Category Archives: Classic Gigs

The Jam -Debut Tour, California Ballroom, Dunstable, 9th July, 1977

Posted on April 29, 2020 by garylongden

This was my first ever punk gig. An avid reader of the music press it was quite clear that something was happening . I lived in provincial Bedford at the time, there were no venues putting on punk gigs. Being … Continue reading →

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David Bowie – Earthling Tour,Que Club, Birmingham,1997

Posted on April 29, 2020 by garylongden

I did not normally buy the Birmingham Evening Mail. But that day I needed to check the property pages , bought it at lunchtime, and sat down to read it with a sandwich. Tucked away, in a small box advert … Continue reading →

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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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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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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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Too Petty – Flowerpot, Derby

Posted on September 3, 2019 by garylongden

The age of the tribute band is upon us. As the greats from the classic rock era grow old, infirm, or die, the demand for their music remains. No-one goes to a Beethoven concert, then complains that Beethoven wasn’t playing, … Continue reading →

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Suede – Wolverhampton Civic Hall 1/11/94

Posted on October 26, 2018 by garylongden

A young family prevented me from swooping into the Britpop explosion. Early Oasis, Pulp, and Blur all came and went. But I did catch Suede, although perhaps just a couple of months after their high- water mark. The good news … Continue reading →

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Jane McDonald – Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Posted on September 24, 2018 by garylongden

Jane McDonald has crept up on me. As for many, my first glimpse of her was on the original “Cruise” documentary. It was immediately apparent that she was a star turn, glamorous, saucy, with personality, and crucially a very good … Continue reading →

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