First and foremost

It's ten minutes before showtime and, backstage, Raymond Burns pulls on his his red and black stripy tee shirt together with his trademark beret & shades and, hey presto, goodbye Mr. Burns, hello Captain Sensible. As transformations go it's simple yet very effective. And no more so than when he appears from behind the curtain with his guitar slung over his shoulder, walks up to the microphone and says. ''Good evening, I'm Captain Sensible. You might remember me from Top of the Pops! But you don't want to hear bout that.'' And then, with nothing more than a ''1-2-3-4!,'' they launch into this - the set opener of all set openers:

The Damned - Ignite (1982)

It's hard to imagine a world without the Damned. They were a vital part of my growing up - every bit as essential as that first glug of underage cider or first fumble in the bushes. And the Damned were full of firsts - the first UK punk single, first punk band to appear on the telly, first punk band to tour America. I couldn't get enough of 'em. Damned Damned Damned remains, for me, the defining punk statement and sets out in a little over 30 minutes what punk and the new wave was all about.  

The fact that they are still a thing after nearly 50 years is nothing short of remarkable. Nearly as remarkable as me buying a tour shirt from the cut-price rogues who set up stall outside Rock City and peddle their wares right under the nose of the venue. If you're coming to BlogCon23 you'll probably see me wearing it.

On yer Marcs...

MARC 7

T Rex's Slider is 45 years old this year; last week, in fact. I know that because The Swede told me.
However, a more sobering anniversary is lying in wait just around the corner: this September will mark 40 years since Marc Bolan bought the farm.

MARC 2

Cut down in his prime, Bolan was on the up, as opposed to on his uppers. He'd been on the skids for a couple of years. But he was back. He was fit. He'd even got his own TV show. And he'd got a new band to take on the road. For support he hooked up with a bunch of young punks and let them open for him. The Damned didn't disappoint. And neither did Bolan.

Who knew what was round the corner - Bolan certainly didn't. Could he have been a contender again? I think he still had a trick or two left up those elfin sleeves of his.