The Buzzcocks, All Flight Crew Are Dead, Terence Dicks
Fowler's Live
Sat 16 September


An early start at Fowler's Live, Terence Dicks did their kind of stoner garage rock at 8:20 pm with a reasonable crowd watching, though everyone seemed too scared to move closer to the front. I don't think some of them quite got the humour in the music. They also did a cover of The Chambers Brothers Time Has Come Today.

All Flight Crew Are Dead, locals from the early- to mid-'90s, hadn't played since 200; the sound of those Rickenbacker guitars! I heard they had ten practices for this show and were apparently playing the same songs they did ten years ago! Not that there is anything wrong with that - the crowd, for one, seemed to be enjoying them, venturing closer to the stage.

When the Buzzcocks finally took the stage, the crowd got excited - leading to much singing, pogo-ing and dancing.

They started off with Flat Back Philosophy from the last album of the same name and played all the expected crowd favourites Autonomy, Ever Fallen In Love, What Do I Get, Oh Shit and ended the encore with Orgasm Addict.

Pete Shelly seemed a bit tired/sombre, but the guitarist Steve Diggly, (dressed in white denim and a white shirt with black dots), certainly made an impression, bursting with energy. He played up to the crowd with rock moves like you wouldn't believe - jumping and windmills included. Bass player Tony Barber ably rocked-out to the side with more subtle moves and a fantastic pair of wrap-around sunglasses. Too cool!

The sound down the front at the start of the set was a bit muddy and couldn't be heard clearly, but it was a great gig, even though it seemed the band wasn't having such a great time due to sound issues. But it got better as the set went on.

Tonight there were lots of old-school punks and skins and a few new/young fans in the audience - it seemed that everyone enjoyed themselves and it was good to see a lot of Fred Perry shirts out!

Julie Richards

Pic: Julie Richards