Warwick University Xmas Party 1977

 

Warwick University Xmas Party 1977

by Pete Clemons

It was the year that punk rock was tearing up the UK. The Sex Pistols to down play Warwick. Yes, Warwick Uni Ents Society were offered the band for their Xmas Party provided the gig was unannounced. It was a major scoop but then the problems started.

The tour dates were rearranged by a week, the students would have returned home. This meant scrapping the arrangements put in place at Warwick. It was decided to switch to Mr. George's club in Coventry city centre. However, Warwick Uni did have it on good authority that if Ents team were offered the Pistols again they would accept them if conditions are met.

The Warwick Xmas Party was not scuppered though. It did go ahead and, replacing the Pistols, were the excellent Bethnal. Bethnal had recently completed their first album and very good it was too. On the night they brought the crowds to their feet.

Bethnal were not exactly a regulation issue new wave band. To be more precise, Bethnal were a four piece band who sang about life in '77. They were formed by Nick Michaels (lead guitar & vocals) and Pete Dowling (drums), while they were at school in Wood Green, London. They were later joined by Everton Williams (bass) and George Csapo (lead vocals, keyboards, & violins) both also from the same school.

Parallels, although very apparent were drawn to The Who. In the main because they chose to produce a version of the classic 'Baba O'Reilly' which Pete Townsend claims to prefer to his own. But it was, I thought, an unfair comparison. The other song on the album which drew attention was the single 'We've gotta get out of this place' - an old Animal's number.

There was so much excellent material of their own on that album. Their songs were undeniably political as titles like 'Soldier Boy' and 'Where do we Stand' professed. But unlike many of the 'new wave' bands that had sprung up, this does not lead them into an angry mindless tirade against society. Their lyrics are considered, as is their music, and the result is a well structured album which is both provocative and melodic.

Over at Canley College, their own Ents team had put on a second fun date. This time with Ricky Cool and the Icebergs the popular 1950s revival rockabilly band. Ricky Cool (real name Richard Coolham) brought with him a natural born wit. His between numbers banter was as funny as any comedy routine around at that time.

Ricky was backed by six excellent musicians, including the famous 'Tennessee Stud' on pedal steel guitar, the notorious EI Rancido. The ‘Doctor on keyboards, Kenny Megre, Johnny Iceberg on drums and Alec the bassist. Ricky play : blues harp (mouth organ to you) and the rare Fender Codgicaster (only two ever made apparently).

It was advertised that for the Canley party there would be a 'Highest Stiletto Contest', 'Free Style Jitterbug competition' and an 'Ice Cream Soda Bar'. Additionally there would be a disco and the evening would a 1950's US forces style with G.I.. Uniforms were warmly welcomed. Music would be heard to be playing loudly till 3.00a.m.

A happy new year to anyone who cares to read this.