Gigs you'll never see the like of again.

bodhrandude

The recent Dead Kennedys thread has given me inspiration to start this thread, spurred on by @NewbridgeIR posting that Dead Kennedys video from 1984, I think its nice to have a thread to look back on these legendary concerts. Now this could probably go to any of the other sub forums but I think it fits here as it is events, but events of the past that we should never forget.

I'll start the ball rolling with this deadly nearly an hour footage of The Birthday Party filmed circa 1982 / 83.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-kOjv82F6g

NewbridgeIR

From the same era, New Order in Kilkenny, April 1983.

The full performance is on DVD as part of the Power, Corruption & Lies Super Deluxe Edition.

I remember this gig taking place but was too young to go. A number of older guys from our road did make it up there.

It later became Hotel Kilkenny and I put on an indie night there in 1992. Played True Faith at the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jigJJRa3bng

bodhrandude

Nice one NewbridgeIRL, and now for something completely different, I think I exhausted the Nick Mason thread so I'll post the original abridged version of Atom Heart Mother that was performed by Pink Floyd in 1970 when they didn't have the choir orchestra or brass handy. I much prefer it as its very ambient. You can imagine Gilmour and the Late Richard Wright reliving their choir boy days fleshing out this number with their ethereal voices. Now I know this was performed for TV with no audience like Pompeii but ye'll not see this version again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6e0CED9A-Q

WishUWereHere

I had to google this: iI remember well sitting on a river bank ( doubt health & safety would let this happen today ) in Macroom to watch a gig by Mike Oldfield.

I really enjoyed the gig although Mike Oldfield is not the easiest gig as on vinyl He played all the instruments Himself, which is impossible on stage.

Fantastic Gig though!!

Stillill42

The Smiths, Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, early 1986. I couldn't go, my cousin could and he's never let me forget it. I weep when I look at the setlist.

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-smiths/1986/fairways-hotel-dundalk-ireland-23d7d453.html

bodhrandude

Was lucky to catch Robert Calvert & the Starfighter's in 1987 at Son of Acid Daze festival also headlined by Hawkwind, a one day event held in Leeds Queens Hall. Robert Calvert for folk not in the know was also called Bob Calvert and he was resident poet, story teller and vocalist with Hawkwind and Hawklords throughout the early to late seventies. It was only a year later when Calvert passed away, so was very lucky to see this gig. The only video clip of Calvert floating on YouTube occasionally is Quark, Strangeness and Charm filmed for the Marc Bolan Show in 1977, if I find it I'll post it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFPLgGWMndc

skinnyfries

I was at The Smith’s gig in The Fairways, I caught the drumstick too!!

holly8

One Easter Monday night, back in the 80s, Vic Godard and The Subway Sect played in The Crystal Ballroom, Kiltimagh ... I have the poster somewhere.

Every punk in Mayo must have gone to it :) NME later described Kiltimagh as the "arsehole of nothingness" ... I was so proud !

NewbridgeIR

I saw The Smiths at The National Stadium, the day after the Fairways gig. Only my second concert. Some atmosphere.

olestoepoke

WishUWereHere

Might as well mention my first ever gig

It was up in the SCR ( in the NCH )& was a double bill ofLindisfarne & Genesis.

Incredible double header. What an introduction to Music😃👍

BTW, Bodhrandude,many thanks for the Pink Floyd video above.

NewbridgeIR

I have seen The Fall 13 times since 1990 but the best time was the last one. Kilkenny again on the anniversary on Elvis Presley's death. The Set Theatre was packed, the sound was amazing and even non-Fall fans were up dancing including a group on a ladies night out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5lMZjWJN0o

AndrewJRenko

Pogues first ever gig in Dublin, at McGonagles, 1985

Audio is available on YouTube;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0gkjViZQVM

The bouncers spent 15 minutes trying to keep the crowd off the stage, then strategically withdrew and the crowd just blended with the band for the remainder.

NewbridgeIR

I was at the Manic Street Preachers at the Back of The Mansion, Waterford on 26 April 1991. Short set, around 25 minutes. Supported by The Bewildered Teapots.

It was plugged by Blitz Records which opened sometime in late 1990. Blitz was run by a guy called Liam and was located on Arundel Square near Enterprise Home Care. He once shared a flat with The Senseless Things. The morning after the Manics gig, Blitz was flooded with people – all looking for the Motown Junk 12″. He only had the one copy.

Morrissey played the National Stadium the following night - so we got the Rapid Express up that day. Most intense gig ever.

satguy

This Guy,, See Below,, Colm Cahill in the early 00's had the Friday night residency at The Continental Bar in Portarlington for 4 or 5 years.

He did some of the best gigs I've ever seen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi9o_ijZgjM

Beasty

Freddie's last performance with Queen at Knebworth in 1986:

SuperBowserWorld

I saw Crowded House's "farewell" gig in front of the Sydney Opera House. It was a free charity event with a huge crowd. Up to 250,000. What an event, location and band. November, 1996.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farewell_to_the_World

bodhrandude

This is a band I've always wanted to see live but never did, the last I heard they appeared in the festival bill in Houston Texas 2016 for the Day For Night Festival which was being headlined by Aphex Twin amongst others. The Butthole Surfers live in 1987 Hairway to Steven Tour, probably NSFW because the backdrop for the gig is a film of a penis skin graft operation and some nudity, so I heard anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9hzIE5luLQ

Beasty

A year before that gig at Knebworth there was another at Wembley that I suspect we won't see the likes of again

SuperBowserWorld

Being Irish, and the Cranberries being on fire at the time, this was a fantastic location to see them. The Royal Albert Hall. January 1995.

NewbridgeIR

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118936305#Comment_118936305

September 1972?

If so, that was the first time that Peter Gabriel wore the foxhead costume. Was the Foxtrot tour.

Here are the final 9 minutes of a 55 year career (last ever gig last month). Peter Gabriel was in attendance but sadly not on stage.

https://youtu.be/wzXMiYo9Z5Q

Beasty

A year before that gig at Wembley

That Thunder and Lightening will not strike again

SuperBowserWorld

Radiohead, Punchestown, October 2000, Kid A album, Circus Tent

Don't know what happened, but no queues, parked car, walked right to the front of the stage.

Brilliant, surreal, magnificent concert.

No queues, drove home.

I think Kid A was a sleeper album, and people must have stayed away.

Also, October in Kildare in a tent was risky. As risky as Kid A.

They were selling tickets at the door if I remember.

https://youtu.be/gaJKOUQS1T4

WishUWereHere

Got to mention my 60th birthday present from my Mrs.

IOver the years I had seen all members ( bar Sid - well I don’t think my favourite track was out when did was around ) except for David Gilmore perform One of These Days. I was 60 in 2016 & for a present, my Wife bought a ti key to see David in Wrocław. It was an open air gig on the grounds of the University it was end of June & 35c. I was in at 18h00 as it was standing only. What made the gif even more ‘interesting’ was nobody was buying any liquids as that would result in having to vacate their spot for a pee. David came on stage at 22hh00 played for an hour then a 30 minute break before playing until 01h15. AND for me the bonus was He played OOTD for the first time in ( reputedly) 24 years.

Truly an amazing gig. Met people there from Australia, Israel, and Argentina, all travelling to see The Master perform.

Its one Gig I will never ever forget and somehow I think David’s last tour.

Beasty

Back to '83 and Bowie at his absolute best, under the moonlight, the Serious Moonlight:

WishUWereHere

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118936375#Comment_118936375

That’s it in one newbridgeIR.

My oh my, the memories😃👍😃

Beasty

And back to 1982. Seeing the Stones again in a few weeks time and maybe they can still reach the heights they hit back then - time will tell. However Slade were only ever the real thing when they had Noddy -

NewbridgeIR

Slade In Flame is my favourite rock film

There was informal discussion of reunion in recent months but it may be 10 years too late

dasdog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118936308#Comment_118936308

There should have been a preservation order put on McGonagles - the place had so much music/cultural importance even if it was a bit of a kip and probably would break all sorts of safety regulations now. Pretty much anyone who frequented it recalled an iconic gig - Ozzy for me.

https://medium.com/%40NickCD/mcgonagles-dublin-an-icon-of-a-gloriously-shabby-golden-age-cb19794f889e

Hawkwind playing Stonehenge during the Summer Solstice @bodhrandude looked like it was absolutely mental. You'll never see that again although probably with justified reason.

o1s1n

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118936406#Comment_118936406

Man, what a gig!

I was only 16 or so at the time and went with a load of my mates, we were all massive Radiohead fans. Had the time of our lives!

SuperBowserWorld

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118936536#Comment_118936536

Yep, we really didn't know how lucky we were !! Think 1/2 of the concert is on that YouTube link courtesy of the band themselves. I was 10 feet from the band.

I've seen them before and after in much more crowded, uncomfortable venues, but nothing can compare to that.

(Edit)

It was like being on an inter dimensional space ship 😊😊😊

Dizraeligears

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118934748#Comment_118934748

Yeah Im with you on this one.Ive seen Hawkwind a few times over the years.Saw them at an all dayer in Kentish town in 88 with Calvert.He died a few months later I think.Big feed of pookies.Lemmy was there too.One minute he was striding purposefully by us,he was about 800 feet tall,His boots alone were about 250 feet tall.Next Minute hes up on the stage doing Master of the Universe.

Calvert with the goggles white scarf and Fighter pilot leather doin The Right Stuff...

Also saw The Greatful Dead in Giants stadium a few weeks before Jerry Garcia died.It wasnt one of their best for sure,but glad to say I saw them for the atmosphere at the show.Like nothing else ever.

NewbridgeIR

Would love to have seen The Grateful Dead live. Was meant to in 1995 but it didn't work out.

Mike Guide 69

My other shout out to Radiohead ,saw them in Castlegar at the Big Day Out festival back in July 96. Decent lineup that day Ron Sexsmith,Divine Comedy,Bluetones , The Cardigans Neneh Cherry that day.

Other mention is Tom Waits on his Glitter and Doom tour in the Phoenix Park back in July 2008. First time I can remember that photo id had to be produced for proof of purchase and entry,the prices for the tickets were unreal ,I paid €135 each for me and the missus to see but it was worth every penny,amazing show,crazy old Tom is a true genius!!!

KaneToad

Bob Dylan in Kilkenny 2001. He was in fine form in no small part due to Ronnie Wood taking to the stage with him.

bodhrandude

Toots and the Maytals 1975 probably their finest live document, was lucky to get to see him four times before he passed in 2020.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EStJv_wsrdg&t=1521s

lordgoat

Anyone see Meatloaf on his weird and wonderful tour around rural Ireland, in 1990.

Great article about the Moate gig but I'd love to hear if anyone else was at any of the shows.

bodhrandude

I remember he played Bundoran, I never went but I heard it was a great gig.

bodhrandude

Another band I never got to see live, Rush and the music you see represented here you'll never hear with such intensity again, as its pretty damn hard to top Neil Peart's drumming. Of course, Rush can still happen with Lifeson and Lee still fairly active, but it won't be this Rush.

La Villa Strangiato - Pink Pop Festival 1979.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78D00dYOBrM

Xander10

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118936425#Comment_118936425

Did you attend?

dasdog

Saw MOD - Whatever about Billy Milano views - this is thrash metal almost taking the piss out of thrash metal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9aEZfVOvw0

They were mad gigs - very intense.

Mike Guide 69

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118937381#Comment_118937381

That’s some ******* jump!!!! 🤘👏

Beasty

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118939501#Comment_118939501

All the pictures I've posted in this forum I've taken myself, so yes I did attend

Xander10

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118940432#Comment_118940432

Probably my first ever concert if memory serves me well. as a young teenager I got to the gig in Wembley Arena. We're probably talking about the same gig. My daughter turned into a big fan of her own persuasion, She is both jealous and impressed that I seen him and many other great artists live.

bodhrandude

I've always liked a bit of Talking Heads so was delighted to see David Byrne with St Vincent at Electric Picnic 2013. Watched this concert a few years ago and it was probably the Talking Head zenith, the tour in Italy 1980 and their guitarist being Andrew Belew, probably one of the most extraordinary and gifted guitarists out there along with Fripp and Hillage and man, you could just look at the bassist Tina Weymouth all night and be happy. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwWW742T0Wc

Cal4567

That mention of Talking Heads reminded me. In December 1979 I was at the Electric Ballroom in Camden where Talking Heads headlined, supported by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and a 4 piece from Dublin called U2.

This would have been well before their first album and like all gigs the place wouldn't have been that full for the third act.

I remember saying to friends at the time that they were ok but not brilliant. What do I know.

Think that was one of their first gigs outside of Ireland.

Stillill42

Some great memories in here, lads. Keep 'em coming.

flasher0030

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118936560#Comment_118936560

I thought it was a pile of rubbish at the time. Was so disappointed. They hadn't released Kid A, and at the time, I wasn't massively into OK Computer. WAs looking forward to hearing almost all of The Bends, and some of the decent tunes from the first album and OK Computer. But then they started playing all these weird noises. We ended going in and out to the bar, and having fags. Switched off from the gig completely. It was only some years later, I had a look back at the setlist, and realised it was amazing. Just that I wasn't familiar with the tunes.

WishUWereHere

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118941035#Comment_118941035

I wonder can I digress:

Bodhrandude mentions David Byrne. I changed my sky box last year from a basic to skyQ. On my old box I had some amazing recordings, one of which is the movie: Wall Street, Money never sleeps. Of course, I lost everything when I got the new box. I really enjoyed the above movie as there was some great music on it including David Byrne.

What I’m wondering is: the q box doesn’t have the search facility. And whenever that movie is shown again I don’t want to miss the opportunity to record it. I don’t have the Sky movie package and it’s not on Netflix. Does anyone know how to do a search on the Q box?

Guess this is a case of advancing technology in reverse?

Mods: if this is the wrong place for this post, please feel free to move to an appropriate forum. And thanks BodhranDude for Jogging some great memories.

WishUWereHere

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118941285#Comment_118941285

I was lucky enough to see the last 2 performances of The Wall up in Dublin. The Point May 2011 & Aviva in ( I think ) September 2013. Both amazing gigs but for me, Roger really performed an amazing gig at Landsdowne Road. That wall built across one end of the pitch is something I’ll never forget.

Lola40

I was lucky enough to see Prince at Malahide Castle in 2011. It was a beautiful day and a lovely older crowd who were all so happy to be there. Little did we know that he would never be back and how he would die just a few short years later. Very grateful and happy that I got to see him.