Well, I only went to JBs twice in my life & have long lasting - TopicsExpress



          

Well, I only went to JBs twice in my life & have long lasting bitter-sweet memories from both times...First time was I think in September or October 1982, I went with my mate to see London Psychobilly band The M3t3ors who I had been a massive fan of since March 1981. When we got to JBs there must of been a good 100+ other Psychobillies outside the place trying to get in. In those days we looked pretty intimidating, shaved heads with outrages blonde quiff, DR Martins, Jeans/Army trousers, Long 1940s style herringbone overcoats or hand painted leather jackets. The M3t3ors & their following had a fearsome reputation for attracting trouble although it has to be said it was usually harmless bravado & looked a lot worse than it was (most of the time!)! The doormen wernt letting anyone in who wasnt a member so it became pretty tense outside especially when the local Punks, Skins & Heavy Rockers breezed straight in! As some of the Psychos tried to rush the doors the venue went on full lock-down & NO ONE could get in or out! The word soon got to the band inside & 30mins before they were due on stage they had words with the management about letting us in, no fans-no show. The managers said they wernt letting them us in so The M3t3ors packed all their gear away & then spent the next hour outside with us! The disappointment of not getting to see the band live was tempered by getting to meet them outside & get to talk to them & get autographs. Not sure if they ever went there again? In the following 12 months I followed them all over the place, had some great times till I gradually lost interest in the scene..........The second time I went was over a year later with my mate Diddy, November 4th or 5th 1983 to see a band which contained three ex M3t3ors members, Nigel Lewis & Mark Robertson from the original line-up & Woodie who replaced Mark when he left in early 82. This new band were called The Tall Boys. I Was invited to the gig by their manager Nick Garrard who again used to mange The M3t3ors & left with Nigel & Mark. When I got there the place was more or less empty. I Had a quick chat with Nick who I had previously been corresponding with by letter over the last year or so (I still have the letters). He was a really great bloke TBH. The band came on about 9pm & immediately started getting heckled by the few people in there. Nick marched onto the dance floor & just stood in front of the stage with his arms folded ready to pounce on anyone looking for trouble! I Got a dedication from Nigel This ones for our friend Richie, RADIOACTIVE KID!!! Here I was seeing one of my all time heroes playing live my favorite M3t3ors song!!! Talk about being starstruck!!! The gig passed without any serious incident & myself and Diddy were invited backstage. Woodie was fast asleep on a pile of coats but Nigel & Mark along with Nick were so kind, absolute legends, made me feel so at home & I felt like id known them forever. Plus they loved my painted leather jacket!!! We stayed in there for over an hour then said our goodbyes. That was my last M3t3ors/Psychobilly related gig, a week after that I turned straight as it was called back then, got into trendy clothes & the music of New Order. I Still think about those times, 17 I was the first & 18 the second, 32 years ago but seems like only yesterday...
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 19:43:16 +0000

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