One place I never considered a 'gig' was the Ram Jam Club in Brixton where I grew up, it was a ballroom above the old Gas Board Shop (remember them?). No alcohol was served so although I was 14 turning 15 years old I did look a lot older and Over 16s were let in. I only went there a couple of times back in late 68 where the star turn was Gino Washington and his Ram Jam Band immortalised by Dexy's Midnight Runners. It wasn't rock music but it was a window into a world that older boys at my school were getting into. In the end it just wasn't my scene so that may well have been my first 'gig'...
Brixton Academy, But for the life of me I honestly cant remember who I saw. They must have been good, could have been the Levellers but I have a nagging doubt.
The Jam at the Rainbow (Finsbury park) 1979. Lots of mods singing 'we are the mods' between songs. Lots of punks wishing they'd shut up
1971 at Wembley Stadium, Bill Haley, Bo Diddly, Alice Cooper amongst many others, a rock n roll spectacular, i was 17
When me and the missus had a city break in Rome, we went to see the Spanish Steps. Worse tribute band ever.
I used to love Blancmange Nines. Saw them loads of times before they hit the big time. Often in very small venues.
You must've been an avid gig goer to remember Blancmange and having seen them so much. I'm assuming it was before they had hits in the top twenty. I enjoyed their three hits ( they may have had more but can't remember them ) CCJ but then they seemed to fade away fairly quickly. Edit - I've just had a quick look and they're still making music and touring. They're supporting The Human League later this year.
Yes, I am fortunate enough to have an older brother who also loves music so I was able to go to gigs when I was quite young. It was punk to start with then I went to see loads of bands like new order, blancmange, human league etc whenever they played in town. We were really keen on a band called The Sound with a lead singer called Adrian Borland. I still believe they are the most underrated bands ever.
I've been to some great concerts over the years but the one I remember the most was seeing the Average White Band at the roundhouse. Not for them but for their backup group, AC/DC. They are by far the loudest band I've ever seen!
I vaguely recall The Sound and how they missed out on the big time. I've just had a look and the song of theirs that I knew was New Dark Age. I've also just read that the lead singer you mentioned, Adrian Borland committed suicide in 1999 by throwing himself under a train at Wimbledon Station. How tragic. I've had the misfortune of attending many such incidents at that station. I hope ( unbeknowingly ) that wasn't one of them.
Yes it was all very tragic mate. Adrian suffered from bipolar and struggled with it. He was an incredibly talented man who also produced other bands. I cannot recommend the album that track comes from enough. It called From the Lions Mouth. Funnily enough I looked at YouTube the other day and was astonished to see how many views some of their tracks gave now. That must have been quite recently that happened so maybe people are finally discovering them.
The Damned - Hammersmith Palias in 1985 (I think). Dr & The Medics supported as did a band called the Fuzztones. Bought their song Wicked shortly after and have never worked out why Dr & The Medics had more success. Will be seeing the Damned in Nov at Guildford for 5th time. - the previous 3 have been last time we will tour concerts.......
