Conference marvin::uk_music

    Saw them live 3 or 4 years ago at Guildford Civic Hall - a brilliant
    concert, especially for people (like me) who like to jump around
    in the melee at the front, getting very hot and sweaty. Magic.
    
    Ric

    To tell you the truth I hate 'em. In the early days they sounded
    like a poor man's Clash and up until a couple of years back they
    were following in the footsteps of Our Lord Bono; "Rain in the
    Summertime" (?) seemed to cash in on that "Joshua" sound, what 
    with Mike Peters(?) doing his best to out croak the almighty Bone-head 
    in the angst stakes. 
    
    If that was'nt bad enough the boys from Wales decided to take the 
    plagueristic pursuits a bit further by adopting the "Joshua" stance on 
    one of their album covers; standing in the middle of nowhere having
    just been told that your cat has been run over. Mike Peters even
    had a Bono ( or Ricky from Eastenders ) haircut for that shot.
    
    Have they "discovered" delta blues yet? 
    
    Barry.
    
    p.s. If it's any consolation I did quite like them when they supported
    U2 at the Lyceum one fine evening many years ago.
    
                                                     

    
    <trivia follows>
    
    I've only seen them once, which must have been pretty early in their
    career. They played at a summer event at York University, and I'm
    fairly sure that it was in 1982, but it could have been 83 or 84. It
    was certainly well before they had any chart success.
    
    Anyway, early on in the evening, before the doors opened to the
    punters, they were all sitting in the bar having a major discussion
    about whether they should get themselves a manager or not. I think they
    decided that they didn't need one (although I bet they ended up with
    one in the end !).
    
    As I recall, they were pretty good live, but it was a long time ago...
    
    Trevor

    Anyone out there see the excellent show they did at the Reading
    Hexagon a couple of months back?
    
    It was only the second time I've seen them but out of all the shows
    I've been to they must rate among the best live performances.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.

Yeah, I saw the Hexagon gig!  It was the only the second time they've 
played in Reading.  The first time was at the Uni supporting The Stray Cats
back on '83 or thereabouts - I just wish I'd been there to see it.

I saw a few dates on the tour earlier this year, and though they basically
stuck to the same set list (boring!!!) they did throw in a few oldies - like
The Deciever at Bristol Colston Hall, and Reason 41 at another show but
I can't remember where and am real annoyed I missed it.  I think the set list
was okay but they played too much of the new album, but they put on a great
show though.


Re: .4 

Trevor, it's interesting to hear about them from so long ago - they did 
indeed get a manager, Ian Wilson, and they then changed to the same 
manager as Neil Young/Tracey Chapman last year.  


Emma

    Saw them last night at the Brixton Academy - wicked, evil, well 'ard...
    what more can I say!
    
    Trouble is I got the idea that it was their last EVER concert from what
    was said at the end. Anyone heard any rumours/truths?
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.

    
    
    	I hope its not, they are supposed to be playing here in
    	Munich on the 11th july.

               <<< TIMBRE::DKA300:[NOTES$LIBRARY]MUSIC.NOTE;1 >>>
                                 -< Music V3 >-
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Note 964.25                         The Alarm                           25 of 25
JUNO::EMARTIN "Like cartridges without their shells"  35 lines   1-JUL-1991 04:06
                             -< Change, change... >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Brixton Academy - 30th June 1991
    --------------------------------
    
    We arrived at 8pm and were surprised that there weren't that many 
    people there.  They didn't even open up the balcony because it wasn't 
    worth it.  Usually they can sell out a place like that.  Also,
    there were various cameras dotted around.
    
    The Alarm came on stage at around 9.15pm, kicking off with Rockin'
    in the Free World.  They played the usual mix of old numbers like
    Where Were You Hiding, 68 Guns, Howling Wind, and tracks off their
    latest album including Raw, God Save Somebody (sung by Dave Sharp)
    and Moments In Time.
    
    They played two encores, and before the last song Mike said a few
    words.  He thanked all those who have supported him for the last
    10 years and this was his last appearance with The Alarm.  They
    went into Blaze of Glory and Mike left the stage before the end,
    leaving the others to say thanks.  I couldn't believe that this was
    the end of the road...        
    
    He didn't give an explanation why, and what was going to happen to the 
    band.  I don't think they will continue without him, they can't really
    as he was a crucial member and main songwriter (with Eddie).  I reckon
    he wants to go solo, and perhaps the differences they have now, and
    what's happened before, have been too much and they all have more
    diverse interests now.
    
    The whole gig was videoed, so maybe they'll come up with the last
    concert video for all those who missed it!  There were a lot of
    photographers there too so I'll keep a look out in the music papers and
    let you know any more info.
    
    Emma
                        

    
    Dave Sharp has got a band together and is playing the following dates
    in London in August:
    
    Borderline - 7th
    Powerhaus - 8th
    Marquee - 11th
    
    He will then be doing a major UK tour in September.  I'll post a note
    on how the London gigs go.
    
    Emma

    Well Emma  - did you make it to any of the Dave Sharp shows?
    
    I went on sunday to the Marquee and was not over impressed. The music was 
    very good but whoever told him he could sing wants their head examining!
    I was very surprised by the Rockabilly or whatever you want to call it
    influence in the music, and especially the way the rest of the band
    looked. They didn't quite fit in with the image that Dave himself
    portrays.
    
    Eddie McDonald made a token appearance for a couple of numbers - seems
    like the two of them are still pretty close after the split. From what
    Dave said about his soon to be released album it looks like he had been
    planning to go solo for quite a while. 
    
    Overall I was glad I went but I don't think I'll bother again. I just 
    hope that whatever Mike Peters does in the future is more like The
    Alarm of old.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.
    
    PS. Any update on what Mike is planning yet?

    Any update on when the video of their last show is coming out? I've
    phoned around a few record shops and they don't have any knowledge of
    its release date.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.

	Spike,

	I doesn't surprise me - the release date's probably been delayed.  
	The fan club gave us the 19th August, but it did seem a bit quick
	after the Brixton gig to get it all edited and merchandising
	done etc etc.  I'll have a look in Reading on Saturday and see
	what I can find out.  

	I haven't any more news on the Dave Sharp tour, I just hope he
	does some southern dates...

	Emma
		

    According to Virgin in Oxford St the video has been put on hold until
    Sept sometime, they didn't have an exact date.
    
    Dave Sharp played in a pub in Oxford last saturday - so I reckon he
    must be playing other dates around this area.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.

	Thanks for the video info.

	I'm well annoyed I missed Dave's gig last weekend - trouble is
	that it's difficult to find out about these things.  I'll have
	have to keep a good lookout in the music press etc.

	Cheers,  Emma

    Well I managed to get a copy of the video today from HMV in Reading and 
    believe me it was definitely worth the wait - only watched it 5 times
    so far, so judge for yourself how good it is!!!
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.

	Brilliant!  I'll get it as soon as I can.......I'll let you know
	what I think!

	Emma (happy again!)

    Hi,
    
    I finally got the "Blaze of Glory" video....  Having been at the gig
    it's nice to get a different perspective on things.  I think they could
    have done  better on the filming side of things if they had a
    lumo-camera (one that zooms about everywhere) because the choice of
    shots seemed rather limited.  The sound seemed wasn't as good as it
    could have been in some places, but the vocals were generally okay. 
    There were some great shots too though, and they captured the atmosphere
    of their live show.  I'm glad they released this so all those fans who
    didn't know about the gig get a chance to see it.  
    
    IMO all in all it's good, and a fitting, if not sad, finale to the 
    10 years together as The Alarm.  I for one will really miss them.
    It remains to be seen how Mike's solo career goes, and what the rest of
    them will do without him.  
    
    Emma
    

    Emma,
    
    Have you heard any more about any post Alarm activities from any of the
    guys? I heard an interview with Dave Sharp a couple of months back that
    suggested that they may all get back together again sometime. Do you
    know if there is any truth in this?
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.

Hi Spike,

A friend said he's heard something about them getting back together too!  
I don't know whether to believe it or not really.

Dave has released his solo album, but I've not see it in the shops.  Apart from
that they've been very quiet.  I never made it to any of Dave's gigs - if he
did any in the south (apart from the Oxford one I missed 8-( ).

I keep an ear out for any more news though!

Emma

    Any update on what Mike Peters is up to? Haven't heard anything about
    any of the former members since Dave Sharpe's tour.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.

No news = good news??  I doubt it!  I haven't heard anything, except the rumour
that the rest of the band, Eddie, Dave and Nigel had been looking for a 
replacement vocalist!!  I don't know if this is true or not.  Apart from that
it's been very quiet.  If I get any info, I'll post it in here.

Emma

    Cheers Emma.
    
    Spike.

    
    It was a sad day when the Alarm split. Although they're widely disliked
    by the music press to they encourage great faith and belief from
    they're large numbers of hard core fans.
    
    I saw them four times and hope that they will reform or at least bring 
    out some solo material very soon.
    
    Chris.
    
    Ps. I've got a massive Spiral Scratch Discography of the Alarm, which
    I'll send to any Alarm fans who need it.
    
    

    Still all quiet on The Alarm front?
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.

    
    Hi Spike,
    
    I haven't heard anything for ages.  Mike may be at Greenbelt Festival
    in Northampton over the August bank holiday.  I'll try and find a 
    number so I can confirm this or not.  
    
    Emma  

    Thanks Emma - please let me know if you find out anything.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.

	Great news arrived today!!  I got a letter from Mike Peters with
	tour dates and band info etc.  He explained that leaving the band was 
	a very hard decision, but he felt that he had reached the end of the 
	creative road with the band.

	UK dates:

	July 11th	Bath - Moles
	July 16th 	Bradford - Queens Hall
	July 17th 	Glasgow - King Tuts Wah Wah Hut
	July 18th	Nottingham - Rock City
	July 21st	Leeds - Duchess of York
	July 22nd 	London - Mean Fiddler              

	If anyone wants a copy of the newsletter and lyric sheet of 
	Unsafe Bulding penned in '81, mail me on RDGENG::EMARTIN and I'll
	pop one in the post.

	Emma

    Emma,
    
    Excellent news. Thanks for posting the update and I'd love a copy of
    the stuff you mention.
    
    Cheers,              
    
    Spike.
    
    PS. Tony Madeley @UCG

Mike Peters & The Poets of Justice "Exodus Tour '92"

September
23rd    San Francisco   Slims
24th    Santa Barbara
25th    Los Angeles     The Troubador
26th    Chicago         China Club
27th    TBA
28th    Milwaukee       The Unicorn
29th    Detroit         The Marquee
30th    New York City   Tilt

October
1st     TBA
2nd     Cleveland       Kent State Uni
3rd     Asbury Park, NJ Fast Lane
4th     TBA
5th     Washington
6th     TBA
7th     TBA
8th     Wantaugh, NY    

9th     Return to UK

13th    Jordanstown     Uni of Ulster
15th    Dublin          Rock Garden
17th    Belfast         Arts Theatre
22nd    Galsgow         King Tut's
23rd    Inverness       Ice Rink
24th    Kirkwall        Phoenix Cinema
25th    Stromness       Academy
26th    Thurson         Weigh Inn
27th    Aberdeen        Lemon Tree
28th    Dundee          Fat Sams
29th    Edinburgh       Venue
31st    Hull            Adelphi Club

November
2nd     Leeds           Duchess of York
4th     Wokingham       Phoenix Plaza
5th     Norwich         Oval
6th     Kidderminster   Market Tavern
7th     Dudley          JB's
9th     Stoke           Wheatsheaf
11th    Bristol         Fleece & Firkin
13th    London          Mean Fiddler
14th    Nottingham      Rock City
15th    Leicester       Princess Charlotte
17th    Coventry        Tic Toc
18th    Cardiff         Bogiez
19th    Wrexham         War Memorial (TBC)
20th    Aberystwyth     Uni
21st    Manchester      Uni
22nd    Sheffield       Uni

If you want any telephone numbers for the above, let me know, I have got them
all but couldn't be bothered to type them all in.

Further US dates will be added in Boston, Philadelphia and other East coast
cities in October.  Contact their agent in the US ETalent on 213-655 3600 for
further details.

Also, they will be doing some more UK dates in December, including one at the
Marquee hopefully.  I'll post an update when I get it.

Emma

    

    Hi Emma,
    
    Long time no hear - have you heard of anything happening on the
    album/tour front recently?
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.

	Hi Spike,

	Funny you should ask - I phoned the info line a couple of days ago
	and Mike's recorded a message with news of what they're doing and
	bits of songs recorded.

	He written and recorded 50 songs!!! since last year, and has a 
	record deal and an album is due out shortly.  A newsletter is being	
	sent out soon with details of the tour etc.

	I'll let you know when I hear anything.

	Emma

    Emma,
    
    Thanks for the update - yet again. Good to hear an album is due out
    shortly. Any idea of what time frame we are talking about here - weeks
    or months?
    
    Cheers,
    
    Spike.
    
    

	Hmm, not sure on the timescale here, could be a month or so.
	I'll let you know for sure when I hear.

	Emma

	Yeah, finally they sent out a newsletter.  If anyone wants a copy
	get in touch with me, otherwise here's a bit of what they say:


	They are having another gathering from 17th to 19th December in
	Rhyl, with Mike giving a solo performance on 17th, a gig with 
	the band on 18th, and a charity football match on 19th.

	Mike has a new management, Clive Banks and Alan McBlane of 
	Management Works, London.  

	Mike, Jules and Gwyn (the roadie) ran a 36 mile marathon across
	the Welsh mountains on Midsummers' Day (rather them than me!).

	Currently they are rehearsing for various live performances, and
	a 30 minute interview between Mike and Neil Kinnock is scheduled for
	transmission on 26th October at 7pm on BBC Wales (damn, not good
	for us southern lot).  Also there will be a live performance and 
	an interview with Mike on the Mal Pope Show on 3rd December at 
	10.40pm on HTV (!!!)  If you want to be in the audience in Cardiff
	on 25th November when the show is taped, contact the MPO office
	on 0745 888911.

	
	They don't mention an album release, but the band have been 
	recording a lot over the past year, so hopefully they'll get it
	together soon.

	Emma

	Great news - Mike and the Poets are releasing a single on 
	17th Jan.  Titled 'Back into the System', there are also 2 other 
	tracks: 'A New Chapter' and '21st Century'.

	They are also on tour next month.......

	2nd Feb		Hull - Blue Lamp
	3rd		Glasgow - King Tut's
	6th		Birmingham - Edwards No.8
	10th		Leeds - Duchess of York
	11th		Manchester - University
	12th 		After Dark - Reading!!!!!!
	13th 		Sheffield - Leadmill
	17th		Derby - Wherehouse
	18th		Liverpool - The Lomax
	19th		Portsmouth - Wedgewood Rooms
	24th		London - Borderline
	26th		Cardiff - The Coal Exchange
	28th		Bangor - University
	
	Support act is a band called Jess.

	If you need telephone numbers for the venues, mail me and I'll send
	them to ya as I can't be bothered to type them all in!

	Also, to support the single release, they are performing live and
	signing copies of it at the following HMV stores:

	17th Jan	Glasgow - 1pm
	18th		Newcastle - 1pm
	19th		Leeds - 1pm
	19th		Sheffield - 5pm
	20th		Manchester - 1pm
	20th		Liverpool - 5pm
	21st		Nottingham - 1pm
	21st		Solihull - 5pm
	24th		Reading - 1pm!!!!!!!!
	24th		Southampton - 5pm
	25th		Bristol - 1pm
	26th		Cardiff - 1pm
	26th		Swansea - 5pm

	Best to check with the local store for accurate times though.

	If anyone wants a copy of the newsletter, let me know and I'll post
	ya one.

	Emma

News update........

The album is out on 10th October, titled 'Breathe', and Mike is on tour later
this month and next.  The CD and tape are 16 track, with a limited edition
17 track double album.

October

20      Edinburgh       The Venue
21      Glasgow         King Tut's
22      Leeds           Duchess of York
23      Sheffield       University
24      Newcastle       Riverside
25      Bolton          Crown & Cushion
26      Hull            Blue Lamp
27      Stoke           Wheatsheaf
28      Norwich         The Oval
29      Reading         After Dark
30      Birmingham      Edwards No. 8

November
1       Exeter          The Cavern
2       Portsmouth      Wedgewood Rooms
3       London          Astoria II
4       Swansea         Penyrheol Theatre
5       Nottingham      Trent University
6       Liverpool       Lomax
7       Cambridge       Boat Race
8       Telford         Oakengates
9       Bangor          University
10      Aberyswyth      Arts Centre
11      Lampeter        St. David's University
12      Bristol         Fleece & Firkin
13      Blackwood       The Institute
14      Manchester      Boardwalk

If anyone needs phone numbers, just mail me, I've got 'em all.

Also Mike will be doing another acoustic set at some HMVs later this month so
check with your local store for details!!!!

That's all for now!

Emma
    

    What's the music like? 
    
    If it is reminiscent of the early(ish) Alarm then it may not be too bad
    but god help us if it's like the pseudo stadium rock that blighted a
    promising career...
    

Errr...It's pseudo-stadium-rock.

No...not really.  The only major departure from the Alarm days is the lack of 
Dave Sharpe's oddly distorted guitar.  On record, the new sound is much more 
complete than late alarm stuff, with more tracks added into the mix.  I think 
this is probably because he's now got a keyboard player, whereas the Alarm were 
pretty much Voice/guitar/bass/drums.  

If you're within 20 miles of a gig, go and see it.  I didn't expect much when I 
first saw him solo, but I was immediately converted.  It only takes one song to 
see how proficient the whole band are as musicians, and how Mike Peters can 
still churn out fabulous songs with unforgettable hooks.

You really ought to try and see them.  You may get a large surprise.

    Is their music anything like the Weddoes?

Arf! What a hoot!

    I wouldn't say their music is like the Weedoes really.
    
    Mike's music is a departure from what he did with The Alarm, I wouldn't
    say I like it as much though.  It goes grow on you and I hope the album
    reflects how good they are live.
    
    Mike will be at HMV Reading on 17th October at 4.30pm, doing a few
    acoustic numbers and signing copies of the new album.
    
    Emma

    I don't believe it!  Not one shop in Reading has got "Breathe"
    
    Not even HMV, where MP is actually playing next week!!
    
    I AM SERIOUSLY P***** O**.
    
    Snarl.  

>    I don't believe it!  Not one shop in Reading has got "Breathe"
    
I can believe it.  The record shops are definately getting worse.  Just
been around Welwyn's cornucopia of record stores, and couldn't find a
single bloody thing I was looking for.  :(

Chris.

    Cornucopia of record stores?? What, all one of it???
    
    Bob

er, well.  Artistic licence, and all that.

Chris.