This is my first post on this board. I might not have posted at all but I noticed one or two posts from people who used to go and see them back in the day and so thought I'd add my own memories. Hopefully not too dull.
I remember a couple of the names that 'Staydead' mentioned in his post. Here's a few more: Darren, Fuggy (or was it Foggy? real name Paul I think), Sue, Adrian (from Goole), Helen (Bacup), John (Roadie, also in Chatshow).
I was a bit of latecomer compared to some. I think I first saw PD supporting Sex Gang Children at Manchester Poly. I guess it was through SGC that a lot of the followers of the band picked up on them.
I must have seen Play Dead about 21-22 times - which was peanuts compared to the real hardcore. Anyway, select memories would include getting busted for sleeping in the 'empty' house in Retford. Serious trouble at the Tin Can in Birmingham - the band drove us all back to New Street station - which saved our skins (no pun intended) that night. In fact I think one of the skinheads fell through the roof and broke his neck??. The gig supporting the Cult at Aylesbury Friars when Ian Astbury said 'We're bigger than Play Dead'. A blistering set at the Leeds Futurama festival - best band that day. Many more.....
It seemed that about 50% of PD gigs would see mild to moderate violence in the crowd for one reason or another.If you listen to the beginning of 'Break' on the 'Into the fire' live LP, Steve plays a chord and then pauses briefly. This was because a ruck had broken out which he spotted! I think the band got a bit of a reputation because of this - which didn't help them. They did nothing to encourage this I should point out. Violence was often an issue at many post-punk/indie gigs at this time. Maybe it still is.
On a more contentious note; I think Play Dead could have been more succesful than they were at the time - but that they blew it! Musically their 'golden age' was when their set contained songs like Total Decline, Pray to Mecca, Bloodstains Pleasure and Propaganda. They were generating a seriously powerful funk-driven blast at this time. It was great to dance to (and that's what it all came down to really in terms of going to gigs and still does I'm sure). It was much better than the tribal chicken-dance quick/slow plod of the Sex Gang Children.
Sometime in 1984 (I think), their sound changed - live and on record. The live guitar sound became much more dominant and they ditched the hand-clapper. It all became - to my mind - stodgier! Don't get me wrong, there were still some good tunes 'Walk Away' springs to mind - that was always good live, but it was never as good. Most of the people that I knew that followed them felt this way.
The records on the other hand were relatively polished in comparison to the live sound. Awash with phased bass and reverb like countless other bands of the era. I owned everything up to and including 'Company of Justice' and I have to say that everything after 'Shine' was a bit of a disappointment.....
Well anyway, that's my tuppence worth. I see that many fans on here really rate the later recorded stuff, so I better not labour the point! If PD become an influential band long after they were gone then they probably deserve it more than many 'bigger' bands of the time.
ps. Can't help this but - the Cult were a big drink of water live. Rubbish!
