U2/ Thompson Twins/ red Beat/ Delta 5 – Lyceum ballroom, London 1/2/81

I had come to see U2, but it was the Thompson Twins with Perfect game and Politics who stole the show.

Red Beat and delta 5 were instantly forgettable but the Twins played with a passion and verve which was incendiary. The build up to the show was massive, 1000 or so sold out inside, as many outside trying to get in.

I had never seen U2 before and have never since. Even then, Bono was preposterous. The music was fine, and the Edge was clearly a star, Inevitably they were short of material s the hype had overtaken them playing “Tick Tock” twice and encoring with  Dylan’s Watchtower. Hearing I Will Follow and out of control fresh was wonderful the rest looked contrived with Bono desperately endeavouring to look overwhelmed by the adulation.

But Tom Bailey and the Thompson twins were the winners.

“The Ocean”

“11 O’Clock Tick Tock”

“Touch”

“An Cat Dubh”

“Into the Heart”

“Another Time, Another Place”

“The Electric Co.”

“Things to Make and Do”

“Stories for Boys”

“Twilight”

“I Will Follow”

“Out of Control”

“All Along The Watchtower”

Encore:

“11 O’Clock Tick Tock”