Simon Glickman: One of the most stunning and impressive gigs I ever attended was Gang of Four’s 1981 show at Perkins Palace (in placid Pasadena, of all places).
Their focus and discipline were a radical, bracing departure from the ragged rock and anarchic punk that were de rigueur then, and Andy Gill’s magnetic stillness on stage, like a sniper firing jagged bursts of guitar noise through the band’s supple grooves, was an unforgettable vision.
The songs had genuine purpose and were beautifully structured, both angular and melodic. The band was a unit, devoid of ego and posturing, just blasting out a unified message.
Best of all, I saw them more than 20 years later, and they still radiated that sense of purpose. It was one of the things that inspired me to keep making music so many years later. ❖
Spanish Kitchen will reunite for the first time in 25 years for this year’s International Pop Overthrow tour. Visit International Pop Overthrow for more info.