Monthly Archives: April 2020

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 →

Posted in Classic Gigs | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Classic Gigs | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Classic Gigs | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Classic Gigs | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Blog | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Classic Gigs | Tagged | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Blog | Tagged , | 2 Comments