THE GO BETWEENS AT LONDON KING’S COLLEGE

published in NME, 4th June 1983 Since paedophilia got the better of intellect somewhere back in ’81 the shivering thrill of pop has been a rare pleasure. It’s certainly something you don’t expect to discover in the desolate surroundings of a miserable college gig. But this was a night with the delight of surprise in […]

THE JAM AT THE FOX WARFIELD THEATRE, SAN FRANCISCO

published in Record Mirror, 5th April 1980 The Jam aren’t making it quite as quickly as The Clash in the States though they’ve been coming here longer. The Clash sell out two shows in San Francisco. The Jam have to be content with one. Not that it’s a competition and then The Jam have never […]

THE CLASH AT THE ROXY, LOS ANGELES

published in Record Mirror, 10th May 1980 A Clash treat for their fans this, a five dollar ticket and a smaller setting than bands who’ve just appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone usually employ. In fact, a bonus, the Clash back in clubland in front of 700 people. The band’s last American tour is […]

SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES AT MUSIC MACHINE, LONDON

published in Record Mirror, 5th April 1980 Maybe there is such a thing as a phoenix after all – and for a band that’s had more than it’s share of bonfires, this particular rising was a blitzkrieg. From the word go, it was no holds barred as they launched into ‘Playground Twist’ fair near cracking […]

THE BARRACUDAS: SHARK DRESSED MEN

published in Sounds, September 1984 THE BARRACUDASDingwallsOn nights like this, when everything the Barracudas touch turns into several shades of wonderful, I almost begin to worry. Just why have they never enjoyed more than (very) minor cult status here? Just why do we have to import all manner of rock ‘n’ roll when this is […]

DEATH CULT AT LONDON EMPIRE ROOMS 1983

published in NME, 10/12/83 Looking back is all the rage these days isn’t it? Take Death Cult – not only are they one of the most powerful current bands, they are also THEE most powerful current band. Why then do they resolutely try and live up to the old Southern Death Cult-kult image? Whipping through […]

HURRAH! – HAMMERSMITH RIVERSIDE STUDIOS

published in Sounds, 25/05/85 Dressed down to match the self-deprecating charm of Hurrah!, the audience were an accurate mirror of the current discerning cult pop crowd-pleasers themselves. The occasion was one of subtle pressures and restrained approval; Hurrah! are not a group to go wild for, nor do they suggest anything but the inspired melodic […]

“FAB WOW” – R.E.M. – LONDON MARQUEE

published in NME – 03/12/83 If ye Smythes are anything to go by, rock’s set-piece quartet of voice and guitar, bass and drums is making a decided comeback. Witnessing R.E.M.’s astonishing performance at The Marquee last week, it seemed to me about time too. There were more possibilities, more trails and extensions pushed out by […]

JOHNNY LEAVES HIS HEART IN FINSBURY PARK

Barry Cain reports on the start of the Sex Pistols’ American tour – from Record Mirror, 14th January, 1978 SEX PISTOLSAtlanta, Georgia “Hullo my name’s John and this is the Sex Pistols.” Atlanta, Georgia. The Great South-East Music Hall. Redneck City welcomes punk city slobs. The opening night of the Pistols’ American tour and the […]