Tamworth Bands History : 1986 : May
Tamworth Herald – 02/05/86
A BRAND new band in the Sisters of Mercy/Joy Division mould, will make their Arts Centre debut tonight (Friday).
The group, Beyond Elysium, will be joined by fun loving Femme Fatale, making their eagerly-awaited return to a Tamworth stage.
Beyond Elisium are made up of Tamworth and Birmingham-based members and have been together for just a few months. They have already played a couple of concerts but are keenly looking forward to testing the water in front of Tamworth’s large, spikey-top population.
“We are looking forward to the concert and we hope we will go down well,” said bassist Barry Cope.
Joining Barry will be Andrew Lucas (vocals), Petet Steadman (rhythm), Adrian Hall (lead) and Richard Williams (synth). Together they make a sound which should appeal very much to Femme Fatale’s loyal crowd.
The concert starts at 8pm and even if you don’t find out what Beyond Elisium means you should have a good night.
Tamworth Herald – 02/05/86
THE Australians have changed continents. As of now the likeable Atherstone outfit will be called Europe After The Rain, a tasty monicker pinched from legendary po-faced John Foxx. The group have also added a new member – saxophonist Martin Sutton and you can see how they line-up and name change has affected them at the Bondgate Club, Nuneaton (tonight) when they will be joined by two other acts, a fashion show and an alternative disco.
Tamworth Herald – 02/05/86
THE Soil Brothers are on the look out for a new bassist to join their high-energy entertainment circus.
Tamworth Herald – 02/05/86
The Dream Factory have set all their attention on heading up a big concert at Polesworth Top Club on Friday May 30. Before then they will be at Jesters (Cannock) May 12 and Nuneaton on May 17. The group have asked us to point out that their new single is not seen as a trailer to attract record companies, just as a record for the fans.
Tamworth Herald – 02/05/86
A heavy rock guitarist from the Atherstone area is on the look out for a new band to join. Phil Smith, formerly of The Me has transport, equipment and enthusiasm and now he wants something to do with it.
Tamworth Herald – 02/05/86
Just an apology (and especially to Depth Charge) for the time it has taken for me to review various demos. It is entirely due to the wonderful electricity of the very busy music scene but I promise I will get round to it eventually!
Tamworth Herald – 02/05/86
EVERY BAND involved in the 1986 Tamworth Festival is urged to attend a full and important meeting at the Tavern, Tamworth on Sunday night. All the bands will be told when and where they will be playing and there will also be a full discussion about costs, times and equipment.
The 18 bands who will be playing on the main tow days are (in no particular order) Wolfsbane, Breaking Point, Dance Stance, The Parade, Candle Dance, Caprice, Soil Brothers, Depth Charge, Burnin’ Sky, Femme Fatale, The Magnets, The Cradle, One On One, Spirit Lake, Kara, Orange, Catch 22 and Beyond Elysium.
In addition, The Green Swings (see you at the Embassy lads!) and Shellshock have been confirmed as among the Arts Centre acts, before the ‘main’ event.
Will all these bands please attend on the night – sending at least one member. Any of the aboce bands who cannot attend should contact Sam Holliday before Sunday night. The meeting is due to start at 8pm.
Any more new acts – especially Roger Moore’s new band – who would like to take part in the Arts Centre stage of the event should also attend.
02/05/86
Beyond Elysium
Femme Fatale
Tamworth Arts Centre
02/05/86
Europe After the Rain
Bondgate
Nuneaton
05/05/86
Freight Train
Duel
Femme Fatale
The Rathole
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
Starr on the doorstep!
It’s not often you get an All American star living on your doorstep. But the people of Polesworth can certainly lodge that claim to fame. That’s because ‘Soul Master’ Edwin Starr lives just up the B5000 at a beautiful farmhouse next to Pooley Hall. And after a jet-set life that includes playing at many of the world’s top venues, the big soul-singing hero says he prefers Polesworth to America.
“The whole life over here is far more relaxed and enjoyable and I don’t aim to go back to the USA except to pick up a few things that I left over there,” he said.
Edwin first came over to Britain in the mid-^)s on the release of his first single “Agent Double-O Soul”. Since that visit, in 1966, he has been popping across the Atlantic at every opportunity and finally decided to settle here last year.
“I love the British people and I love the country. Around here, I am treated like a local and that means a lot to me,” he said. “Over in America you have crazy situations, where people are forced to live the like recluses because they are frightened that someone is gonna take what they have.
“That’s because over there, there is so much pressure on being Number One. If you are not on top, then no one wants to know about you. Over in England, people will respect you more for your talent and because you are what you are,” he said.
Edwin began his career singing rock ‘n’ roll in small clubs. Gospel music had no interest for him, as he found himself unable to reconcile a party going lifestyle with singing in church.
“I was in this band and while the other guys were off chasing after the girls all the time. I was trying to get harmonies right and writing new songs,” he said. “I always knew what I wanted to do so went for it.”
He made the right decision it seems, because his has been one of the most enduring in show business. A string of hits have followed soul smashes like “SOS”, “Stop Her On Sight” and “Headline News” including his best remembered tracks “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” and “War”.
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
THE CRADLE, Tamworth’s alternative shock-rockers, have split up.
The group who had only been together for a short while, made a strong impression in their time together and built up such a following as to give them a prime position in this year’s festival.
But the internal problems which saw strong personalities pulling in different directions left The Cradle without a natural base and the group decided to split last week.
The majority of the band Niz Concannon, Murray Metallic-Pickett and Jim Pighand will now continue as The Grim Boys – aided and abetted by no less than the neo-legendary Duane.
Rikk Quay meanwhile has gone back to basics to form a band at the moment called Hang The Curtains Before… He is currently discussing working with former Terroa guitarist John Reeman in the marriage that could work a treat as they are tow of the nicest people on the ‘scene’.
Paul Keeton, meanwhile, who founded the band, that eventually ended up as The Cradle, is currently keeping his options open but has already been approached by one of Tamworth’s foremost songwriters and may join a new band.
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
Freight Train/Femme Fatale/Duel – The Rathole
IT IS only a few short weeks since The Rathole tentatively opened its doors for the first time. Before it opened no-one was quite sure how it would take off, but even the most optimistic couldn’t have suspected it could have done so well, so quickly.
Bank Holiday Monday’s late night shindig was just the latest enjoyable chapter in a very entertaining success story. It wasn’t just that the room was full (that is almost obligatory) but the sheer camaraderie and spirit among both audience and band members, was something that is a rare and pleasurable sight in Tamworth.
‘The Rathole’ has succeeded in bringing together young people of like minds in a way we haven’t seen before and I can’t help feeling this is a very good time to be young, and musically aware in Tamworth. ‘The Rathole’, I salute you. As to the gig that was pretty good too!
It all began with Freight Train, who turned out to be my favourite band of the three. Despite not hitting the stage until 10.30 they enjoyed a large receptive audience not made any less entertaining by the odd heckler (apart from the National Front supporter who was about as welcome as a gigolo in a convent).
Freight train’s sound owes as much to the late Sixties as to anything currently coming out of the radio airwaves. Jos Cope’s keyboards occasionally lead in a Ray Manzanarek direction while the slicing, menacing guitar work of Donny Skinner has a Velvet(s) touch.
The two outstanding features for me were the sheer quality of Freight Train’s songs (‘Hill’ is a minor masterpiece) and the fact that Jos’ deadpan negative keyboard act reminds me of the ludicrous old coot from Sparks.
The band went down very well indeed and I for one am looking forward to seeing them again on their tour with the Woodentops.
Next up after another long delay were Femme Fatale. Their main problem is one that is not really of their own making. They spend so much time apart that although it gives them time to perfect their individual musicianship their essential “togetherness” suffers as a result.
It means they cannot write a great deal of new material which is sad because there is something curiously endearing about their ‘dead souls’ sound.
It is sparse, defiant and powerful with Debbie’s vocals reaching new peaks and Mark Poyner’s guitar cutting through the sound like a scythe through wheat.
Visually, bassist Martin Higgs still holds my attention for reasons, that should be obvious to anyone who knows what MIB stands for, but overall the band come across as confident, strident and committed. I just wish they were together a bit more and that they trimmed the length of their exhausting set as well.
Finally, after another very long break while the disco became a rather monotonous barrage, Duel tool to the stage. It was by now 12.45 and at this time most people were normally in bed or incapable.
I felt one and felt like the other, so I only managed to stay for about half a dozen songs before walking and took the rest o my body with me.
Business
In those half a dozen songs it quickly became apparent that Duel mean business. Their sound has tinges of Howard Jones and Paul Young and is both visually and material-wise very commercial indeed.
The tunes come thick and fast, each retaining a simplicity that bodes well for a bright future in Hitsville UK. Best of the numbers I saw was ‘New Love’.
Alan Watkins and Ian Pritchard worked together well on the vocals of a bubbling and extraordinary catchy number.
Yet another great night at The Rathole and another great concert for its loyal punters. Only about five weeks ago concerts like this would have seemed impossible, now they are almost an everyday Tamworth occurrence. Rattus Norvegicus indeed!
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
Liverpool-based heavy rock band Engine will descend on Tamworth Arts Centre tonight (Friday). The group, who have played at the Centre before, will be supported by Burton outfit Rezist in what should be a good night for rock fans.
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
THE RATHOLE is set to stage an interesting…different bands. New Wavers, Catch 22, who are about to change their name. It all starts at about 8pm and with a disco thrown in for good measure it should be another entertaining night.
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
ROCK FANS from all round the area will be making their way to the unlikely setting of Wood End Youth Centre on Saturday night for a special charity concert. Kara will make their first full concert appearance supported by Coleshill workaholics Burnin’ Sky and a disco. It all costs £1 with profits going to charity. A licence has been applied for so you shouldn’t miss your evening drink on what should be a very good night.
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
The Parade continue their bid for world domination with a show at the Burton Blue Posts on Thursday night.
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
The line-up for this year’s Tamworth Rock Festival is now complete – and all 20-plus bands involved have pledged to make the event the biggest and best yet. A highly successful meeting of all the band members and committee was held on Sunday and it was vowed to make the festival as professional and varied as possible this year. For the first time there will also be festival t-shirts courtesy of the talented Edward Ian Armchair whose Thistle Print organisation will also design the posters and promotional materials for the event.
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
A singer guitarist – who definitely isn’t the Sage Side Psycho – is on the lookout for a guitarist and bassist to form a Creation/Velvets band. The person concerned – who says he isn’t the Sage Side Psycho but sounds awfully like him – wants ‘non-musicians’ who want to experiment without getting too ‘professional’. These sentiments – the sort you may expect from the Sage Side Psycho although this isn’t him – come from a man who has discovered that too many people take things too seriously.
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
The very wonderful Breaking Point bring their immense talent back to the Tavern in the Town on Thursday night. This is the first time in too long that the boys have trodden the Tavern boards and a large, enthusiastic crowd is expected. It all starts at 9.30pm.
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
As Good As, the Atherstone-based act who recently won through to the final of the TSB Rock School contest will be presented with over £200 worth of equipment for their school, plus £125 cash and a silver disc on Thursday morning. The band built around the amazingly talented Wayne Unwin, will be presented with their awards at Atherstone School Assembly on Thursday morning.
Tamworth Herald – 09/05/86
…Dome on June 16. With some fantastic prizes on offer we can only wish Wolfsbane well. Among the other acts in contest are The Sway and Arabia from Lichfield, and other tastefully names Midlands bands, the Mangy Bananas, Hats Off To Larry, Lemon Aid and my favourite Intrigue in Tangiers.
09/05/86
Engine
Rezist
Tamworth Arts Centre
09/05/86
Catch 22
Beyond Elysium
The Rathole
10/05/86
Kara
Burnin' Sky
Wood End Youth Centre
12/05/86
The Dream Factory
Jesters (Cannock)
15/05/86
The Parade
Burton Blue Posts
15/05/86
Tavern in the Town
Tamworth Herald – 16/05/86
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| Caption: Getting just the right keyboard sounds in the spacious new studio is Richard’s aim. |
A BRAND NEW recording studio – designed to produce top quality demos for local bands has opened on the outskirts of Tamworth. The complex – which is situated in a village between Tamworth and Atherstone is the brainchild of former Elusive They singer Richard Cutler.
The studio – Recharge – has been in the planning for 12 months but now finally, Richard is happy to open its doors and welcome bands in.
“I wanted everything to be right because one bad demo can cost you an awful lot fo business,” he said.
The studio is a spacious, well laid-out complex boasting a lot of top quality equipment. Richard says he has been buying equipment but by bit, but admits he is still on the lookout for more.
“As soon as you buy something you realise there are other things you need and I have plans to keep improving the equipment as we go along,” he said..
The studio has a 16-8-2 desk and many features including a digital and analogue delay, stereo digital reverb and an ADT.
In addition Richard can arrange for amplifiers, guitars and keyboard – and even session musicians if needed.
“I will discuss with bands in advance what they want and provided I have enough notice I should be able to get them anything they need,” he said.
The best
Richard is happy to be opening Recharge as a time when the local music scene is enjoying a boom time. He hopes to get business from all around the Midlands area and says he can cope with any type of band or soloist.
”I love music and as such I will enjoy producing all types of bands. Obviously there are some groups whose music may not be my own personal taste but you have to look at it professionally and try to get the best possible sound for each act,” he said.
As well as running the studio, Richard is carrying on the normal musical life. He is currently working with Duel and is devoting…former Select Electsmen Mark Brindley and John Yates. It’s a busy and exciting time for Richard and one which promises to get busier still as Recharge really takes off.
“I have already done demos for a couple of bands and I hope as the name gets round our reputation will grow still further,” he said.
Richard is more than happy for bands to visit the studios to find out just what it has to offer. The price is very reasonable - £6 per hour over ten hours – and to find out more details about the whole venture, give Richard a ring.
Tamworth Herald – 16/05/86
THE RATHOLE stage sits first major non-local show on Sunday night in the marvellous shape of The Red Beards From Texas.
Supporting the Red Beards – whose debut single comes out on Friday will be Breaking Point.
Not much needs to be said of Breaking Point except for the simple fact that you would have to be deaf, stupid or six feet under not to toe-tap to their sound.
By all accounts The Red Beards From Texas are a walking, breathing rock and roll party, so miss this at your peril. It comes at a ludicrous £1.50, starts at 8pm.
Tamworth Herald – 16/05/86
Catch 22/Beyond Elysium – The Rathole
TWO OF THE area’s ‘new wave’ of non-rock outfits hit the Rathole on Sunday night for an intriguing double-header.
For both bands it was an important show as they attempt to build up a big audience before their appearances at the Tamworth Rock Festival later this year. And both can fee satisfied that they have increased their profiles considerably after this well-attended and enjoyable show.
Catch 22 were first up and initially seemed very nervous indeed. Losing guitarist Dave Stevenson to the Dream Factory has created a hole which the band still need to fill, and at the start this made them rather edgy.
Gradually, however things perked up and by the time they launched into a dynamic ‘Alternative Ulster’ they had started to smile a bit. Best numbers in their short set were ‘Love Explosion’ and a brand newie ‘Spiders and Sharks’ where Ray Clenshaw shows he is definitely a man after my own heart by virtually stealing the chords of ‘White Riot’ and changing the words. A wise fellow indeed.
Beyond Elysium came on behind their now obligatory some screen - with the lights and strobes effect making a quite haunting sub-gothic horror movie scenario.
Their sound is firmly rooted in the darker side of life with the strain of Ian Curtis running right through the music. It is a sound that is very individualistic with an atmosphere and character that is both threatening and mesmerising. They are definitely a band who are aiming to appeal to a certain sector of the audience – and believe me, they have greatly improved.
So a fine show by two young bands and another great one for the Rathole. How much longer can this all go on.
Tamworth Herald – 16/05/86
THE ME have sent a lovely cynical letter to MUSICBOX thanking all the people who have pirated their recent demo and ‘removed the financial burden we would have expected from the sale of the tape’. The letter further went on to say that the area’s most Acidic outfit need a guitarist and drummer who likes The Beatles, Velvet Underground and Roxy Music. They further added that the ‘guitarist should comprehend what a beat is.” Well that rules me out.
Tamworth Herald – 16/05/86
Wolfsbane have found their way into yet another excellent concert line-up which should have the rest of the local bands green with envy again. They will be playing the Portland Club in Birmingham on Saturday August 23 as part of an all-day charity concert for Amnesty International they will join – among others – The Burning and Finis Code and there should also be cameo visits by top pop stars throughout the day.
Tamworth Herald – 16/05/86
BUTTERCUP is starting special 60s and 70s disco every Tuesday at Kimberley’s wine bar and Tamworth’s jolliest jock is hoping his mammoth fan club will travel all the way down Lichfield Road to support him.
Tamworth Herald – 16/05/86
This Sunday’s festival committee meeting has been postponed as there have been no major developments. The next full meeting will be the full band meeting on June 1.
17/05/86
The Dream Factory
Nuneaton
18/05/86
The Red Beards From Texas
Breaking Point
The Rathole
Tamworth Herald – 23/05/86
AFTER a lengthy period of relative inactivity, Mike Turner has returned to the scene with a new line-up – and a one-off record deal for Sitting Pretty.
A major record company (and I do mean MAJOR) have agreed to allow the band to record a single during the summer – and it looks set to be “Something Rich, Something Exciting”.
The track was originally recorded on a demo just before Sitting Pretty died a premature death following Mike’s controversial comments in the “Anarchy in Wonderland” fanzine.
Since then, Mike has been in close contact with the record company concerned and after a series of lengthy meetings, the single dream has now become a reality.
It is set to be recorded in June and there is talk of a ‘name’ producer working on the track.
The band now has a brand new line-up. Only Mike is left from the famous old line-up of Julian Amos and Pete Long and among the new musicians joining the band is former Cradle guitarist, Paul Keeton. Paul, who first shot to local attention with Scared Oath, was snapped up by Mike shortly after The Cradle split a few weeks ago.
Joining Mike and Paul will be another ex-Cradle Niz Concannon. Niz will be playing bass with Sitting Pretty although it is possible he will continue in the all-new Cradle.
Completing the nucleus of the band is former Sitting Pretty drummer Jon Peat and this quartet will be the ones who will hit the road in the summer for a 14-date UK tour – which includes two concerts in London.
In the meantime the band are working hard rehearsing an all-new set – and are also toying with the change of name. The current favourite is “Breakfast at the Adelphi”, although it is not clear if this is the name under which the single will be recorded.
Whatever happens, Mike is understandably delighted to once again stoke the fire of his musical ambitions. Only time will tell if “Something Rich, Something Exciting” really does produce something rich and exciting.
Tamworth Herald – 23/05/86
ONE OF THE biggest alternative bands in the Midlands descend on The Rathole on Sunday night for another exciting show. They have already be heavily featured in Sounds and other rock papers and fanzines and they have drawn praise wherever they’ve been.
Joining The Bomb Party will be local outfit The Green Swings who will be making their Tamworth debut. The band who don’t like to be pinned down to any particular label, all have good clothes sense and musical taste, so that alone should indicate that they will be well worth seeing.
It will be nervous night for the Swings but it is a night when they will be keen to go down a ‘bomb’ just like their headliners.
So a double-header that everyone in Tamworth should enjoy enormously, The Rathole promises to be bleak, black and sweaty again so get your £1.50s out and make your way on Sunday. You will not be disappointed.
Tamworth Herald – 23/05/86
THE DREAM Factory played two highly-successful concerts at the weekend – in Salisbury and Cannock. Reactions at both shows were quite overwhelming according to bassist Mark Mortimer and the groups are now eagerly awaiting their show next week at Polesworth Top Club.
Tamworth Herald – 23/05/86
A brand new band influence by T-Rex (but not wanting to sound ‘heavy’) have sent out an appeal for a drummer and a bassist. They already have a set full of songs and you can find more details about Break the Daisy Chain from Graham.
Tamworth Herald – 23/05/86
ORANGE have announced that their new PA system is now available for public consumption and hire. The Orange team will do any concert in the Tamworth area for a reasonable £35 – excellent value for a 1.5k rig. Ring Den or Anice Byfield.
Tamworth Herald – 23/05/86
A new jazz band – Concord – will be at the Arts Centre tonight (Friday). They play modern jazz created around saxes, drums and keyboards and they look like offering a very refreshing new sound for just 60p.
Tamworth Herald – 23/05/86
The Cradle who have now added Rem as their new keyboard player, have sent out an appeal for a singer. The band say they verge on the Cultish but don’t like to be too easily classified.
Tamworth Herald – 23/05/86
All tripped up with the new bands galore
CERTAIN countries, it seems are in the grips of ‘baby booms’ at the moment – Tamworth meanwhile is suffering from ‘musicians boom’. You can’t go to the toilet in the town now without tripping over a brand new band, all beginning their first tentative steps to world megastardom.
In the last few weeks alone we have heard of The Green Swings, Shellshock, Attica, XPD, Duel, Gargoyle Brothers, Break The Daisy Chain, Magic Carrots and so on and so on.
There are musicians everywhere all talking guitars and concerts and all displaying the sort of genuine enthusiasm…Long may it continue. But let’s not forget the oldies but goldies.
Wolfsbane have been in touch to say that contrary to certain malicious gossip, they are still very much with us and as loud, glammy and determined as ever. They also point out that for their dress-rehearsal for ‘The Dome’ concert, they are expected to dress according to normal nightclub standards.
The problem is, they haven’t got anything that could possibly be called ‘nightclubby’.
Another oldies getting even older is Breaking Point whose excellent show at the Tavern last week showed that Kevin Briggs has been listening to rather a lot of Jimi Hendrix of later. Our Kevin went on his own magical mystery tour with his guitar, turning out some incredibly tense moments of neo-psychedelia that had many Tavernites in suspense. All very jolly.
Still on the Tavern, their legendary DJ Buttercup is playing a special charity soccer match on Sunday morning as goalkeeper.
Another exciting episode in the Rikk Quay story, is also underway. I am delighted to hear that his work with John Reeman is going very well indeed and their creation, XPD is on course to be an English cross between the B-52s and The Ramones. However, good they are though, I think we can do without that silly hat Mr. Quay.
Still on XPD, did you know that John Reeman once supported both Tears for Fears and The Thompson Twins when he was just a shallow youth?
Did you also know that the Classified Ads will be playing a special concert . There is just so much going on at the moment it is hard to catch your breath. I haven’t been able to play my Marillion albums for AGES!
23/05/86
Concord
Tamworth Arts Centre
25/05/86
The Bomb Party
The Green Swings
The Rathole
30/05/86
Rock Against The Dole
The Green Swings
Depth Charge
Tamworth Arts Centre
30/05/86
The Dream Factory
Polesworth Top Club
30/05/86
Dance Stance
Sacred Heart Centre
Tamworth Herald – 30/05/86
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| Caption: The Factory’s brass and keyboard section (Left to right) Greg Stevenson, Neil Gledhill, Paul Scragg, Paul Stansfield and Nigel Atherley. |
IT’S GOING to be a crazy night for Tamworth’s rock scene tonight (Friday) with no less than three excellent concerts on offer.
At the Sacred Heart Centre, the increasingly popular Dance Stance will hit the boards, at Tamworth Arts Centre there is another Rock Against The Dole show featuring The Green Swings and Depth Charge and finally at Polesworth Top Club there is the eagerly-awaited return of The Dream Factory.
Most local rock fans are going to be spoilt for choice so here is a description of what exactly is going on so you can make your decision on where to head for.
Probably the most talked about concert of the three is The Dream Factory’s return with their new line-up. The band haven’t played Tamworth since Lloyd Barnett and Steve Quilton quit and it will be the first time local punters will be able to assess the talent of new guitarist Dave Stevenson and drummer Batman. The success of a few warm up gigs for The Factory have left them in no doubt that tonight will be the triumph we are all hoping for.
“The gigs at Salisbury and Cannock were great and we are all feeling very confident indeed now,” said bassist Mark Mortimer.
A relatively new set is also anticipated at the Top Club so the band say that the new sound they are producing is better than ever, and no one should leave disappointed.
There is a chance a support band may join the bill, but regardless of this the band will be joined by a full supporting disco. It costs just £1.50.
Meanwhile up the road at Glascote. The Factory’s keenest rivals The Dance Stance will bring the legion of members (an increasing the legion of supporters) to the Sacred Heart Centre. A great deal of glowing praise has been uttered about the new look.
Dance Stance, lately their sound is now a tight, funky one – drawing on influences from the 60s, 70s and 80s. At everyone of their concerts recently they have won over new converts and their confidence is almost at fever pitch. They are due to hit the stage at around 9.30 but if attendance at recent concerts are anything to go by the message is get there early!
Finally, tonight, completing a quite incredible night of top quality concerts, is the Tamworth Labour Party sponsored ‘Rock Against The Dole’ gig. The concert is a good humoured evening of entertainment to focus young people’s minds on the most serious problems affecting the town at the moment. Spearheading the gig are powerful rock outfit Depth Charge – (whose excellent demo I still haven’t had time to review as they keep on telling me!) and the Green Swings; probably one of Tamworth’s newest bands. The two bands will be supporting tonight’s 75p Arts Centre show, and will probably also be in the running for a much larger Assembly Rooms concert to be organised by the labour party which may see Billy Bragg in town.
So a trio of concerts that offer a simply excellent choice for local rock fans. I can understand the dilemma facing people over ‘choice’ as I would personally like to go to all three gigs. But the simple message is make sure you go to at least one!
Tamworth Herald – 30/05/86
Psycho turns the screw (once again!)
‘ANARCHY IN WONDERLAND’ Tamworth’s best fanzine is back. Issue two of the violently independent magazine is about to hit the streets and once again Tamworth and more particularly me – take a battering.
According to hugely popular editor Sage Side Psycho, Tamworth bands are too frightened to face up to the fact that they are all a load of rubbish and that they ‘really hate each other’.
In fact it is hard to find anything around here that the Psycho approves of and the only thing that gets a fair hearing is Sage’s ego.
Criticism of the local scene is all very well but what irritates me about Sage’s not-so-sage comments is that he knows nothing whatsoever about what happens around here. If he actually took the trouble to come to one or two concerts, talk to one or two bands and stop hiding behind his frankly ludicrous pseudonym, maybe, his views would be greeted with some sort of respect.
All this is rather a pity because I cannot but admire Sage’s writing style, wit, originality and sheer musical idealism. Some of articles on JAMC, The Shop Assistants and so on are quite excellent and I think anyone that takes the trouble to write about the local scene (even if it is in a paranoid and destructive way) deserves credit.
If you get the chance to but the magazine do so because it has a lot to commend it and the Sage is clearly an intelligent and thought-provoking writer. I just wish he could rid of that chip from his shoulder because then he might be able to pick up a pen and write something constructive for a change.
Tamworth’s not half as bas as you think Sage and there is none so blind as those that don’t want to see.
SAM HOLLIDAY
Another fine fanzine – ‘Circus of Life’ – is also celebrating its second issue at the moment. This time the mag features not only interesting interviews on bands such as The Damned, Skeletal Family and Blood and Roses but several articles on non-musical topics such as the incredible Aleister Crowley that makes it a very good read indeed.
Tamworth Herald – 30/05/86
ALL THE bands involved in the Tamworth Bank Holiday Festival are reminded that Sunday night is pay night!
A full meeting will be held for all the bands involved in both the indoor and outdoor sections of the concert and all those playing in the Castle grounds will be required to pay their ‘entry fee’ on Sunday.
Al the moment the line up for the main two days is like this: Sunday (in order of appearance): Candle Dance, Spirit Lake, Kara, Soil Brothers, One On One, The Parade, XPD, The Magnets. Monday (in order of appearance): Burnin’ Sky, Beyond Elysium, Caprice, Breaking Point, Dance Stance, Wolfsbane, Depth Charge, orange, Femme Fatale. As a reminder every musician in the above 18 bands is required to pay a £6 levy and anyone that hasn’t got the will or the means to pay on the night had better bring a good lawyer!
In addition to the main two days bands such as Shellshock, The Green Swings, The Cradle, Side Effect and The Magic Carrots have been confirmed for the days at the Arts Centre, promising perhaps the most varied festival line up yet.
The meeting takes place at 8pm on Sunday at The Tavern anyone other than band members who wants to get involved in the festival is welcome to attend.
Tamworth Herald – 30/05/86
THE Original Royal Family return to live action on Sunday with a special one-off gig with Depth Charge at The Rathole. It all starts at 8pm and a great night is in prospect.
Tamworth Herald – 30/05/86
New psychobilly band – The Crow Babys – have sent out an urgent appeal for a male lead singer. Contact the band.
Tamworth Herald – 30/05/86
Candle Dance, the new alternative band who will open the ’86 festival are on the lookout for a keyboard player, contact Simon ‘The Psychopath’ Hewin.
Tamworth Herald – 30/05/86
Wolfsbane have pointed out for their fans they will be able to attend their special Dome concert on June 16 with only a few dress restrictions. The band were worried that the Dome would refuse entry to your average Wolfsbane but it seems that as long as you don’t wear jeans, trainers and t-shirts you’ll be OK!
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