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December 7, 2018 by Simon Sweetman

The Ghost of Electricity: War Stories by Jon McLeary # 208 Pete Shelley

Late 2009. The Spines at that time were Les Knight on bass, Riki Gooch on drums and me. We had just recorded the Bloodmonster album and I was about 50 and drinking a lot at Bodega – a period of renaissance for the band.

I’d always been a fan of the Buzzcocks in the early 80s – great songs and attitude; they brought a sense of humour to what could have been a grim time in music. In the flat at Marjoriebanks Street Singles Going Steady was on high rotate – one of the best compilations ever. Pete’s songs were so clever and so simple and in your face.

One night Moe announced he was getting the Buzzcocks at Bodega. I convinced him that the Spines would be the perfect opening act.

It was Fri 13 Nov 2009 and a very special night.

Bodega was beyond packed.

I said – “We all know why we’re here and what a treat we are in for. Meanwhile we are going to play you some songs”.

We kicked off with Where She Walks as I remember, at Riki’s suggestion – full on four on the floor surf-punk and then went through the heavy songs off the album. We underscored what was to come.

We got an encore.

Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle were amazing that night – all those brilliant songs one after another.

I got to see them from side of stage up close.

It was sweaty and real.

There was a party downstairs afterwards. I talked to Pete about songwriting, about hooks. He said he’d seen part of our set and liked my songs – he was serious.

Steve was more outrageous and we started knocking back shots then everything went even further blurry….

One of those nights I could never forget – even though I only remember half of it

Bless you Pete Shelley

And what you’ve given us

The Ghost of Electricity – War Stories by Jon McLeary is a new initiative at Off The Tracks, a series of stories and reflections from painter, writer and musician Jon McLeary

To read any of the first 207 in the series click here

You can support Off The Tracks via PressPatron

 

Posted in Blog, Miscellany and tagged with # 208, 2009, Bloodmonster, Bodega, Buzzcocks, Eulogy, Ghost, Ghost Stories, Guest Blog, Guest Post, Jon Mcleary, Les Knight, Moe, Opening Act, Pete Shelley, Pop, Punk, R.I.P., Riki Gooch, Singles Going Steady, Spines, Steve Diggle, The Buzzcocks, The Ghost of Electricity, The Ghost of Electricity: War Stories by Jon McLeary # 208 Pete Shelley, War Stories, War Stories by Jon McLeary, War Stories by Jon McLeary # 208, Wellington, You can support Off The Tracks via PressPatron. RSS 2.0 feed.
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Off The Tracks is the home of Sweetman Podcast, a weekly interview/chat-based pod. It's also home to my reviews across film, TV, music and books and some creative writing as well.

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