Author Archives: garylongden

David Bowie – Stage/ Isolar 2 Tour, Earls Court, London 29/6 & 1/7/78

Posted on April 28, 2020 by garylongden

It had been barely two years since I had last seen Bowie, on the Isolar / Station to Station tour. During that time he had released another two albums which had changed the musical landscape, Low and Heroes. Simultaneously, punk … Continue reading →

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David Bowie – Wembley Empire Pool, London, Fri May7th 1976

Posted on April 26, 2020 by garylongden

These shows require context. There had been huge disappointment at the disbandment of the Spiders. But a combination, of delight, bewilderment and excitement  at the directions suggested by  the albums Pin Ups, Young Americans and Diamond Dogs  then Station to … Continue reading →

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The National Front – My Part in Their Downfall

Posted on April 26, 2020 by garylongden

Leeds. 1979. Socially things were grim. The city was rough, tough, but unbowed, following the miners strike of ’72. The football team (Super) Leeds United was in decline, their hooligan firm, The Service Crew, were in their ascendancy. Musically, Leeds … Continue reading →

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Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Wembley Arena

Posted on April 18, 2020 by garylongden

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Wembley Arena 30th May 1981 I had been just too young to catch Bruce for his debut London appearance at the Hammersmith Odeon at which he had been billed the future of … Continue reading →

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My Favourite Musicals

Posted on April 4, 2020 by garylongden

I am fortunate to review theatre professionally. That means that I often see shows that I would not normally have bought a ticket for, and miss shows that I would have liked to have seen because of clashing dates. Here … Continue reading →

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Rolling Stones, Don Valley, 6th June 1999

Posted on March 31, 2020 by garylongden

  Unquestionably there are optimum times to see musicians live. My gig going started in the mid 1970’s, I was too young to catch the Rolling Stones in their prime. For me, their last decent album was “It’s Only Rock … Continue reading →

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The Clash, Live at the Lyceum, London,19th Oct, 1981

Posted on March 30, 2020 by garylongden

The Clash have now assumed legendary status from the Punk era. They were a remarkable band. Some of the myths surrounding them are at odds with reality. Many of their achievements are often under- appreciated. I saw them live twice, … Continue reading →

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My Town

Posted on March 24, 2020 by garylongden

My town, is like your town A few bewildered denizens of the past Hover outside the concrete carcasses of the old ways New Gods are worshipped, Kelloggs, Andrex and Dettol Gucci, Prada and Burberry, Now corpses in fading thoroughfares Toppled … Continue reading →

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Poems 2020

Posted on March 20, 2020 by garylongden

In the Beach Hut Me on the inside Everything on the outside Time lies neatly folded Like an old cloak In the corner White pebbles the size of Loaves of bread Rest beyond freshly rinsed Twice daily Peeled paint flutters … Continue reading →

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Ben Kane – Eagles in the Storm, Novel Review

Posted on March 12, 2020 by garylongden

My first foray into Kane’s writing had been with “Clash of the Titans” it had been disappointing, with Simon Scarrow and Bernard Cornwell easily better writers and storytellers on that evidence. But I decided to give him another chance. I … Continue reading →

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