The Stranglers - CQAF Marquee, Belfast, 01/05/15
The rumours had been rife throughout the last legs of The March On Tour that The Stranglers were going to be playing Belfast in May. Back in my hotel in Kilmarnock, I received a text from our Ulsterman in Madrid that it was confirmed, the contract signed - talk of Sil flying up to Aberdeen the night before now seemed to make sense. However nothing could be posted on the web-site until the CQAF 2015 official launch -but who needs to see it in print - the gig was on and that's all I needed to know.
As the big day approached the social media pages and text messages were red hot with who was going, where we were meeting, what time people were getting in to airports, ferry terminals, bus stations - where they were staying and what time was the pre-gig social.
Friday morning and after a plethora of texts and mobile calls, I was off to meet up with the already incumbent Bryan Hill, Elaine Smith and Mark Taylor in The Crown Bar Liquor Emporium. This pub was chosen due to it's location and is situated opposite the Europa Hotel and, in case no-one knew, or hadn't heard or had already been told umpteen times that day - it was, back in the day, the most bombed hotel in Europe. Entering through the stained glass windowed doors of The Crown and entering the dark interior, I was immediately transported back in time to the late 70s. This was the bar we all used to meet up in before Thursday night gigs in The Ulster Hall - on the 4th of October 1979, The Stranglers Raven Tour - watching Top Of The Pops on the old TV above the doors as The Police walked on the moon, whilst me and my Strangler buddy were supplied our first hit of speed by the members of local band Pig, as we drank our pints of Harp.
Back to the present - checking in the snugs as I walk down the bar, I come across the Family and after greetings, hightail it to the bar for a round of drinks. Also there was a new acquaintance, William Barr who quickly became group photographer and designated campanologist (but more of that later). Drinks were downed, food had been ordered and consumed, the craic was flowing - as was the alcohol - and more comradesinblack were arriving in dribs and drabs. Steve McCracken with his suspect device (it was really his suitcase - but when in Belfast!!) and fellow countryman Alastair Kerr joined the company. On a return trip to the bar, as I stood waiting to be served, I felt the delicate run of fingers up my spine - turning round to find Pat Martin (who was relieved it was actually me she had felt up) and her friend Bev.
Heading out for a smoke with Bryan, we bump into Gareth Murray (the main reason CQAF booked the band in the first place and my source of textual information about the gig in the first place) sitting at the bar with his Strangler-ing buddy Graeme. Quick hand-shakes and chat, before he joins us outside for a cigarette too.
Returning back inside, there were the Scottish lassies - Audrey Grant and Sandra Harvey - and the Family were now complete. All seated snuggly in the snug - Steve having met up with his Ulster relatives, would catch up with us later and William having returned after going back to his hotel to change - was able (just) to squeeze in to the last remaining seat. But not before he decided to take a photo of us all seated around the table in our booth - only to be innundated with cameras and mobiles thrust at him to take another, and another... and another. Just before he sat down and closed the door to our cubicle, the waitress came down to clear the empties from the table. Going back to the old days, each snug had their own bell-push, to attract service when the door of that particular booth was shut and it was at this point William turned to the young waiting girl and asked, "What happens when you push the bell?". With a scathing look if distain, she flatly replied, "It rings a bell". I really thought I was going to pish myself as the whole group, after a second of stunned silence, broke into guffaws of laughter. It was so funny (but maybe you had to be there?)
Soon it was time to make a move to the next watering hole on the way to Custom House Square, where the marquee was set up for tonight's concert. Someone (who shall remain nameless) had left their tickets in the hotel room, but luckily with only a minor diversion, we were able to pass by and allow her to retrieve them. At Kelly's Cellars, the weather was good enough to allow us to drink alfresco, although some of the girls stayed inside. Kelly's is old school Belfast, with a coal fire burning and a traditional Irish ambience. As we stood outside, Audrey came out to inform us,"Sandra is being chatted up by an Irish guy and she's getting roasted". Bryan, Mark and myself nearly fell over laughing, before Audrey realised what she said and pointed out he was continually stoking the fire whilst talking to Sandra.
After that and after some were getting concerned about queuing to get in to the venue - no amount of me explaining that Belfast doesn't do queues, so there was no need to worry - we progressed to the next drinking establishment, which was opposite the Square. McHugh's Bar already had a few Strangler T-shirted people thronging around and supplied the perfect view of the tent and surrounding area to spot the best time to head in - as if that was going to be an issue. Steve returned after the necessary relative visits - his life would not have been worth living if he hadn't made the effort to meet up with the Belfast Contingent. Further liquid refreshment was produced and as the time came closer to door open, some made there way across and into the tent. Three minutes later a few came back out again as there were fuck all people inside!! We continued drinking as the crowd in McHugh's slowly built and Bryan and I met up with some local friends and colleagues coming down to see The Stranglers.
Eventually we made our move as we could hear the support act The Aggressors BC were by now about halfway through their set and the steady flow of people entering the event was building (still no queue though). Entering through the festival securrity, we progressed through the outside eating/drinking area (portaloos situated strategically to the right) and into the main marquee - bar to the left, merch to the right - a long way to the stage - with the roof and walls bedecked in white 'fairy' lights. It did look quite impressive. The Aggressors were still playing and we made our way right up to the front barrier to join Mark, Elaine and Alastair who had remained inside from doors opening. The Aggressors BC are a local ska band who have been around for a while and were skanking their way through the remainder of their set - Patreece looking stunning in her black trackies, singing as the band chopped out the tunes.
After quite a long break between bands, as Terri Hooley acted as DJ - entertaining us with an eclectic mix of songs - The Stranglers made their entrance around 9.20 to a rapturous cheer from the welcoming Belfast audience. We might not be in a hurry to see a band, but we sure as hell know how to make one feel at home.
With a nod of appreciation and after acknowledging the presence of the girls in their regular spot on the barrier - JJ immediately kicked into 'Toiler On The Sea'. The powerful bass and driving drums are joined by Dave's keys picking out the melody and Baz's descending guitar signature - and the crowd go wild, jumping up and down and singing along. Is there a better track to start a gig? It also meant I had another different song played at each concert I had attended this year. We were then treated to very much the same sort of set list as played on the recent tour. Fifth song in gave us a stupendous version of 'Four Horsemen' - a favourite of mine form the March On gigs - the band are obviously well rehearsed and tight as a gnat's chuff. One guy in a Rattus T-shirt a couple of people over shouts "Play something we know" and was given immediate short shift as he was informed - "Fuck Up. If you were a fan you'd know them". 'Golden Brown' appears early in the set and I leave my second row position to depart for a smoke (missing Baz's guitar solo fuck-up, which amused JJ and which Baz went on to play in reprise post song).
Moving back through the crowd towards the rear exit, I note the gig is not a sell out, perhaps 750/800 out of the capacity 1000. Outside there a few other nicotine addicts and a few sitting by the beer stall, drinking and chatting - seemingly oblivious to the band inside. Inside again, just in time for 'Five Minutes', I stay back to see if the sound quality was any different. For a marquee gig, I have to admit the sound was really good (no matter where you stood) far better than The Roundhouse for example. And from anywhere you stood, you got a decent view of the band onstage. Making my way forward again, I bumped into a few people I knew and stopped for a quick greet - Buck from The Defects with his lovely wife Sharon, Terri was standing after his DJ duties - I wished him good health after his recent heart operation - and standing next to him was Cait O'Riordan (ex-Pogues bassist).
Not quite making it back to my original starting position, I stood to the side as the band were motoring through the set - 'Time To Die', 'Norfolk Coast' into 'Wog'. There was little mid-song banter from the band tonight. Baz did ask if the crowd were enjoying themselves at one point and did question someone who was shouting up at him - but even on repeated asking what he was saying couldn't make out the thick Belfast accent and gave up. The songs were coming thick and fast - one classic after another - there was very little to complain about in tonight's performance. 'Peaches' was given a rapturous acknowledgement but allowed me the chance to grab another quick smoke break. Here I caught up with Sean O'Neill (punk afficiando, author and founder of Spit Records) who was really impressed with tonight's performance. Sorry you never came over to Glasgow now Sean? Back in for the end of 'TWOOMS', the car crash keys of 'Lost Control' sounded superb from near the back of the tent. 'Duchess' saw the crowd once more raise the roof and no doubt pleased our Rattus T-shirt guy, and a stunning 'Curfew' saw the end of the set.
A short break then saw the band return for the the extended jazz-punk improvisation of 'Walk On By'. As I made my way back towards the front, I bumped into Kinky (drummer with The Defects) just as JJ began the bass crunching, ball rattling intro to 'No More Heroes'. The crowd were stunned as many were 'feeling it' for the first time and as the iconic G-string riffage crashed towards the opening chords, the audience erupted en masse. It just doesn't get any better than this - to witness your band, in your City, seeing the crowd react in this way - justifies why I love this band. Baz said if someone invites them back they would certainly be over again - I think the crowd would definitely turn out again to see them.
As the strains of 'Meninblack' begin to echo round and the lights go up - I struggle against the exiting crowd, making my way to meet up with those I had left at the barrier earlier. Set-lists purlioned, plectrums gathered in and even drum-sticks begged from Jim McCauley, the customary photo shoot was underway. More catching up with friends and chat about the gig was underway as we made our way outside. Various toilet shenanigans - who are we waiting on now? - ensued, until eventually we were ready to move on for post gig refreshments.
I directed our wee group round to The John Hewitt pub and after getting served we found ourselves in another wee corner table for the debriefing. Another couple were sitting there - both had also been at the gig - and they couldn't believe the various accents, all friends, all over for the gig and were completely gob-smacked when we all related how many gigs we had attended this year already. Of course Elaine blew everyone out off the water - but this guy was just amazed and thought we were all joking.
Eventually it was time to depart and, as I knew it would be difficult to find their way back, I walked Pat, Bev and William back to their hotel before heading on my own way home. Walking along with a contented smile on my face - it had been a fucking excellent day and night. Everyone seemed to have a good time - Belfast, you did me proud.
MULLY 04/05/15
As the big day approached the social media pages and text messages were red hot with who was going, where we were meeting, what time people were getting in to airports, ferry terminals, bus stations - where they were staying and what time was the pre-gig social.
Friday morning and after a plethora of texts and mobile calls, I was off to meet up with the already incumbent Bryan Hill, Elaine Smith and Mark Taylor in The Crown Bar Liquor Emporium. This pub was chosen due to it's location and is situated opposite the Europa Hotel and, in case no-one knew, or hadn't heard or had already been told umpteen times that day - it was, back in the day, the most bombed hotel in Europe. Entering through the stained glass windowed doors of The Crown and entering the dark interior, I was immediately transported back in time to the late 70s. This was the bar we all used to meet up in before Thursday night gigs in The Ulster Hall - on the 4th of October 1979, The Stranglers Raven Tour - watching Top Of The Pops on the old TV above the doors as The Police walked on the moon, whilst me and my Strangler buddy were supplied our first hit of speed by the members of local band Pig, as we drank our pints of Harp.
Back to the present - checking in the snugs as I walk down the bar, I come across the Family and after greetings, hightail it to the bar for a round of drinks. Also there was a new acquaintance, William Barr who quickly became group photographer and designated campanologist (but more of that later). Drinks were downed, food had been ordered and consumed, the craic was flowing - as was the alcohol - and more comradesinblack were arriving in dribs and drabs. Steve McCracken with his suspect device (it was really his suitcase - but when in Belfast!!) and fellow countryman Alastair Kerr joined the company. On a return trip to the bar, as I stood waiting to be served, I felt the delicate run of fingers up my spine - turning round to find Pat Martin (who was relieved it was actually me she had felt up) and her friend Bev.
Heading out for a smoke with Bryan, we bump into Gareth Murray (the main reason CQAF booked the band in the first place and my source of textual information about the gig in the first place) sitting at the bar with his Strangler-ing buddy Graeme. Quick hand-shakes and chat, before he joins us outside for a cigarette too.
Returning back inside, there were the Scottish lassies - Audrey Grant and Sandra Harvey - and the Family were now complete. All seated snuggly in the snug - Steve having met up with his Ulster relatives, would catch up with us later and William having returned after going back to his hotel to change - was able (just) to squeeze in to the last remaining seat. But not before he decided to take a photo of us all seated around the table in our booth - only to be innundated with cameras and mobiles thrust at him to take another, and another... and another. Just before he sat down and closed the door to our cubicle, the waitress came down to clear the empties from the table. Going back to the old days, each snug had their own bell-push, to attract service when the door of that particular booth was shut and it was at this point William turned to the young waiting girl and asked, "What happens when you push the bell?". With a scathing look if distain, she flatly replied, "It rings a bell". I really thought I was going to pish myself as the whole group, after a second of stunned silence, broke into guffaws of laughter. It was so funny (but maybe you had to be there?)
Soon it was time to make a move to the next watering hole on the way to Custom House Square, where the marquee was set up for tonight's concert. Someone (who shall remain nameless) had left their tickets in the hotel room, but luckily with only a minor diversion, we were able to pass by and allow her to retrieve them. At Kelly's Cellars, the weather was good enough to allow us to drink alfresco, although some of the girls stayed inside. Kelly's is old school Belfast, with a coal fire burning and a traditional Irish ambience. As we stood outside, Audrey came out to inform us,"Sandra is being chatted up by an Irish guy and she's getting roasted". Bryan, Mark and myself nearly fell over laughing, before Audrey realised what she said and pointed out he was continually stoking the fire whilst talking to Sandra.
After that and after some were getting concerned about queuing to get in to the venue - no amount of me explaining that Belfast doesn't do queues, so there was no need to worry - we progressed to the next drinking establishment, which was opposite the Square. McHugh's Bar already had a few Strangler T-shirted people thronging around and supplied the perfect view of the tent and surrounding area to spot the best time to head in - as if that was going to be an issue. Steve returned after the necessary relative visits - his life would not have been worth living if he hadn't made the effort to meet up with the Belfast Contingent. Further liquid refreshment was produced and as the time came closer to door open, some made there way across and into the tent. Three minutes later a few came back out again as there were fuck all people inside!! We continued drinking as the crowd in McHugh's slowly built and Bryan and I met up with some local friends and colleagues coming down to see The Stranglers.
Eventually we made our move as we could hear the support act The Aggressors BC were by now about halfway through their set and the steady flow of people entering the event was building (still no queue though). Entering through the festival securrity, we progressed through the outside eating/drinking area (portaloos situated strategically to the right) and into the main marquee - bar to the left, merch to the right - a long way to the stage - with the roof and walls bedecked in white 'fairy' lights. It did look quite impressive. The Aggressors were still playing and we made our way right up to the front barrier to join Mark, Elaine and Alastair who had remained inside from doors opening. The Aggressors BC are a local ska band who have been around for a while and were skanking their way through the remainder of their set - Patreece looking stunning in her black trackies, singing as the band chopped out the tunes.
After quite a long break between bands, as Terri Hooley acted as DJ - entertaining us with an eclectic mix of songs - The Stranglers made their entrance around 9.20 to a rapturous cheer from the welcoming Belfast audience. We might not be in a hurry to see a band, but we sure as hell know how to make one feel at home.
With a nod of appreciation and after acknowledging the presence of the girls in their regular spot on the barrier - JJ immediately kicked into 'Toiler On The Sea'. The powerful bass and driving drums are joined by Dave's keys picking out the melody and Baz's descending guitar signature - and the crowd go wild, jumping up and down and singing along. Is there a better track to start a gig? It also meant I had another different song played at each concert I had attended this year. We were then treated to very much the same sort of set list as played on the recent tour. Fifth song in gave us a stupendous version of 'Four Horsemen' - a favourite of mine form the March On gigs - the band are obviously well rehearsed and tight as a gnat's chuff. One guy in a Rattus T-shirt a couple of people over shouts "Play something we know" and was given immediate short shift as he was informed - "Fuck Up. If you were a fan you'd know them". 'Golden Brown' appears early in the set and I leave my second row position to depart for a smoke (missing Baz's guitar solo fuck-up, which amused JJ and which Baz went on to play in reprise post song).
Moving back through the crowd towards the rear exit, I note the gig is not a sell out, perhaps 750/800 out of the capacity 1000. Outside there a few other nicotine addicts and a few sitting by the beer stall, drinking and chatting - seemingly oblivious to the band inside. Inside again, just in time for 'Five Minutes', I stay back to see if the sound quality was any different. For a marquee gig, I have to admit the sound was really good (no matter where you stood) far better than The Roundhouse for example. And from anywhere you stood, you got a decent view of the band onstage. Making my way forward again, I bumped into a few people I knew and stopped for a quick greet - Buck from The Defects with his lovely wife Sharon, Terri was standing after his DJ duties - I wished him good health after his recent heart operation - and standing next to him was Cait O'Riordan (ex-Pogues bassist).
Not quite making it back to my original starting position, I stood to the side as the band were motoring through the set - 'Time To Die', 'Norfolk Coast' into 'Wog'. There was little mid-song banter from the band tonight. Baz did ask if the crowd were enjoying themselves at one point and did question someone who was shouting up at him - but even on repeated asking what he was saying couldn't make out the thick Belfast accent and gave up. The songs were coming thick and fast - one classic after another - there was very little to complain about in tonight's performance. 'Peaches' was given a rapturous acknowledgement but allowed me the chance to grab another quick smoke break. Here I caught up with Sean O'Neill (punk afficiando, author and founder of Spit Records) who was really impressed with tonight's performance. Sorry you never came over to Glasgow now Sean? Back in for the end of 'TWOOMS', the car crash keys of 'Lost Control' sounded superb from near the back of the tent. 'Duchess' saw the crowd once more raise the roof and no doubt pleased our Rattus T-shirt guy, and a stunning 'Curfew' saw the end of the set.
A short break then saw the band return for the the extended jazz-punk improvisation of 'Walk On By'. As I made my way back towards the front, I bumped into Kinky (drummer with The Defects) just as JJ began the bass crunching, ball rattling intro to 'No More Heroes'. The crowd were stunned as many were 'feeling it' for the first time and as the iconic G-string riffage crashed towards the opening chords, the audience erupted en masse. It just doesn't get any better than this - to witness your band, in your City, seeing the crowd react in this way - justifies why I love this band. Baz said if someone invites them back they would certainly be over again - I think the crowd would definitely turn out again to see them.
As the strains of 'Meninblack' begin to echo round and the lights go up - I struggle against the exiting crowd, making my way to meet up with those I had left at the barrier earlier. Set-lists purlioned, plectrums gathered in and even drum-sticks begged from Jim McCauley, the customary photo shoot was underway. More catching up with friends and chat about the gig was underway as we made our way outside. Various toilet shenanigans - who are we waiting on now? - ensued, until eventually we were ready to move on for post gig refreshments.
I directed our wee group round to The John Hewitt pub and after getting served we found ourselves in another wee corner table for the debriefing. Another couple were sitting there - both had also been at the gig - and they couldn't believe the various accents, all friends, all over for the gig and were completely gob-smacked when we all related how many gigs we had attended this year already. Of course Elaine blew everyone out off the water - but this guy was just amazed and thought we were all joking.
Eventually it was time to depart and, as I knew it would be difficult to find their way back, I walked Pat, Bev and William back to their hotel before heading on my own way home. Walking along with a contented smile on my face - it had been a fucking excellent day and night. Everyone seemed to have a good time - Belfast, you did me proud.
MULLY 04/05/15