I have have been loving the stories that have come in tonight for our 'discoveries' theme as part of 'Summer in the sixties'. I've been lucky enough in my job to get some exciting demo tapesÌý( Proclaimers being one of them) and to have been to some impressive early gigs. However I've been put to shame by some of your talent spotting over the years. As promised on air here's a a wee selection of the great stories that have been coming in tonight....
For £1.50 at the Venue in Sauchiehall street, The Fun Palace, The Bitter Lemings and last but not least, Del Amitri which if I remember correctly used an ironing board as a keyboard stand. Also had the pleasure? of seeing The Cramps support The Police in 1978 at the Apollo, think that was only 2 quid. Br ian K. from Paisley.
Hey Brian. Working with an indie band of moderate John Peel repute in the late 80's and early 90's called BOB we had an uncanny knack of being supported by bands that went on to become huge. Particular standouts are Radiohead at the Kiddiminster Market Tavern, Blur at the Cambridge Junction and Ocean Colo ur Scene at the Jerico Tavern in Oxford. Of the time songs from each would be 'Creep', 'There's No Other Way' and 'The Day We Caught the Train'. Please p lay then for fame and fortune BOB never enjoyed but for the best of times nonetheless! Cheers Dave
I bought tom mcraes 1st album before anyone i know and got to introduce them to him at t in the park when he opened the main stage. Boy with the bubblegu n would be good! Steve Ìý
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One of the benefits of misspending my youth in pubs and clubs is that I saw loads of bands early on. REM in A disused church hall in Birmingham were th e best, but Simple Minds 2nd gig in Pollock Halls Refectory, Police and Squeeze as support acts, Mike Scott when still in APF was obviously bound for suc cess. Cure, Bunnymen, U2 Del Amitri early on in small clubs. How about some Another Pretty Face if you can find any? Iain, Strathcarron
Hi brian i saw the smiths at coasters in edinburgh early 83 supported by the red guitars. What a gig the smiths were so assured for such a young band you knew they were going to be massive. This charming man it changed my life. Stevie walker lanark.
Evening Bryan. Back in 1984 my brother and I watched a little known US band called REM, supported by The Blue Aeroplanes, at Coasters in Edinburgh. The audience was made up of about 90% American airmen from RAF Leuchars. Gordon Buchan.
Met and talked to a guy compering a karioke night in a bar on bourbon st new orleans. He sang a few songs. Cant remember his name but remembered his band s name. Saw him on tv a couple of years later. Some thing like hold or take my hand - hooty and the blowfish. Neil the goth. Still didnt like them though!
Cant qt rmembr the year - 1982? - the venue, aberdeen, and they played I think three different ver7ions of their soon 2 be 1st single. Money's too tight 2 menti on. Hearing mick h 4 1st time, amazing. Bfg fm tarves
In the spring of 1982 I had a weekend with a friend in London. On the Saturday we were at Hammersmith Bridge for the boat race. The previous night we'd been at the Victoria Apollo (?) to see a band called the Q Tips. I'm not sure they weren't supporting Sad Cafe, it's all gone horribly hazy. About a year later Wherever I Lay My Hat started getting much air play. I thought the voice sounded familiar but in those pre internet days it was less easy to research these things quickly. It was the same voice and Paul Young did very well for a wee while. In the bar at the concert the following was overheard from a guy looking at a new bit of kit - ' "The world's first video jukebox", I've never seen of those before'. That amused us for quite some time.
Richard in Aberdeen
I remember coming home from the pub one night in early 1982 (can`t be specific on the month however!) and watching "Friday Night Saturday Morning"(do you remember it?) introduced by B.A Robertson and him introducing Tha Associates and I was blown away by Billy McKenzie as he sat swaying on a chair singing the classic "Party Fears Two", I knew then that song would wow the rest of the nation. Please therefore could you get it on..
Roger From Uddingston
I was working at HM Theatre in Aberdeen, and was seconded to the Music Hall to set up a sound & lighting rig for the act appearing there that night . When I arrived at the Music Hall, I met this wee guy who introduced himself as Reg and informed me that he only required one spotlight and two microphones , one for himself & one for his piano . Imagine my surprise when watching Top of the Pops about six months later and recognised Reg, who by now had changed his name to Elton John.
Keith Pirie - Aberdeen
Was at Eastwood High school with Brian Robertson(Thin Lizzy fame). Once accompanied him and a few others to a gig in Glasgow Uni in 1973 and helped carry their gear in. Imagine my suprise when the following year he walked into our local pub the "Redhurst Hotel" in Giffnock with all of Thin Lizzy. Remember chatting to Phil Lynott as he propped up the bar drinking guinness. Brian had just signed up with them. Love your show!
Rosie MacLeod
Ardelve,
By Kyle
The Dial Inn, West Regent Street, (now 'Potters') was a great 'showcase' venue for aspiring acts in the 70's Glasgow. Got its name due to their being phones on each table to allow you to order your drink or food accordingly!
Had the pleasure of seeing 'The Minds' perform in front of a Saturday lunch-time 'crowd' of what couldn't have been more than 30 - 40 people. Seem to remember they had obviously experimented with make-up and 'New Romantic' outfits! Naturally they went down a storm! Also saw them in the 'Mars Bar' in Glasgow ... a venue that seemed to specialise in fronting new wave bands of the day. Was also privileged to see Maggie Bell (featuring in a group called 'Cado Belle') at the same venue, again in front of a very intimate Saturday lunch-time audience. Her performance was different class, and you just knew she was destined .
Keen Gelly
I seen Blue Rondo a la Turk at Leeds Warehouse mid eighties and they were brilliant. Some great tracks please play one. The Tourists supporting Roxy Music in early eighties - never used to watch the support bads but Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart were outstanding. Paul Young and Q Tips at Hillsborough Show - ha! well before Band Aid. But my best story has to be my best mate at school who jioned a band called the Housemartins in Hull. He went onto TOTP and eventually fell out with Heaton and Cullimore who thought they were the 'Glimmer Twins' - his words not mine. He was replaced by Quintin Cook (real name) who most people will know as Fat boy Slim - Norman Cook. Just brilliant seeing your mate on stage in pubs and then on TOTP and finally his replacement appears on all the great stages.
Tarquin from Trannent
Oh, I saw the Smiths at the Hacienda in Manchester... This Charming Man would be fab. Er, the Stone Roses at the Ritz in Manchester... Sally Cinnamon reminds me of that time; it was even a proper gig they did a set on a club night. I also remember hearing Birthday by the Sugarcubes at a friend's house and rushing down to Picadilly Records in Manchester to buy the single. Only available on 12" and I was the 3rd person who'd bought it (I knew the guy behind the counter). Oh I just heard Primal Scream on your montage, I almost saw them at a tiny venue called the Boardwalk in Manchester but it was cancelled because Bobby Gillespie had a sore throat... aye right ;)
Jules
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