Part of the Fewtrell empire of clubs and venues, Rebecca’s was located on Severn Street in the city centre, off John Bright St. It later became Boogies.
Spread over three floors, the rooms were called The Cabasa which was more of a cabaret room, then there was the Blue Soul room and the Sin Bin, down in the basement.
As the flyer shows, in 1977 Rebecca’s were beginning to host what were then termed New Wave Bands, but are what we would now consider Punk bands (or certainly lumped in with them). Great to see a Killjoys gig (note the spelling).
But what a line up in June! Killjoys, Blondie, Saints, XTC and the Jam.
What is noticeable though is that Rebecca’s were still putting on local legendary bands like Jameson Reid and Ricky Cool and the Icebergs at the same time. Punks and Rockers, sworn enemies frequenting the same venue!
I think it was primarily a reggae club with punk nights so there were always rastas and the air was thick with ganja. I remember seeing Ultravox and Generation X.
Does anyone remember The Police playing there on August 18th 1977? I would be interested in any memories for a book I am writing. Thanks, Paul
I used to be a regular at Rebecca’s for a few months in late 1970 / early 1971 when I lived in Brum. I remember seeing Johnny Johnson and the Bandwagon there in the basement – loved it. A great club !
I used to go to Rebecca’s in 1970 -71 and remember a band called Clearwater
Does anyone else recollect this band I had a date with the drummer and would love to see him or obtain a photo of him
Yours sincerely
Annie
I saw the Police in ’77 at Rebecca’s. I used to go with a guitar player pal but that night was on my own. Sting was wearing his army/air force jump suit, Copeland was on kit but another guitarist, not Summers was with the band.
G’day Sean,
I’m working on a doco about the group and wonder if you – or anyone you know – kept any memorabilia from the Rebecca’s club / gig? ie flyers, photos….
Cheers, Ben
For the guy who is writing the book re the Police
I went to Rebeccas a few times late 75 – early 76. Saturday nights on the top floor. Soul/disco music with a slowie section towards the end and a 2am finish.
Hi all,
I’m working on a doco about the Police and am seeking good scans of any flyers, photos, tape recordings…from the Rebecca’s gigs (they played in early ’77 before Andy Summers joined – but their first ever gig with the classic Sting-Summers-Copeland lineup was also at this venue in August ’77).
Cheers, Ben
I saw David Bowie there on a Sunday night not long after his Space oddity hit. He did a acoustic set which included The port of Amsterdam ,not more than sixty there brilliant night.
I saw David Bowie that night, I tell my 3 daughters about it and they can hardly believe that we were a very small audience and just sat on the floor while he played his guitar and sang. He was only just starting out and I don’t know if we would have believed how big he would become. What a memory. I remember he had curly hair then, am I right?
I used to be a semi-regular to the punk/New wave bands that they put on at Rebecca’s. I saw, among others, XTC, Siouxsie & the Banshees, The Killjoys, Penetration, Model Mania & Ricky Cool among many others. A great venue over 3 floors.
Good to see a rare mention of Zeth (listed for 1 June 1977). I was one of their roadies for a year or so and have happy memories of gigs in and around Birmingham and elsewhere with the band.
They could have made it big, but never quite managed it. Their material was quite unusual and very individual to the band and they were excellent musicians and great guys to be around.
I was in the band Model Mania and played at Rebeccas and also Barbarelles around 1977 . I am looking for photographs from this time if anybody has any , cheers
Hi
Was just randomly searching old school stuff and saw your post. Hope you pick this up as was friends with Jim during that time I do have a photo that’s had seen better days but can send it to you
I was reading that the Police did their first gig here on August 18th, 1977. Doubtful, but if someone had any advertising from that event, I would like to discuss? Thanks
I went there from 1970 to 1973 it was great Friday, Saturday and sometimes on a Wednesday if i had the money. Colin {rip} my best mate would come with me , after a few beers across town. The Sin Bin , The Blue Soul and The Cabasa were the different dance floors, i always made a beeline for a nice girl Dianne from Washwood Heath she was brill, then in 72/73 i met Jane from Shirley she was super nice and Colin was with her friend Jackie we had some nice times but i was out of a job after my apprenticeship finished , so i suppose i let her go because she lived too far away, i hate myself beause i let her down , no job and no money i thought she would;nt want me anyway Jane if you read this i hope you married and have had a happy life Raz xxx
I used to go to Rebeccas in 1973-1974 with my mates.
We used to get the bus from Tamworth and go home in a taxi.
I was still at school at the time and I used to work “on the milk” at weekends to earn my pocket money.
Would go to bed at 3am on Sunday morning, then get up at 5am to go to work.
Happy days !
Came to Rebecca’s in 1974 from Tamworth for my hen night we had an amazing night such an amazing atmosphere
Spent a lot of time at Rebeccas during 1977/78 andusedto hop between there and barbarellas to see all the bands. I distinctly remember seeing Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers. Johnny and Walter Lure were out of their heads and looking like zombies. A great night nevertheless.