Shows/1978-11-16
| November 16, 1978 | |
|---|---|
 | |
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| Chislehurst Caves | |
| City |  London
|
| Tour | UK Ubu Dance Party Tour |
| Event | |
| Billing | |
Photos
The Red Crayola
Photos by Shirley O'Loughlin
Pere Ubu
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Photo: Denis O'Regan
Record Mirror
November 25, 1978, pg.47
Alf Martin
Secrets and promises are to be broken. The secret was. The promise wasn't. Everyone seemed to know that Pere Ubu was going to play Chislehurst Caves but the promise that it wouldn't be printed was kept. The reason? The gig would have been blown out if higher authorities had found out. Seems the place is unsuitable.
How did everyone get there? Coaches from a couple of points in London set off on the 'mystery' tour ending up at the caves.
Caves are alright as caves but as rock venues they're bloody cold. A glass of lager in the hand had to be switched from left to right very quickly to stop them from going blue. Brandy was definitely the answer. Red Crayola were on when we got there but I'm afraid not much can be said of them. Anyway, most people had come for the lig or to see Pere Ubu.
You can't miss him, he's the big one. Actually, that's being kind, he's obese.
Bloody hell! He doesn't sing as you'd expect. He's got this high pitched shriek of a voice. As though someone's grabbed him by the short and curlies and is tugging away. No wonder he uses a throat spray. I'd like to know what he's singing about. I don't think I could put any of the words to the title of his songs. Well, perhaps a few but I'm sure I'd get most of them wrong. I know It's pretty hip to get into the guy and understand the deeply meaningful lyrics but I'll have to lower my head and admit that I don't know what he's on about.
The stupid thing is, I really enjoyed him and the band. Musically they were good if a little strange at times. It's difficult to describe him but the closest I can get is early Bee Gees! What? Fans of Pere Ubu might say. But if you remember them as bleating lambs and speed it up a bit, that's him.
The people who are in the know and have their fingers on the great man's pulse, enjoyed it. Me? I loved It. He made me feel warm. Or was that the brandy?
Ephemera
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Recording
Purportedly there is a cassette of the Pere Ubu set[1]