The Rezillos at the G8 Alternatives Benefit – Bongo Club Edinburgh - 8th July 2005
The G8 Summit at Gleneagles attracted not only the worlds’ political leaders but also what has now become the traditional accompaniment of many protesters traveling in from all over the world to demonstrate against ever encroaching globalization. In the months before the conference, internet sites of anarchists and extreme anti-globalisation and environmental activists had spoken of "bringing Scotland to its knees." As a result police presence was understandably heavy and many of the visitors were prevented from getting anywhere near the summit - therefore Edinburgh had had a fairly tense feel about it for several days by the time the “G8 Alternatives” benefit gig took place.
Police had been very much in evidence all along Princess Street, the main shopping street in the city, since the previous weekend. Many of the police had been drafted in from English forces and vans had even had to be rented from van companies to transport them to the potential flash points around the city. The combination of all of this resulted in an atmosphere in Edinburgh that reminded me, uncomfortably, of Yorkshire during the 1984/85 Coal Miners strike – the very worst period of “Thatcher’s Britain” from my personal perspective. I’d anticipated that the gig that night might even have to be cancelled upon Police advice, especially with the Scottish Parliament situated literally just a few hundred yards down the road from the venue and ringed by dozens of Police. All in all this was far from the usual setting for a Rezillos gig – an event that is normally an excuse for a great time to be had by all in a light hearted atmosphere.
After sets from other local Edinburgh bands Aberfeldy, the 55s, Saint Judes Infirmary and Peanut, the Rezillos hit the stage around midnight in front of a packed out venue and went straight into “25 Miles”, the Edwin Starr song and a really rousing set opener. It was clear from the off that they were totally unaffected by the events locally of the previous days.
Due to the nature of the event the audience was far from a hard core traditional Edinburgh Rezillos audience, a challenge they clearly relished. Rarely does a band in an intimate indoor venue have the chance to win over an audience consisting mainly of people who have probably been previously relatively unaware of them, and the band set about winning over some converts.
“Destination Venus”, “Top of the Pops’ and “Cold Wars” were up next, to leave the hardcore Rezillos fans in the crowd breathless and gasping for air after subsequent live airings of 3 of the bands classic singles in the very warm venue. It was so hot that the band’s “Purple Gang” rhythm section, drummer Angel Paterson and bass player Johnny Terminator, did not wear their traditional stage wear jackets – an event previously unheard of!
The as yet unreleased new song but live favourite “Number One Boy” was up next and after a few more of the bands classics the set closed with the band’s 1977 debut single, “I can’t stand my baby”. Much debate took place over the encore with Fay suggesting “Somebody’s going to get their head kicked in tonight” - Eugene decided that that choice was maybe a little inappropriate under the circumstances! “2000 AD” was an audience suggestion but it’s not a song that the band have performed live in over 27 years – one for the next rehearsal maybe? In the end “No” and “Mystery Action” were chosen to round off the night.
Another really terrific performance, leaving the audience wanting more after the compact 45 minute set and with the band having gained many converts from the younger than average audience. Anyone who has not seen the band should grab one of the opportunities to come later this year. Two dates for diaries that have been confirmed already are at Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall on Saturday 10th December and at the London Astoria the next night – both gigs are co-headliners with the Dickies. These should be really CLASSIC nights, so don’t miss them!!
Postscript
R.I.P. Jo Callis’s kilt – RIPPED & TORN
Purchased in 1977 and adjusted from a ladies full length kilt by Jo’s girlfriend of the time who shortened it for him, the kilt has since done sterling service as Jo’s preferred live stage outfit ever since. During the bands recent G8 Alternatives appearance, a mysterious rip appeared in the kilt toward the end of the bands set leaving it probably unserviceable in future.
Stop Press!
Lothian and Borders Police have just confirmed that a local woman, who will only identify herself by the name “Agnes” but who is believed to hail from Fife, is helping them with their enquiries into the above kilt ripping incident………….
Set List
25 Miles/Destination Venus/Top of the Pops/Cold Wars/Number One Boy/Getting me Down/ Good Sculptures/Flying Saucer Attack/Yesterday’s Tormentor/Can’t stand my baby/No/Mystery Action