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Hi everyone. As many of you know, have spend more than a few years now researching early Ultravox tour dates, right from their beginning as Tiger Lily until the first UK shows with Midge Ure in November 1979.

This article in SMASH HITS magazine (June 1981) by Chris Cross lists ten of the worst gigs he ever played.

Only FIVE of them are known to me, which came as a surprise and a shock. Irresistible to a researcher, of course!
Each of the ones I know about is from the John Foxx period (1976 – 1978) so I believe the rest might be too.
Not necessarily of course.

Can you help me source them, so we can add them to the ARCHIVE?

*****

TEN GIGS I NEVER WANT TO PLAY AGAIN

By Chris Cross (Ultravox) (no particular order)

first published in SMASH HITS, 25th June 1981



The Grey Topper, Jacksdale
“There were more people in the fish shop opposite than at the gig”
March 22nd 1977

Vikings, Goole and The Top Hat, Spennymoor
“No comment, just bad”

Shrewsbury Rugby Club
“instructions from the management were: “set your gear up under the TV lads” – the area was 3ft square.”

76 Club, Burton on Trent
We were instructed “you can’t miss it”, and after finding numbers 75, 77 and 78, we realised you had to go through a fish shop to get to the gig. Even the equipment had to go through that way.”
April 1st 1977

Liverpool Stadium (Supporting Eddie & the Hot Rods)
“To be played only wearing thermal underwear – the place was freezing!”
December 18th 1976

Pied Bull, Islington
“It had the worst promoters in the world – ourselves!”
September 28th 1975 (first date of several gigs, other dates unknown)

Bogarts, Birmingham
“The scene of a St Valentine’s day massacre. The place is like a prison with pictures of gangsters all over it”

The Limit, Sheffield
“The most aptly named club in England”
September 21st 1978

The Dolphins, Morecambe
“A disco bar in Morecambe! Can you imagine anybody disco-ing in Morecambe?”

Country Club, Ashby de la Zouch
“Not even the bar staff attended! We played to one person!”


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Nice work! I'll keep an eye out. I recently came across flyers for a 'secret' gig at Eric's in Liverpool but I believe that was already Ure-era.

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Originally Posted By: MemberD

Nice work! I'll keep an eye out. I recently came across flyers for a 'secret' gig at Eric's in Liverpool but I believe that was already Ure-era.



Can I see that please?

They played Eric's with Midge Ure on 2nd November 1979 - it was his first gig with the band!

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Found this one from 1978 ..


Rich Kids playing just a few days previously!

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Originally Posted By: Birdsong
Originally Posted By: MemberD

Nice work! I'll keep an eye out. I recently came across flyers for a 'secret' gig at Eric's in Liverpool but I believe that was already Ure-era.



Can I see that please?

They played Eric's with Midge Ure on 2nd November 1979 - it was his first gig with the band!


This is the November 79 list .. Ultravox ...+ guests?


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Fabulous - thanks for sharing. I know of someone who was there that night...

Look at these, with Midge's signature all over Foxx material. Splendid irony

http://www.bombedoutpunk.com/locations/1979-ultravox-play-live-at-erics-club-liverpool/


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