The Sex Pistols weren't
allowed to play Newcastle on the Anarchy tour in '76 so this was our
first glimpse of Mr. Lydon (nee Rotten) in the flesh (well certainly
mine, anyway). My first disappointment was finding out that there were
no PiL logo earrings left at the merchandise stall. I would have killed
for one of those but they had sold out on previous dates. Cheers ya
southern bastards! Actually that was my second disappointment cause
my girlfriend who was supposed to be coming with me dumped me a few
days earlier.
The stage set was a graffitied
wall with the words 'Arsehole Audience Attention Awaits Ahead' stenciled
on it. Alliteration R US. Highlights of the show were a stereotypical
punk leaning over the balcony and screaming 'Anarchy!' to which JL replied
'Anarchy?, we always play in any fucking key!' During 'This Is Not A
Love Song' the words were changed to 'take the first train out of Newcastle...'.
The backing band were shite and 'Anarchy in the UK' was a travesty but
hey this was PiL after all.
Finally, I was too tight
to buy an official T-Shirt so bought a knock-off copy outside that fell
apart after a couple of washes. Happy days.
Gary Ellis |