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This is the archive of the combined Barking Spider and Andy Broad Portsmouth Blues Site mailing lists.
For the latest information on what's on at The Bullfrog Blues Club click here
Barking Spider Promotions Mailing List |
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Twentyseven years after being banned from performing in Portsmouth, Barking Spider are delighted to announce that THE TUBES are back in town, and will appear at South Parade Pier on Tuesday December 14th during their U.K Tour, which also takes in such prestigious venues as Shepherds Bush Empire. In the tradition of Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, the Tubes were one of the first bands to write and perform songs in a head-on theatrical onslaught. They simply didn't entertain, they shocked audiences into submission. They will go down in the rock history as one of the most exciting, in-your-face tight-knit group of musicians, epitomising the hilarity of popular American culture by making it into a the ultimate rock'n'roll extravaganza. Some say they were about 15 years ahead of Madonna, and light years ahead of the politically correct...... Rikki Farr, a great friend of the Portsmouth music scene, the former promoter of the Isle of Wight Festival (and the man who first brought Country Joe & The Fish to South Parade Pier in 1969!!) was a great fan of The Tubes, and in 1977 persuaded them to tour the U.K. and record a live album. One of the band's first U.K. concerts, was scheduled for Remembrance Sunday 1977 at Portsmouth Guildhall. Under pressure from The British Legion, who strongly objected to the show, Portsmouth Council officials took the trip to Newcastle to see the band perform their first gig of the tour to make up their own minds whether the show should go on. The Portsmouth Councillors saw a show which involved mock bondage rituals, simulated sex, a 12-foot high rock star by the name of Quay Lude singing 'White Punks On Dope', exploding televisions, chainsaws and an array of semi-clad dancers. Lurid headlines in the tabloid press such as "How would you like your daughter to see this?" can't have helped matters either... The Tubes were banned from performing at Portsmouth Guildhall. However, despite the ban, The Tubes went on to sell out an amazing five-night engagement at the Hammersmith Odeon. During the recording of the live concert album, 'What Do You Want From Live', Fee Waybill accidentally broke his leg onstage while acting out his punk character Johnny Bugger, and the remainder of the tour was cancelled. Four fifths of the original line-up of The Tubes will be appearing at The South Parade Pier concert - Rick Anderson (bass) Roger Steen (guitar), Prairie Prince (drums) and of course lead singer Fee Waybill - alias Dr. Strangekiss, Hugh Heifer, Johnny Bugger and Quay Lewd. They're joined by keyboard player Gary Cambra, the "new boy" - he's only been with them since 1992! So expect to hear 'White Punks On Dope', 'Mondo Bondage', 'What Do You Want From Life', 'Don't Touch Me There', 'Slipped My Disco', 'Turn Me On', 'TV Is King', 'Prime Time', 'Talk to Ya Later', 'Don't Want to Wait Anymore' ,' She's a Beauty' 'Piece By Piece' .... the hits just come on a-comin'. The Tubes have the uncanny ability to highlight the absurdity of everyday American life, occasionally shocking audiences along the way, but more importantly, always making them think twice. The Tubes have always managed to expose, enlighten and entertain audiences worldwide by combining art with trash, comedy with tragedy, and innovative rock theatre with consummate musicianship. DON'T MISS THIS ONE - WE'RE EXPECTING A SELL-OUT SO GO YOUR TICKETS (£12 advance) SOON! !!!!!!!!!! Available from this Friday from...... Wedgewood Rooms Box Office, Albert Rd, Southsea. Reflex Records - Albert Rd. Southsea & High St., Gosport. & General Office, South Parade Pier. Also available by post - no booking fee - (but please enclose s.a.e & make cheques payable to Barking Spider Music) to: John Roberts, Barking Spider Music, 105, Landguard Rd., Southsea, Hants, P04 9DR All enquiries to spiderpromos@aol.com or ring (023) 92 436267 or 07970 959793 And check out The Tubes official website - www.thetubes.com