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