Photograph
SFW
The Phoenix
1976

“Are you sure it wasn't Summer 1976? According to New Manchester Review the Phoenix stopped putting on bands around late April 1977. Also do you recall a gig at The Phoenix with Nirvana (the British band not Cobain, Grohl and co) that was a benefit for the RNIB in September 1976? I know Nirvana never appeared.”

“Could well have been 76 Martin and thanks for the comments. I'll edit it just to be sure. It's all a bit fuzzy these days. Yes I do remember that gig. At least I remember being out front watching a band with a blind front man and lead guitarist. Very talented as I recall. Did we play that night?”

“You were listed to play with Nirvana in New Manchester Review. It was on 23 Sep 1976 but the DJ announced that the blind guitarist had pulled out of the benefit gig and I don't recall any band actually playing that night. In fact I don't recall any Thursday at the Phoenix where 2 bands played. Nirvana did play 1 Jul 1976 and you played the following week. I think you were the first band I saw at the Phoenix. I remember a mate at the time raving about Nirvana's guitarist who played Hendrix's "House Burning Down".”

“Do you by any chance have a copy of the Paul Morley NME review?”

“I think the Guitarist with with Nirvana was Tony Crabtree !”

“Martin, I don't have a copy but maybe Shaun Carter or Mark could have. Cheers”

“Thanks Jim. Yes Tony Crabtree was the guitarist with Nirvana I have since found out. He is mentioned on this site on a Tractor item, as he later played with them. Sadly no longer with us.
Is there any way I can get in touch with Shaun or Mark? I am currently working on a book mainly about the punk scene but I have included stuff about the Phoenix as I saw many gigs there in 1976 before punk happened and it would be great to read what Paul Morley had to say. I believe he was quite positive about SFW and Caterpillars Don't Believe in Butterflies. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Martin”