Those 12 Bar Nights - New Book by Mark 'Barnet' Webster with memories from Staff, Performers and Customers of the much-missed 12 Bar Club

"Those 12 Bar Nights" is a suberb, beautifully presented new book by Mark 'Barnet' Webster that features memories, photos and stories from Staff, Performers and Customers of London's much-missed 12 Bar Club. I've heard the 12 Bar described as the best ever dive bar, a Punk Rock Heaven (and haven) and London's answer to CBGB's and it's loss to heartless property developers and culturally clueless money-grabbing local council and Government is still keenly felt. I haven't missed a venue so much since the Hammersmith Clarendon was similarly bulldozed to make way for a monstrosity of a shopping mall. Sure, I also mourn the loss of the Astoria, The Hammersmith Palais, The Old Trout in Windsor, The Marquee and many more - but the 12 Bar was so much more than just another venue. It was the social aspect too, a place where lasting friendships and memories were formed, all right in the heart of London's most famous and historic musical street, Tin Pan Alley or Denmark Street to give it it's rightful name. The book is beautifully illustrated and includes hundreds of photographs of not only some of the bands and people that appeared, but of the character-packed venue itself. Initial copies of the book were individually credited on the cover, signed and included prints, stickers and postcards of various flyers, posters and superb cartoon artwork, the whole package is an absolute delight. Credit to Mark for the painstaking work in compiling the many contributions into a fascinating and nostalgic look back at the 12 Bar Club's history - including my own, as you can see reproduced below...

"I first went to the 12 Bar Club when The Fallen Leaves started their Minimum R'n'B Club nights on a Wednesday and straight away I was hooked. I was so happy to find a spiritual Rock 'n' Roll home right in the heart of London but also angry with myself that I hadn't discovered it sooner. I rarely missed any of the Leaves' residencies, not only were they one of the best live acts I'd seen but they had the habit of choosing excellent support acts and DJ's to make them nights to remember. The only downside was the Wednesday night... as I had to travel into London from out in the sticks and the nights were long and late, I found myself transported back to my youth - rushing out to race across town to catch the last fast train home. As I soon made many good friends and gig acquaintances at the 12 Bar Club, I learned to sneak out secretly as saying goodbye to everyone could take quite a while and the trains would not wait just for me! This soon went by the wayside and I would usually be late and have to cadge a lift back or wait at the station for the bone-shaker slow train. It was always worth it.

It was the friends I made at the 12 Bar that would be equally, if not more important than the great bands I would see there and this will always make it a hugely important part of my life. It also kept me busy with loads of content for Retro Man Blog and Retrosonic Podcast and myself and my colleague, Rock Photographer Paul Slattery, filed loads of reports from memorable gigs at the 12 Bar. There are too many great nights to mention them all, just check out the Blog and you can see what I mean - but I would say one particularly memorable night was Crash '74 who were a one-off band featuring Harley Feinstein, the original drummer of one of my favourite bands Sparks and his wife Michelle on vocals. They were joined by Nicky Forbes from The Revillos, Stevie Savage and friends to deliver a fun-packed singalong of some of their greatest hits and a selection of cover versions. So, I owe the 12 Bar a hell of a lot and I was gutted when I heard it was going to close down. Hopefully, one day in the future we'll see a new 12 Bar appear - we can but dream!"

You can buy the book from the London Callin' web-site here and there's also a Facebook Group with more information here. There may be plans to release a second edition, so if you have any memories, photos or stories from the 12 Bar Club but missed out contributing to this book, then please contact Mark at the Facebook Group. 

Punk Art Show Opening Night Party at The Underdog Gallery

Gaye (Advert) Black at The Punk Art Show - Photo by Retro Man Blog

We went along to the opening night party of the Punk Rock 'n' Roll Art Show at the Underdog Gallery, a great space situated underneath the railway arches of London Bridge station. Curated and hosted by Martin Stacey from The Bermondsey Joyriders and Luigia Minichiello we were treated, not only to a fine display of Art by various notable Punk Rock musicians and Punk-inspired Artists but also some entertaining live sets too. First onto the Art itself and there was a real variety on offer including some fine pieces by the legendary Buzzocks designer Malcolm Garrett, Gaye Black (Advert) and Clara Basoni of Raw Cuts. There were impressive displays by JC Carroll of The Members and Nick Cash and it was really great to finally meet David Worth and see some examples of his superb Punk Rock Cartoons. It was also nice to bump into Ian from Damaged Goods Records and Andy from Fear & Loathing fanzine and my Retro Man Blog colleague Paul Slattery was pleased to catch up with fellow Rock Photographers Ray Stevenson and Erica Echenberg. I didn't get chance to chat to the night's DJ Jeff Munday as he was spinning some great tunes from what must be the most precarious DJ booth I have ever seen! The Action Men monkeyed around to our amusement and live music was provided by Taurus Trakker, Spizz and our good pals The Fallen Leaves. Overall, it was a excellent night and a great exhibition, the only problem is that it closes on Monday October 29th which is a shame as it deserves a much longer run. Great work by Martin, Luigia and their team.

Punk Rock Raffle! - Punk Rock 'n' Roll Art Show

The Punk Art Show - Photo by Retro Man Blog

Martin Stacey at The Punk Art Show - Photo by Retro Man Blog

The Punk Art Show - Photo by Retro Man Blog

The Fallen Leaves at The Punk Art Show - Photo by Retro Man Blog

The Punk Art Show - Photo by Retro Man Blog

Spizz at The Punk Art Show - Photo by Retro Man Blog

The Punk Art Show - Photo by Retro Man Blog

Erica Echenberg, Gaye, Ray Stevenson & Paul Slattery by Retro Man Blog

David Worth from Punk Rock Cartoons - Photo by Retro Man Blog

The Action Men at The Punk Art Show - Photo by Retro Man Blog

For more photos of the Punk Art Show opening night, please check out the Retro Man Blog Facebook page here to access the Photo Album. If you are not already following, please give us a 'Like'.

Duncan Reid & The Big Heads live at The 12 Bar Club July 20th

Duncan Reid live at the 12 Bar Club - Photo by Paul Slattery

So, it was back up to the 12 Bar Club again which is fast becoming our favourite venue and hang-out in London, this time to see a solo show by Duncan Reid, the bassist from The Boys. Duncan is promoting his excellent new album “Little Big Head”, which effortlessly continues on from The Boys impressive legacy of timeless melodic song-writing, packed full of harmonies and memorable choruses. It really is one of those perfect albums – from the sequencing of the songs, the depth and strength of the song-writing, the overall sound and punch of the production and the great cover art photography by David Apps, who has already featured on the Blog and Retrosonic Podcast in his own right. The whole package is faultless and I was looking forward to hearing the songs live.

The Feathers with added Spizz - Photo by Paul Slattery

Support on the night came from The Feathers, who feature Danie on guitar and vocals, decked out with spiky red hair and a union jack tailcoat jacket, looking like an extra from Derek Jarman’s “Jubilee”. Dazzle is on drums and multi-coloured haired Molly, none other than Spizz’s daughter on bass and vocals, and they kicked up a great Glam-Punk racket. It was fun and raw and featured a stage invasion for a sing-along “When Was the Last Time You Had Sex” and then an appearance from Molly's proud dad Spizz, who joined the band for a rendition of Spizzenergi's classic “Amnesia". The Feathers are a really enjoyable band and well worth checking out.  

Duncan and Anna - Photo by Paul Slattery

Duncan Reid took to the tiny 12 Bar stage, and slammed into the great “Montevideo” from the new album, it’s clear from the start that Duncan has lost none of his trademark energy as he leaps around the stage, slinging his bass around, he looks remarkably youthful. It is then into “TCP”, The Boys tribute to the Ramones and the trusty remedy to acne. “She’s a Handful” is taken from the “Mattless Boys” album that Duncan did with Honest John Plain. They called it that as a joke because all The Boys played on it apart from Matt Dangerfield. Two more excellent songs from the new “Little Big Head” album follow “Aren’t Women Wonderful” and “Thinking”, which with its rumbling slow bass build up and clever word-play is one of the night’s highlights. The band then give a sprightly work-out to The Undertones “Teenage Kicks”, with guitarist Alex Gold taking over on lead vocals and the song fits in perfectly with the night’s set-list. “Too Late” the piano led ballad follows and then Alex is back on lead vocals to sing one of his own songs “Oh Roisin”, released under the band name Darling Boy, it’s a nice gesture by Duncan and the song is warmly received. “I’m fed up with telling everyone that Alex is not my son” Duncan quips, and there is no denying there is a resemblance, not only in appearance, but in the quality song-writing stakes too. 

Alex and Duncan - Photo by Paul Slattery

I think Duncan has assembled a great band around him, and there is undoubted chemistry amongst them all, but in particular with Alex as they trade riffs and synchronised guitar-hero leaps and poses, it’s very entertaining. I knew that Alex performed as a singer-songwriter in his own right and also continues the fine work laid down by the now sadly defunct Word Magazine by promoting “Word In Your Ear” gigs and events for ex-Magazine subscribers, along with the magazine’s founders David Hepworth and Mark Ellen. I asked Duncan about the rest of the band and he explained, “Tom, the drummer is a young school friend of Alex and they grew up together in Redditch. Guitarist Anna, I met in Germany, she was in a band with Vom Richie from Die Toten Hosen called Wet Dog. Tom is allergic to vegetables, Alex is a vegetarian and Anna doesn't do milk or nuts. Promoters all over Europe are pulling their hair out when asked to feed us..!” They are a multi-talented bunch – Anna is also an excellent guitarist, a supercool presence to Duncan’s left, who takes over on bass when Duncan plays the keyboards and then Alex also covers on keyboards – in fact, Tom’s the only one who doesn’t swap instruments throughout the gig! It’s great to see a solo artist performing, not just with a backing band, but as a band, if you get my drift, and this becomes apparent on the great track “Kelly’s Gone Insane”, which tonight surpasses the already pretty-damn-near-perfect recorded version. Alex takes over lead vocals again for a rabble-rousing sing-along of arguably, The Boys finest moment, “Brickfield Nights” before we have a bit of a breather with “All Fall Down”. 

Alex, Duncan, Anna and Tom - Photo by Paul Slattery

Another great rocker from the new album, “77” follows, and then there is a trio of classic Boys numbers to end the set, “I Don’t Care”, “Box Number” and a fantastic “First Time”, which sparks off mass outbreaks of air-guitar and singing from the crowd….great stuff! Of course, following such an excellent performance there are calls for an encore and we are treated to “Gotta Call Simone” from the new album, which you can also hear on our new Retrosonic Podcast, The Boys’ “Terminal Love” which morphs into “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and it's list of Rock 'n' Roll casualties. Then to cap it all, a rowdy finale of The Yobs comedy Punk classic “The Worm Song” and “Sick On You” which was a Boys track originally performed way back when they were The Hollywood Brats. What an excellent show, packed full of so many memorable songs and a superb energetic performance from Duncan Reid and his band, The Big Heads – the buzz around the 12 Bar and the smiles on the crowd’s faces afterwards were certainly testament to that. 

Duncan Reid at the 12 Bar Club - Photo by Paul Slattery

With thanks to Paul Slattery for the great photos - you can see more photos by heading over to the Retro Man Blog Facebook page and hitting "Like", for access to the Photo Album. For more info, news and updates please check out Duncan Reid's official web-site, Alex Gold's Darling Boy web-site and The Feathers Facebook page. You can hear a track from Duncan Reid's excellent new album "Little Big Head" in our brand new Episode 8 of Retrosonic Podcast below:

The Rezillos + SpizzEnergi: Live at 229 The Venue April 26th

Fay Fife of The Rezillos - Photo by Paul Slattery

The Rezillos long-awaited return to London took place at 229 The Venue at Great Portland Street, I'd never been here before and to say it was an unusual place for a gig is not an understatement. I wasn't the only one who had problems finding it either as there was a procession of confused looking Punky types walking up and down Great Portland Street, bewildered by the strange numbering system of the buildings. I went into two different pubs before some kind soul directed me - "It's across there, just round the corner of Pizza Hut" - ah, there it was, a large entrance with a big neon 229 over it - I went to enter but was stopped by a bouncer - "Who are you here to see?", "The Rezillos", "Not here mate", "What..? Are you kidding?", "No, it's just over there..." The actual entrance is what appeared to be a cross between a youth hostel and an office building. Inside the venue itself is large, quite a good room with a bar right at the back and the sound desk set tucked in one corner, giving an excellent and unobstructed view of a rather high stage.

Rezillos in 1978 by Paul Slattery

Photographer Paul Slattery and I made our way backstage and managed to have a nice chat with original band members Eugene, Fay and drummer Angel Patterson and also guitarist Jim Brady as they warmed up before the show. It was a great opportunity for Paul to catch up with a band that he hadn't seen since photographing them live at the Music Machine way back in 1978.

I managed to catch the last half of the set by SpizzEnergi and they played a blinder, and I mean that quite literally, as Spizz is covered head-to-toe in reflective logos and flashing LCD belt buckles. All of this, together with his shock of spiky bright blonde hair, means it might be a good idea to take some shades with you to your next Spizz gig. He's a live-wire front-man and puts on a great show, eyes smudged with mascara, he does look like he's been beamed down from some sort of flying saucer attack. Spizz has also gathered a great band around him, including guitarist Luca from The DeRellas, and they really inject a bit of sleazy glam Punk & Roll into proceedings. "Soldier Soldier", "Red and Black", "Spock's Missing" - all go down a storm with the packed out venue. But of course it's one of Punk Rock's best ever 7" singles, the classic "Where's Captain Kirk?", that sparks off the biggest response, and tonight it's so good it's almost worth the price of admission on it's own.

Spizz - Photo by Steve Worrall

Time for The Rezillos, and I managed to take a few pics from behind the stage and then went down to the front to take some more photos. This was not easy - the stage must have been about six and a half feet high and the rather dour bouncers would not let you touch the stage, let alone put your beers, or even your coats, on it. A few people around me were getting irate with their attitude and petty behaviour and later, after a bit of a confrontation with some exuberant but harmless dancers and pogoers - one of them appeared in front of me looking slightly dishevelled "I'm going to call the Police", he said rather shakily.

The Rezillos - Photo by Paul Slattery

The band kick off with the fantastic "come-back" single "Out of This World", it's sometimes a brave move to start with a new number, but not when it comes to The Rezillos as the song's quality is such that it stands up perfectly well to the classic "Flying Saucer Attack" that immediately follows. The stomping "Mystery Action" and "Getting Me Down" keep the crowd on a high as Fay and Eugene trade vocals and stalk the stage, looking remarkably good as if they have been cryogenically frozen in time by some advanced being from one of their much-loved flying saucers.

Jim, Eugene and Chris look for Flying Saucers - Photo by Steve Worrall

Then we get new song "Life's a Bitch" and their latest single "Number 1 Boy", both songs again proving that the band can write new material that, not only does them proud but leaves us fans with the enticing prospect of a cracking new Rezillos album to look forward to. "2000AD" and "It Gets Me" crank up the fantastic atmosphere another notch and a really great new number "So Deep" sounds like it could be a classic.

Fay Fife by Paul Slattery

Of course Fay and Eugene's wonderful double act is the main focal point, but guitarist Jim Brady gets in on the act, throwing shapes and attacking his guitar with a real energy and a big grin. Drummer Angel Patterson and bassist Chris Agnew are more low key visually and let their playing do the talking - but those familiar bouncing bass runs and quick-fire drums are still a vital ingredient in The Rezillos sound. One of those classic bass-lines introduces "(My Baby Does) Good Sculptures", surely one of the best B-Sides ever, and this is followed by a manic "Bad Girl Reaction" and then it's the crowd favourite "Top Of The Pops". The Rezillos always traded in idiosyncratic cover versions such as their takes on Mersey Beat hits such as  The Dave Clark Five's "Glad All Over" and Gerry & The Pacemaker's "I Like It", and tonight we get a spirited run through of "River Deep, Mountain High" by another charismatic duo, Ike & Tina Turner. The set ends with "Can't Stand My Baby" and the crowd go even wilder, shouting out the chorus, "It is uncool, Oh Yeah" Well, there's nothing uncool about The Rezillos that's for sure! That's it, the band leave the stage and I'm certainly not glad it's all over. There are enthusiastic calls for an encore and the band re-appear and blast through four more prime tracks "No", "Destination Venus", "Cold Wars" and of course there's "Somebody's Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonight" which sparks off a mass outbreak of pogoing and shoving - the bouncers suddenly begin to look nervous again.

What a gig! It was even better than the last time I saw them at the Camden Underworld and I voted that as one of my best gigs of 2011. Tonight's show will certainly take some beating, the set was expertly balanced with all the excellent new songs blending in perfectly well, so the future looks bright for The Rezillos, positively Day-Glo in fact! Here are some more photos...

Eugene & Fay backstage - Photo by Paul Slattery

Fay Fife - Photo by Paul Slattery

The Rezillos - Photo by Steve Worrall

Fay and Eugene - Photo by Steve Worrall

Eugene & Spizz backstage - Photo by Paul Slattery

Above two B&W Photos by Paul Slattery

Thanks to Fay, Eugene and Jim and of course to Paul Slattery for the excellent photos, old and new. For more exclusive photos, including back-stage shots, "Like" the Retro Man Blog Facebook page here and check out the Rezillos + Spizz Photo Album.

Punk & Beyond - Gaye Advert curated Art Exhibition Launch Night Nov 24th at The Signal Gallery

Gaye Advert

I was lucky enough to go to the launch night of the new "Punk & Beyond" exhibition curated by Gaye Advert, the iconic bassist with The Adverts. The Exhibition features artwork by various musicians, DJ's and artists involved in Punk Rock through the years and whilst, some pieces might be more a case of enthusiasm over natural artistic talent, the standard throughout is very high. Gaye Advert herself was also extremely pleasant and her superb artwork sold out in minutes, you can see why she deserves to be curating the Exhibition.

An unexpected highlight for me were Ray Gange's colourful and vibrant triology of quotes from Chinatown, Goodfellas and The Clash's "Clash City Rockers". Ray Gange was the star of The Clash movie "Rude Boy" which, along with Quadrophenia, pretty much informed my teenage years. Ray was in attendance and was extremely friendly, willing to talk about his experiences with The Clash as well as his artwork and DJing.

Ray Gange in front of "Wiseguys"

I had a nice chat to photographer Ray Stevenson too who was exhibiting some of his early Punk photographs such as a very early Adam & The Ants photo and a great portrait of Gaye Advert. Also there on the night were Grant Hart from Husker Du, Don Letts, photographer Jill Furmanovsky, author of '77 Sulphate Strip Barry Cain, Dave Collins from Podrophenia, Jenny from The Priscillas and Shanne Bradley from the Nipple Erectors amongst others.

Photographer Ray Stevenson

I managed to talk to Billy Childish, who was also very pleasant and interesting about his fellow Medway-ites The Len Price 3 and Ranscombe studios. As I left the gallery I was dazzled by a cheerful bundle of energy with a bright shock of blonde hair and flourescent emblazoned outfit proclaiming Spizz Energi. Yes, the singer of one of my all time favourite post-punk songs "Where's Captain Kirk?", a classic single if ever there was one. Spizz was great fun posing for photos and it was a real pleasure to finally meet him. Other artwork on display included works by Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, Robert Pollard from Guided By Voices who contributed three excellent pieces, Jamie Reid's classic "Rock & Roll Swindle" collage and one of my favourite pieces on the night, "Dog in Aldridge Road Villas" by The Clash's bassist Paul Simonon. I'd been to see an exhibition of Paul's Spain influenced artwork previously in a very posh Mayfair gallery so was already aware of his talents. 

Spizz with Gary Loveridge

But it was those interesting surprises that were the real pleasure of the night, as I mentioned Ray Gange's artwork but also there was a really great wall mounted sculpture called "Mick Jones Guitar With Life Mask" by Alabama 3's Nick Reynolds and nice portraits of Poly Styrene by Chris Bell from The Briefs. The Exhibition was actually a fitting tribute to Poly Styrene who so tragically passed away earlier this year and there were some additional portraits of Poly by Knox and Charlie Harper as well as photographs by Ian Dickson. The news about Poly was made even sadder as she had just released a fanatasic new album "Generation Indigo" that was getting critical acclaim and putting her back in the fore-front of music again where she deserves to be. 

Gaye Advert Artwork

It is also touching to think of Ari Up who also passed away at tragically young age at a time when she had also released a great new Slits album. It was nice to see both Ari and Poly  paid tribute to in the art and photography on display. Other notable exhibitors included Michael Davis from the MC5, Penny Rimbaud with some very striking pieces, Mark Mothersbaugh from Devo, Marco Pirroni from Adam & The Ants/The Wolfmen and Jowe Head from the Swell Maps. I would thoroughly recommend a visit to the gallery to catch the exhibition before it ends and sincerely hope that this becomes an even more regular event.

The Exhibition is being held until December 17th at The Signal Gallery at 32 Paul Street London EC2A 4LB

Here are some more of my photos from the launch night.

The Signal Gallery

Robert Pollard from Guided By Voices

Jamie Reid

Artwork by Michael Davis of The MC5

Poly Styrene by Chris Bell of The Briefs

Self Portrait by Marco Pirroni

Artwork by Jowe Head of Swell Maps

Paul Simonon "Dog in Alridge Villas"

Artwork by Penny Rimbaud

Artwork by Robyn Hitchcock

The Adverts by Jill Furmanovsky

The packed out Signal Gallery

Gaye Advert in front of her artwork

All Photos by Steve Worrall - Many thanks to Gaye Advert and Chris from Signal Gallery