I'm always a bit wary of revisiting musical inspiration from my twenties (code for late 1970s early 1980s kids). But there can be exceptions and tonight was one of those. There were two bands that I should have seen when I was young and stupid but didn't because well...
Hooked in by a promised appearance of the legendary 'Cult Figures'. I've got their 'Zip Nolan' single from back in the day that thought that was it, 7 seconds of fame and blam they were gone. I think that was the case at the time but they are out there again. Indeed I had a ticket to see them a couple of years ago only to have them enigmatically cancel the gig. Did they really exist? Were they imaginary Cult Figures? Whatever I've still got the flyer for the gig that never happened. As it turns out they are real and produce an infectious sound that's a lot of fun since you're asking. Because there was never an extensive back catalogue their set was mainly relatively new songs including a few recent unreleased tracks, meeting my criteria of moving on. I could have listened to them for longer and thanks to streaming services undoubtedly will.
Television Personalities were a bit more real in my memory not least for the 'hit' the instantly singalong smash 'Part Time Punks' and an album with a picture of Steed from the Avengers with Twiggy on the cover. This combo was formed and led by Dan Treacy who is not able to tour anymore and entrusts his creations to capable hands who play them with a great amount of warmth, wit, and energy. There was something touching about the current line-ups dedication to keeping the Television Personalities legacy alive and with a good bit of kick. They were joined onstage for a couple of numbers by the garage band legend Lenny Van Helsing probably best known for legendary Edinburgh combo the Thanes. They ended the set with the 'hit' keeping everyone happy.
It was a great night filling in some gaps in my musical memories.
Shout out too for the opening act Big Lanes who hail from a more recent vintage and produce a guitar drenched pop sound that is well worth catching.
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