Nigel has had a long and varied history in Birmingham’s music history. 1979 Hostaria 1980 Rum Runner (Manager) 1983 Tin Can Club (Promoter) 1985 Artist/Tour Manager 1987 The Ritz, Manchester (Ent. Manager) 1988 Powerhouse (Ent. Manager) 1989 Notes The Bar (Licensee) 1991 Unity House (Promoter) 1991 Snobs (Licensee/Promoter) 1994 Different Drummer (Partner) 1998 Oracabessa Records… Read More »Nigel Blunt
Known for his role as one of the original members of Duran Duran, Stephen Duffy is a consummate songwriter. He went on to form The Lilac Time, was probably best know for his ‘Kiss Me’ song under the guise of Stephen ‘Tin Tin’ Duffy and eventually wound up writing for Robbie Williams. This track shows… Read More »Lilac Time
Barbarella’s is one of Birminghams legendary venues. It stood on the site of what is now the RBS Bank in BrindleyPlace. If memory serves me right, the address was 37 Cumbernauld St. [nggallery id=20] Part of the Fewtrell family chain of venues in Birmingham, it was initially a disco type venue that quickly turned into… Read More »Barbarella’s
Late 70s/early 80s band with Adrian Goldberg on vocals, Rolf on drums and Sid Collins on bass. Poster pictured is a hand drawn effort by The Nightingales to promote a gig at the Golden Eagle. [nggallery id=42]
I’m pleased to announce that Made in Birmingham: Reggae Punk Bhangra is now available to watch online. Directed by Deborah Aston, herself a punk from the days of The Mermaid, Barrel Organ and Powerhouse, and made by swish films for the Birmingham Music Archive, Made in Birmingham tells the story of the evolution of the… Read More »Made in Birmingham: Reggae Punk Bhangra
Working with Reggae Archive Records from Bristol http://reggaearchiverecords.com we’re pleased to announce the first release on that album is the seminal Birmingham reggae band Eclipse. Contemporaries of Steel Pulse and UB40, Eclipse were at the heart of the vibrant Birmingham reggae scene that include other great bands such as Unity, Cornerstone, Natress, Iganda, Black Symbol,… Read More »Eclipse – Corrupted Society
Eclipse are one of the great lost reggae bands of Britain. Contemporaries and friends of Birmingham legends Steel Pulse, Inner Reggae Rhythm would be the only album Eclipse would release during their time, and this was strictly limited to between 500-1000 copies, no one was ever sure how many were actually pressed up! Eclipse hailed… Read More »Eclipse
Nick from The Libertines has sent this info in: 1987-89: The Libertines Russ Hunt: Vocal & Guitar Mark Bellamy: Guitar Paul Clifford Nick Raybould: Drums Gigged all over Britain supporting The Wonder Stuff. Also some London shows with Jesus Jones etc. We got a fair bit of press and a few John Peel plays for… Read More »The Libertines
Probably the most important venue for House music in the city. More to do with the attitude and vibe at the venue than for any legendary night. Cited by all the main players in that scene as being pivotal in the development of House in the city. It was by the Rag Market (which would… Read More »Marco Polo
Second Hand Band (SHB) were formed in Birmingham during October 1974 and comprised of ex members from the bands Eclipse, Etelka and Che. The original line up was Bob Ensor (drums) John Patchett (guitar) Clive Hunt (Bass guitar) and Gary Wookey (vocals). Most of the material they played, about 99%, was self penned. The band’s… Read More »Second Hand Band