Cambridge - Thursday 28th January, 1999

Toronto - Sunday 31st January, 1999

Went to see GBH in Toronto tonight at the El Macombo and they were snagged
at the border coming into Canada...what happened ?  Also, where did they
go when they were refused into Canada ??? and what's the closest tour date
along the Can-US border into NY State  (IE Buffalo)  ??

We drove 2 1/2 hrs to Toronto last night, only to read a sign on the
door of the club telling us that the band was denied access to the
country by our wonderful border guards at our supposedly "free"
border.  Any word on this, and possible reschedules of the Toronto
date?  We were really disappointed, and now can't afford to get to
see them at one of the other dates.

New York - Saturday 30th January, 1999

I saw GBH in NYC on Saturday night.  It was one Helluva show.  I can almost
die happy now.  I plan on going to see them again the next time they play
NY and if they play DC or Baltimore.

Billyclub was good too, better than I expected...they played UK82 which was
great.  The other 2 bands were ok...Blanks 77 was ok and the other one I
didn't catch their name.

They didn't play it when I saw them, but 'Womb
with a View' is one of my fav songs, and I saw Colin get some kids on stage
and sang with him...one guy even did all of 'I feel alright'.  

The album I picked up was "Journey  to the Centre of Johnny Clarkes
Head". I picked this one because I recognised "Banned From the Pubs" from
several UK comps. and such. I was less than thrilled with the non-song
tracks but I really like the songs so I will continue to pick up 1 every
week or two when pay-day rolls around. (you know how that goes) It seems
that all I do lately is by CD after CD. There seems to be a bit of a
resurge of quite a bit of old Punk and Hard-core Records showing up on CD
lately. It also helps to have a steady job and I also have only been in NY
for 3 years, from a small town near New Orleans in the South. I have seen
more shows in the last 3 years than the 10 years I was listening to punk at
home.

So on to GBH - I started listening to GBH in the Summer of 1984, and
I have been waiting since then to see then live. Finally, last Saturday I
got my chance. I can only say that it was well worth the wait. As I hoped,
they spent the majority of the show on older stuff. Both City Babies and
Generals and so on. I stood at the left corner of the stage and went back
and forth a bit with the bass player and had Colin sticking the mic. in my
face, which I enjoyed immensely . I had a blast and also discovered I am
getting to old for the stage, I am going to have to stay in the back from
now on. Another interesting bit, one of the opening bands had one of the
old bass players from The Exploited, I had a chat with him but cant
remember his name. I guess I should have had one less pint. I am planning a
trip out to LA and now I am trying to rearrange to to see them again, I'll
let you know.

Nigel -
      In response to your post about the Coney Island High show,
Ticketmaster is selling tickets for this gig, so it seems like it's
official.  It better be, as I've got a ticket already.  I saw their show
at Life - half of it anyway, as they apparently went on at 9:30 and we
rolled in around 9:45, figuring that we were extremely early (it was a
four-band show that started at 7:30).  Apparently, the club was having a
rave at 11:00, so things had to be wrapped up by 10:30.  Bunch of
wankers.  GBH were fantastic, however.  It was the best I've ever heard
them, which was probably due to the fact that they appeared to be sober,
unlike the gigs in the mid-80s when they'd be filled to the gills.
"White Riot" was a nice touch, and extremely appropriate in light of the
mini-riot that erupted outside when one of the gargantuan bouncers popped
an irate girl.  I'll never go to that place again, unless it's to chuck a
firebomb.  Here's hoping that Coney Island High happens (oh yeah - Jock
announced it twice at the Life show - I just remembered) - I'd like to
hear "Time Bomb."

Cheers

Pittsburgh - Tuesday 2nd February, 1999

RE:  The usefulness of the Internet.

I also pointed out that your site was the only way I knew of the show at all.
I mean, I don't have time to hang around anymore in record stores, etc,
the typical places you would see flyers and to my knowledge the show wasn't
advertised at all (although it must have gotten around because they had a bigger crowd
than they used to get 10 years ago.).

They were just blown away by the fact that we knew about the Canada thing and
the collar bone incident.

I think they felt kind of bad that my boyfriend and myself were the only
people there from the good ol' days (it was noted that for a good part of
the show.  The boys and us were apparently among 10 people who were old
enough to get into the bar part of the establishment).

I probably can't do a very good review, but just some notes for you...

        Billyclub was really cool!! ....
        Collin offered to show us a specified part of his anatomy for $30 USD
        GBH did a cover of Pretty Vacant and White Riot
        We were told Scott (?) was under the weather (read as drunk).
         I still liked him better than that Joe guy (but I liked Kai the best).

RE:  Merchandise

THEY HAD THESE REALLY COOL PULLOVER SWEATSHIRTS WITH THE MIDNIGHT
MADNESS LOGO (that was the only thing that I noticed)

Detroit - Friday 5th February, 1999

Chicago - Saturday 6th February, 1999

I'm back from Chicago, barely in one piece.  The show was incredible,
probably one of the best I've seen them do, or at least remember !  They
were fueled by the crowd who were really into it and Colin and Co. just
fed off it. I've got some pix from the first (Boston / Cambridge) show and
have (3) more rolls from Chicago.  They have a complete set from Boston,
and I'll be forwarding others to them when I get them developed. I'm
going to see if I can scan a few pix onto my next email-if you want-if
you wouldn't get mad at the file size (I heed your previous emails about
these sorts of things).  Just let me know!!  The best ones are back
stage and really goofy.  I have better on-stage pix from Chicago as Colin
was everywhere: rolling around, on the speaker, in the crowd, etc. I
only hope the pix come out; you know how those New Castle's creep up on
us Americans!!  The on-stage ones are actually from the side of the
stage, cuz I was standing there, so I have a lot of back shots.  I
suppose that's not so great, but we'll see.

Poop on Toronto:  They were asked if they had every been in any trouble-type of
stuff up there and answering honestly, mentioned a flick-knife situation
in 1982 so they were detained for 4 hours, personally searched;
impounded and searched the van and had to line up against the wall
("just like the movies" according to Colin) with a chick cop and a
nightstick stretching the legs apart.  Even got a reach around, I'm
told!!  Anyway, it wasn't pleasant.  Well, maybe it was !!??  Anyway...

Poop on Detroit:  they played Detroit the night before I saw them and
only got through 2 and a half numbers before a skinhead brawl ended the
show.  They said the security sucked so they were in the middle of the
melee and a bit bruised and sore when I saw them.  I can't sit still
long enough to get too much gossip, so I'm sure they'll have lots more
details.  

Lawrence - Friday 12th February, 1999

I saw GBH and Billyclub here in St. Louis and in Lawrence, KS the next
night.  It was great to see Tez with Billyclub.  They are all great people.
GBH played all the great old stuff.  I think they played two hours here and
maybe just under that in KS.  In St Louis there was one spiked headed youth that
knew all the words and was on stage as much as Colin almost.

Had a great time

Denver - Sunday 14th February, 1999

The show was awesome!  I wasn't too sober through much of it though.  One
of the guys from Billyclub took me backstage.  I think the only one I
said hi to for ya was Gordon-I think that was his name-the singer.  Well anyways the show
was definetley good.  Not as big of a crowd as I pictured but still a good amount.
Well I don't know what else to tell ya.  I'll talk to ya later.  Melissa.  

Salt Lake City - Tuesday 16th February, 1999

Portland - Tuesday 19th February, 1999

Seattle - Satrurday 20th February, 1999

Pomona - Thursday 25th February, 1999

I finally got to see the boys again last night at The Glass House in
Pomona, Ca.  It was an awesome show, although the sound was a little
muddled, but it's always that way at that particular venue.  GBH paid
homage to its roots last night, by playing quite a suprising # of old
tunes, which was great.  The set consisted almost entirely stuff from the
Clay years, along with the title track and Cryin' from the P J's release.
Most notably they played Prayer of a Realist (which I've never herd them
play live, not even back in '84), I am the Hunted, Timebomb, Catch 23,
Hellhole, Freak, C B attacked by Rats, Knife edge, Diplomatic Immunity,
Womb with a view (another I'd never heard live) and many others.  The
highligh had to be the encore, which started with Race Against Time, and
then continued with a bithchen version of Generals,  followed by a few
covers; White Riot (The Clash- you know this, I'm not sure why I wrote it)
and then an early Discharge song which I couldn't make out the title of
(all that early Discharge stuff was similar sounding to me anyway), and
Pretty Vacant.  They then finished up with Big Women (this really got the
place hoppin') and finally Alcohol.   The crowd turnout was a little
disapointing, probably about 200-300 people, with a good number of us
older folks to boot.  I was suprised at the lack of teenagers, since it's
an all ages venue that doesn't even sell booze.  We got around this by
chugging J D and coke out in the parking lot before the show, but it sure
would be nice to come out of the pit and get yourself a nice cold brew.
I'm going to go check out the show in Hollywood tonight.  One more quick
question:  there was a 10 year old kid (with a mohawk) on stage from time
to time (he also introduced Catch 23- after a little coaxing from Colin),
is this Ross' son?  He looked a lot like Ross.
Anyway, if I can get a camera in tonight, I'll try and get some pictures.
Take care.  Cheers!

I seen you guys about a week ago at the glass house, in Pomona, Cali
I loved your show and I hope you will play in Cali again soon I was in almost every slam pit
I think you are one of the greatest punk bands ever.

Los Angeles - Friday 26th February, 1999

Nigel,
         My girlfriend and went and saw GBH at the Palace in Hollywood on
Friday and they were spectacular.  They have not changed since I saw them in
1986.  They opened the show with Diplomatic Immunity which was what they
always opened with in the late 80's.  It was just a great show and it brought
me back to the old days.
Tell them they are the best.

GBH update: The guys were such gentlemen. Why didn't you tell me
Colin's daughter's name is Lily, too? They did an interview with
Thrasher; some of my photos may appear in it as well. (They'll appear in
#17 of my zine, however.) Great energetic performance, plus an endearing
appearance by a pre-10-year-old in the audience.

Hello my name is Dan and I live in East Los Angeles CA , USA . I saw GBH at
the palace in FEB 26 . The show was FUKKKEN GREEEEAT . GBH was so awesome that
I think I attended the best show in my life . They blew away The Subhumans and
the UK Subs ( wich were two shows I got to attend before seeing the long
awaited return of the legendary GBH ) . Yes I saw various Mohicans , skins ,
and even street gang members that I recognized from the streets of East L. A.
The GBH set was awesome!!!!!!! They started the show with Diplomatic Immunity
and went on with many of the old classics from their early days , from
Hellhole , Gunned down , I am the hunted , Womb with a view , freak , to Race
against time , sick boy , drugs party in 526 , to Generals and many more . The
band also played Discharge's Realities of War with Discharge's Tezz Bones . I
hope there is a way that I could get a hold of a video taping of the show ,
because I did see a camera . If you have any info on the Palace's show video
for sale please let me Know  .
                                                                   THANK YOU

San Diego - Saturday 27th February, 1999

Hey there.   It is sunday morning, the day after GBH played in san
diego, california, USA.  If my hangover is any indication, the show was
absolutely fucking fantastic.  I feel like shit, but it was well worth
it. Cheers!!

The Palace, Los Angeles, CA, February 26, 1999
Soma, San Diego, CA, February 27, 1999





     It'd been years since I'd been excited about a show but there I was,
driving down Sunset with Sharon and Suzi; "Punk Junkies" cranking and my
stomach jumping in nervous anticipation just like we were 17 again.  The
girls have been there from the beginning but I'd never seen GBH before,
despite being a fan for years.  I discovered what the rest of you already
know: GBH are simply
one of the best live bands in existence.
     We arrived in time to catch the second half of Billyclub's set.  They
were solid but the crowd seemed disinterested.  We headed backstage before
98 Mute played (why on earth were they billed above Billyclub?) and Sharon
introduced me to the guys.  Scott and I shared some drinks and Jock related
that he'd spent the day fishing.  With the chit chat out of the way GBH hit
the stage.
They tore into a set that was heavily weighted towards "Clay years"
material, playing only 2 songs off "Punk Junkies:"  "Junkies" and "Cryin'
on the Hard Shoulder" and "I Need Energy" from "'Warped."  The highlight
for me was "Malice in Wonderland."  It's always been my favorite song but
it did seem kind of lost on the crowd.  Colin brought a guy out of the pit to share the
stage for a couple of songs and, judging by his reaction, not only made his
day but his life!  My friend Mick (who is like the "Mikey" of music "-he
hates everything") gave the show a 9 out of 10. 'Nuff said.
     Saturday was San Diego.  Soma is a sweatbox; a converted warehouse
with a small stage and poor sightlines but both bands were ready to rip.
Billyclub played a much better set, very high energy with more variance
between songs. I hate to single a cover song as the highlight but they
absolutely blasted "Homicide" by 999.  I swear Sharon had goosebumps after
that one!  Again, everyone huddled back in the janitor's closet...umm, I
mean dressing room...during 98 Mute.  I had a very enjoyable conversation
with Colin about cool bands. The previous night we had discussed Johnny
Cash and Patsy Cline (no kidding) and we continued the topic by covering
The Lords of the New Church and The Godfathers.
     If GBH ripped in LA they absolutely went over the top in San Diego.  I
couldn't believe how tight they were.  Scott was right on, Ross was
absolutely in the zone and the crowd responded with fanatic enthusiasm.
Colin kept jumping into the crowd, giving the mic to a couple of kids who
provided
excellent gang vocals to "Hunted" and "Revenge."  They left the stage to
chants of "GBH?" I'll guarantee nobody left that room feeling like they
hadn't got their money's worth.
     After the show everybody headed over The Crow Bar.  Pedro had the best
moment, "playing Colin" to a slightly overexcited guitarist from one of the
local bands who couldn't believe GBH just walked in while he was playing.
Ross really got into the last band and by the end of their set everybody
was calling for an encore.  Look for a cover version of "Beach Ball" on the
next record!  The night  culminated with an after hours jam with Jock on
guitar, Terry Bones on bass and Matthew from Billyclub on drums.
     I want to thank GBH for a great weekend.  Sharon, Suzi and Linda have
been friends for years and they instantly welcomed me as well.  Hi to Frank
and buddies from Brooklyn, hope you had fun in Tijuana, Grace in SD and
Johnny Zeto ("Are you gonna' kick my ass?").  To Ross, Colin, Pedro and
James (hopefully Jock and Scott as well), we'll see you in April.

Dallas - Friday 5th March, 1999

San Antonio - Saturday 6th March, 1999

Jacksonville - Wednesday 10th March, 1999

St Petersburg - Saturday 13th March, 1999

Richmond - Thursday 18th March, 1999

New York - Friday 19th March, 1999