From a festival that still seems to be thriving, unlike many which have hit financial troubles in recent years (Electric Picnic 2026 appears to be sold out), here are The Undertones from back in September 2007. This full show set was broadcast in April 2008 by RTE 2FM and as such the quality is excellent. Thanks to the uploader on 101Guitars (orangejuilus).
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-nX5hn4X7Se
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-BYqU2SppnD
Here's a DVD compilation that I put together some years ago that features a collection of TV and live appearances from 1978 to 2007. Quality varies, but it's a nice collection. Anyone recall where 'Bomb You' came from or is it another of those tracks like 'People Who Died' and 'White Trash', songs that saw the light of day for the briefest of times?
DVD image: https://go.wetransfer.com/t-F3bWP0s7pr
Artwork: https://go.wetransfer.com/t-OFKLnGXJ5h
What a summer Siouxsie has with a tour that has gone down a storm. It could be the last time she takes to the stage and if it is, what a way to go out! From what I have read, the two Troxy dates were great and what a fitting venue for her with all of its Art Deco splendour!
So, on topic, here are two tracks that I put onto DVD some years ago from the time of Mantaray. These may be of interest to someone as if you blinked you could well have missed them.
DVD Global Image: https://we.tl/t-1MUyDDMsXV
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-0X6OlrXxH3
Missed this one a few days ago in the same way that I miss people's birthdays these days... an age thing possibly...
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-sN3sPcFLTv
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-Sp34LzRjp7
Here those quirky Devo mutants bring de-evolution to Lombardy, plating at the Bergamo Festival in 2007.
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-sS2wt7XPDp
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-bQnqkWFCdi
Here is a pro-shot TV recording of Hugh in Germany in March 2007. As usual, a mixed set of Stranglers and solo material. This is a partial set (i.e. not the full gig) that was broadcast as pert of the long running Rockpalast series by the WDR Channel.
DVD image: https://we.tl/t-ouzuFdaXey
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-44XGsy2BaD
So here we have a great quality radio broadcast from the band's appearance in Reykjavic on the European leg of the Suite XVI tour. The only downside to this recording is that the hosting DJ insists on talking aplenty throughout the set... a little understood but not uncommon blight upon many European radio broadcasts. Any idea why they do it that way? Answers on a postcard.
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-iN9MPxfaq1
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-ZWBaOIKRLe
And the final set in the trio.... with Duelling Banjos!
And the following night in Brugge/Bruges.
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-tHlwkp0iXN
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-1Qn6R5aqmW
So the last recording posted was an acoustic, sorry make that aquostic, gig and indeed, as alluded to, The Stranglers tried their hand at a similar approach. 2007 was a very busy year for the band with much of their energies put into promotion in Europe, of the many gigs played that year, only a handful of summer dates and the November 'Rattus Revisited' were played in the UK. As well as busy, the shows were varied with the usual electric sets in the first half of the year to the aforementioned Rattus anniversary shows in the autumn and an 'unplugged' tour of the Lowlands squeezed in on either side.
I guess the decision to play such a tour on the continent was deliberate. The laid back style of an acoustic tour tends to go down better in Europe. It would appear that the band's European fan base are more accepting of this approach than is the case in the huge halls the band play in the UK. The fact that those halls crammed with pissed people (and here I would include my good self) wanting to go mental to 'Go Buddy Go' also sits awkwardly with the acoustic set style. That said, listen carefully to this gig and it is clear that there was a travelling band of likewise pissed up Brits (who shall remain nameless) in attendance!
I did some of the dates in 2011 and I must say the shows were very enjoyable giving the band a chance to play songs that don't particularly benefit from being blasted out of an O2 PA system.
FLAC: https://we.tl/t-fNq4De6R1A
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-jNXwHLoWf3