“is that the old stage at the far end?blokes bogs on the right,always ended up flooded with piss?
think they got trashed at one of the crass/poison girls/zounds gigs.
theres a interesting bit of writing on the infamous gig written by then zounds drummer josef porter here,the bit about the mayflower gig is further down the page,very funny.....http://www.blythpower.co.uk/genesis/chap10.htm”
“yes, is ammonia flammable? I should imagine if it was the overflowing toilets would have nicely impregnated the floor timbers as well. I think todays concert goers miss out on that sense of adventure that the older venues provided, dodgy wiring,blocked fire exits etc...”
“Hmm; looks like someone had it away with the one or two tables from the back area. Sad sight that; back in the day the mayflower seemed to get looked down on; and had a fight on it's hands with the plethora of gigs at the Poly and factory. I agree with Alistair; everything that was totally crap about it are what made it; and there's probably a library of legal requirements that mean a place like that couldn't host gigs today. Unless there's another wave of warehouse parties!”
“Although I was making a bit of a joke, I do agree with you Mitch in the sense that most of these places had a genuine feeling of excitement about them. Early exposure to sweat and sawdust smaller venues like this has meant I've largely avoided concerts in stadia where you need field glasses to see the stage.I like being near the band, and I think a lot of musicians like to be close to their sweaty public.
However a functioning loo is now higher up my list of priorities than it was three decades ago, unfortunately.”
“The last time I went to The Mayflower/Fun House/Stoneground/Southern Sporting Club/Corona...phew!...was in 1980,and I remember clearly that there was no stage,the bands played level with the audience.That caused everyone to crowd to the front,a bit scary for the bands. I stopped going because the crowds became too rough,mainly due to the Oi Brigade.It was more about fighting than the music to some people and I love my music.”
“Cant remember last time i was there but reading some of the comments brings it back First went exploited feb 81 then regularly til the end Proper good times”
“bouncey,there was a lot of barm-pots around then wasnt there?
you dont get that at shows so much these days,maybe the odd punch up but not the way it was then with gangs of skinheads invading venues smashing anything and everyone up(usuallymuch younger/smaller punks).
maybe thats whats missing from these 'punk' revival festivals like Blackpool..........kids today dont know what theyre missing!”
“I know what you mean johng,punk was about venting your feelings via music art clothes and protests,todays punks might look like punks but most of the problems around during the 70's have improved,there's not that much to protest about,it's just normal teenage angst they're feeling and older punks are probaly quite respectable with decent jobs,but hooligans and morons will always find a place to invade to spoil it for the others,be it at a football match a gig or a protest march.”
“re; height of the stage; certainly by '81 it was at normal height; I have some pics of rehearsing prior to Drones gig that show the height; and also show some of the regulars who'd come along early doors. I'll get it scanned and posted over next few days.”
Donate
Upload
think they got trashed at one of the crass/poison girls/zounds gigs.
theres a interesting bit of writing on the infamous gig written by then zounds drummer josef porter here,the bit about the mayflower gig is further down the page,very funny.....http://www.blythpower.co.uk/genesis/chap10.htm”