbrough Town Hall 1976
Kiki Dee Middlesbrough Town Hall 1976
Support from Vapour Trails and Blue
1976 was a big year for Kiki Dee. She stayed at the No 1 spot in the charts for several weeks, with her deut with Elton John: “Don’t go breaking my heart”. I guess it was that success that drew me and my mate Ian to this gig at Middlesbrough Town Hall. A group of us also saw her support Queen at their free concert in Hyde Park of the same year. She dueted with a cardboard cut-out of Elton at that gig! The Town Hall was sold out for this concert, and Kiki took us through her hit singles and a selection of album tracks. She was on Elton’s Rocket Records at the time, and enjoying great success, at a level that she had never reached during the 60s. Kiki is an artist with a massive musical track record, and their is a great depth to her career. From 60s Northern Soul classics such as “Why don’t I run away from you?” through the beautiful and soulful “Amoureuse”, via the pop delights of “Don’t go breaking my heart” to the more rocky “I’ve got the music in me”, this northern lass is some class act. 
Although I’m not familiar with her more recent material with Carmello Luggeri, their website suggests that their new music is equally eclectic and interesting. Anyway, back to the 1976 Middlesbrough gig. It is “Amoureuse” that sticks in my mind as a memory of that night. It was a beautiful song then, and remains so to this day. I haven’t seen Kiki in concert since that night. She is another act to add to my list of people I would like to see again. Vapour Trails were Kiki’s backing band at the time, and support for this tour came from Blue, who are not to be mistaken for the more recent boy band. This Blue were formed and fronted by ex-Marmalade guitarist Hugh Nicholson, and had a great debut single “Little Jody” and a chart hit with “Gonna Capture Your Heart”, and were pretty good.
30 Aug
Dire Straits Newcastle City Hall 1980 and 1982
Dire Straits Newcastle City Hall 1980 and 1982
Dire Straits returned to the City Hall in 1980, and again in 1982. By this time they were on their way to mega-stardom and could easily sell out a venue of this size. In fact on both occasions the band sold out two nights at the City Hall. If you look at the two ticket stubs, you can see that both gigs were on the 9th December, exactly two years apart from each other. The line up of Dire Straits had changed, with David Knopfler leaving his brother’s band, and the members for the 1980 tour being Mark Knopfler (vocals and guitar), John Illsley (bass), Pick Withers (drums) and new band members: Alan Clark (keyboards) and Hal Lindes (guitar). The albums at the time were Making Movies (1980), and Love Over Gold (1982). The nine times platinum Brothers in Arms was to follow a few years later in 1985. 
Dire Straits developed a lot during these early years of their career; the songs were longer, more involved and more complex, with greater opportunity for Mark to solo. This was the period of great tracks such as Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love, and Private Investigations, all of which are epic songs, and they all soon became big favourites of their live shows. Although I enjoyed those City Hall gigs in 1980 and 1982, I also missed the bar band who had broken onto the scene with Sultans of Swing. If you compare a Dire Straits setlist from 1979 with one from 1982, the contrast is quite stark and quite obvious. In 1979 a typical Dire Straits show featured around 20 (quite short) songs. By 1982 the length of the songs had increased to the extent that a typical set comprised around only a dozen songs. 
Also by now the gigs had no support act and no interval; these were evenings of pure Dire Straits music, and quite long shows. A typical setlist from 1982: Once Upon a Time in the West; Industrial Disease; Expresso Love; It Never Rains; Romeo and Juliet; Love Over Gold; Private Investigations; Sultans of Swing; Twisting by the Pool; Two Young Lovers; Portobello Belle; Tunnel of Love 
I saw Dire Straits twice more in concert, both at large gigs. In 1985 I saw them at Wembley Stadium when they appeared at Live Aid, and again at Knebworth in 1990 during the Silver Clef concert. It was 21 years till I saw Mark Knopfler again, when he co-headlined with Bob Dylan in Glasgow. I was disappointed that he didn’t play Sultans of Swing, although looking at setlists from previous gigs it seems that he does still include it his set. For me, Sultans is his supreme moment; his guitar playing seems so simple, so effortless and yet so complex, and his lyrics tell the story of his band at the time. Just perfect.
Thanks to John for the scan of the Brothers in Arms programme. I checked out the setlists for Live Aid and Knebworth. For Live Aid at Wembley Stadium 1985, they played Money for Nothing and Sultans. At Knebworth in 1990 they played Solid Rock; I Think I Love You Too Much, and Money for Nothing. Those were the last times I saw Dire Straits. Mark Knopfler is touring again next year and playing the Newcastle Arena. I met well go along and see him.
29 Aug
Dire Straits in concert late 70s
Dire Straits in concert late 70s
I can’t remember where I first saw Dire Straits, or where I first hear “Sultans of Swing”, but the song was everywhere during 1978. It provided a welcome alternative to the fast and loud punk music which was also omnipresent in university student unions and ballrooms at the time. Not that I didn’t like punk, I did, but it was nice to have a softer alternative. Somehow this rootsy pub rock band crept up from left field, and established themselves as a major act. Their relentless touring was a large part of the secret to their success. I saw them support Talking Heads at Newcastle Poly, a few months later headlining at Middlesbrough Rock Garden, and then back at the Poly. Each time “Sultans” was the stand out song of the night. By June 1979 Dire Straits were big enough to headline at Newcastle City Hall, in support of their second album “Communique”. I recall being surprised at how quickly they had graduated to playing concert halls, and wondering if they could sell out such a large venue. The fact was, the tickets sold out quickly for the City Hall gig and the place was packed. This was one of those nights that posed a dilemma for me. 
The City Hall had Dire Straits, and on the same night The Police were headlining at the Mayfair, with support from The Cramps. My mate Ian and I decided to try and see both gigs, and for once the timings worked. We went to the City Hall, saw the Dire Straits gig (the support came from a band called Metro) and then we headed straight down to The Mayfair for The Police. We had missed The Cramps, but saw The Police’s set. A great night, seeing two great bands who were both on their first headlining tour, and both on the brink of mega stardom. “Sultans” is still my favourite Dire Straits song, and for me they were at their very best in those early days. A typical Dire Straits setlist from 1979: Down to the Waterline; Six Blade Knife; Once Upon a Time in the West; Lady Writer; Single-Handed Sailor; News; What’s the Matter Baby?; Portobello Belle; Wild West End; Lions; Angel of Mercy; Solid Rock; Sultans of Swing; Where Do You Think You’re Going?; Southbound Again; Setting Me Up; Twisting by the Pool.
28 Aug
Donovan in concert Manchester Bridgewater Hall 2004
Donovan in concert Manchester Bridgewater Hall 2004
In 2004, UK concerts by Donovan were few and far between. It had been 14 years since I’d last seen him in concert, so when he announced a couple of shows, one in Manchester and one in London, I decided it was time to see the troubadour child of the 60s again. Marie and I decide to make a weekend of it, and booked a room in a hotel opposite to the venue. We arrived early, and from our hotel room window a could see a small crowd waiting outside the stage door of the Bridgewater Hall. I guessed they were waiting for Donovan’s arrival, and went down and joined them. I waited around 30 minutes or so, and sure enough a black people carrier arrived and Donovan stepped out of the back of it. He took the time to talk to everyone and sign piece of memorabilia. Donovan seemed to know some of them; the guy beside was carrying a book which was signed by him on several pages. Donovan signed my flyer, and shook my hand. He looked well, and seemed genuinely pleased to meet everyone. 
The Bridgewater Hall is a lovely, purpose-built concert venue in the centre of Manchester. The gig was almost sold out, and we were treated to a set which drew from all periods of Donovan’s career, and especially from the 60s. Donovan clearly still believes in the ideals of those magic days, and reminisced about encounters with the Beatles and the Maharishi in India, and Buffy Sainte-Marie, as an introduction to her song “Universal Soldier”. He was promoting his latest album: Beat Club. He also sang Colours, Mellow Yellow, Catch The Wind and Hurdy Gurdy Man sitting, for part of the concert, cross-legged on an eastern rug. I bought a book of Donovan’s poetry, “She”. A wonderful evening in the company of a child of the 60s, whose songs have the power to take us all back there. The set included the following, although not in this order (and I have missed some I am sure): Sunshine Superman; GooGooBarabajagal; Season of the Witch; Lalena; Josie; Universal Soldier; Catch the Wind; Colours; Happiness Runs; Jennifer Juniper; There Is a Mountain; Hurdy Gurdy Man; Mellow Yellow; Atlantis
27 Aug
Stanley Music Festival Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash
Stanley Music Festival Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash
Up until a few years ago, Stanley hosted a very successful annual blues festival, that hosted acts such as Chicken Shack. Funding issues have meant that the festival has not run for a few years. However, this year local organisers have put together a music festival which ran today, on bank holiday Sunday. The headliners were Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash, with support from several local acts. And all for £3! I arrived late in the afternoon and caught the majority of DeeExpus’ set. DeeExpus are a North East prog rock band, and are pretty good too. Their music is classic 70s prog, with flashes of Yes and Wishbone Ash. A local busker took to the stage during the changeover, and sang a few blues songs. However, he left in the huff, as his guitar mike wasn’t working, and he told us that he “had been sabotaged”. There was a little wait before Martin Turner took to the stage, and it started to rain quite heavily. The event was also running late, and quite a number of the crowd left before the headliner started. The rain had stopped by the time Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash opened with “The King will come”. 
There has been quite a lot of discussion on their respective message boards as to the merits of the two versions of Wishbone Ash. Having seen both acts several times over the past few years, I would say that both bands always deliver and are good value for money. Martin’s band quite clearly set out to deliver versions of the old songs which are as true as possible to the originals, and they do a pretty good job of it. Fraid I was getting cold and wet (and didn’t have my coat on) so I didn’t stay for the whole set, but what I did see was a good mix of old classics, and some lesser known songs, all played well with Martin on good form. Songs I saw were: “Warrior”, followed by “Throw Down the Sword”, “Lady Jay” which I can’t claim to know well and sounded great, “Rock n’ Roll Widow”: a favourite that I haven’t heard for a long time, and “Ballad of the Beacon” which I can’t remember at all. To my shame I left during “Phoenix” (sorry Martin). It’s good that Stanley has a festival again; hope it returns next year.
26 Aug
Donovan in concert Newcastle 1983 and 1990
Donovan in concert 1983 and 1990
I have been a big fan of Donovan since the 60s. I loved all of those hits, particularly the late 60s tracks: Hurdy Gurdy Man, Googoobarabajagal, Atlantis, Mellow Yellow and There is a Mountain were all favourites. But I didn’t get to see him until 1983, when he played at the City Hall. As far as I recall, he didn’t play the North East at all during the 70s. I did have a ticket to see him as support for Yes at Glasgow Apollo in 1977, but passed the gig up to see The Tubes who played Newcastle that night as part of their first UK tour. The 1983 gig was reasonably well attended, and Donovan was backed by a band for the show. The set was a mixture of old tracks and tracks from his recent albums, and there were quite a few songs that I didn’t recognise. Donovan was back in Newcastle 7 years later, when he played a concert at the Playhouse Theatre, which is a small venue up by the University. This concert was not very well attended; Donovan was almost forgotten by many people at this point. He had been passed by in the aftermath of punk and new wave, but his time was to come again. 
This gig was much more a greatest hits set than the 1983 concert. Donovan appeared alone, with acoustic guitar, sitting on a stool, delivering all of those great songs, and telling us stories of his life in the 60s. Just wonderful. Donovan released a live in concert album in 1990, and the track listing gives an idea of the likely setlist from the 1990 concert at the Playhouse Theatre. The tracklist is: Jennifer Juniper; Catch the Wind; Hurdy Gurdy Man; Sunshine Superman; Sadness; Universal Soldier; Cosmic Wheels; Atlantis; Wear Your Love Like Heaven; To Susan On the West Coast Waiting; Colours; Young Girl Blues; Young But Growing; Stealing; Sailing Homeward; Love Will Find a Way; Laléna. It was another 14 years until I saw Donovan again, at Manchester Bridgewater Hall. That gig was sold out; by that time Donovan had (re)gained the respect he deserves. I’ll blog about the Manchester gig in more detail in a day or so.
25 Aug
Doctors of Madness 1976
Doctors of Madness
February 27th 1976 Newcastle Mayfair (with Bop Deluxe)
The Doctors of Madness were a weird band. Hyped up as the next big thing, and fronted by super-ego Kid Strange, they played some pretty strong proto-punk music which drew heavily from The Velvet Underground and Bowie. Although misunderstood and much maligned at the time, they are now recognised as being influential in the birth of punk rock, and sowed the seeds for The Pistols, and a lot of what was to follow. I first saw them supporting Be Bop Deluxe at Newcastle Mayfair in 1976, and still have a programme from the gig which includes a silver flexi (see scans). The flexi Tracks are: Waiting; Afterglow; Billy Watch Out; Noises of the Evening. My recollection of the band are of Kid Strange being exactly that: strange on stage, but also compelling and charismatic. I also remember Urban Blitz as a manic violinist. 
I saw the band a few times at the Mayfair and other local gigs, and really regret not going to see them at Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt in 1976, where they were supported by none other than the Sex Pistols in their first foray “up north”. That pairing also played Northallerton Sayers club at the same time. From the programme: “The music of the Doctors of Madness is extremely different, played with great honesty and without the “Rock Rule Book”. Members: Kid Strange: singer; guitarist and composer. He rates only Dylan and Lennon alongside himself as the most talented living songwriters. Its an accident that Kid Strange is a star. Stoner: Bass. The mercury man, slow and deliberate. He carries a haunted look and few know him well. Urban Blitz: Electric violin, baritone vialectra, guitar and mandolin. Began illustrious carreer at Kindergarten age as in the wont of such viruosi. “There is no musician I respect”. Peter di Lemma: drums. The silver surfer.” Pretty awesome stuff; eh?
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