“When I was at primary school in County Durham, we used to go, via coach, to the local swimming baths every week. En route, we’d go through various pit villages, one of which was Langley Park. On the outskirts was a petrol station with the sign ‘McAloon’s’. ‘Fuck off McAloonies!’ we’d chorus. A few years later, in 1979, through a cloud of tab smoke and cider farts, a trio of local youths stand onstage at Dunelm House, Durham University, opening the proceedings for The Members. ‘This one’s called Goodbye Lucille part one’ says the son of the garage owner. ‘Goodbye you cunts!’ shouted one audience member, who, today, no doubt, boasts of being a fan of Prefab Sprout way back before anyone had heard of them.”
Mensi, Word Forum
I was at this gig and it was my first ever. At the age of 14 years and 7 months I’d tried to get into the Revillos gig the week before but I didn’t have a ticket and I didn’t look the part. A week later I had a ticket and I’d dropped the offending apparel from the previous week (you don’t want to know!). Door staff allowed me in. I remember nothing of PS unfortunately, but then I hadn’t come to see them. The Members were an epiphany. Not as a band but as an introduction to live music.
To be clear – The Members made great music that meant something to me and I’m ever thankful to all who do.