Tag Archives: Setting Sons

From George Abbot and Godalming College to the Marquee and the Whisky a Go Go – in conversation with Howard Smith

Howard Smith was just back from a family holiday in Suffolk when I called, setting up his children with a Disney classic before chatting about his own golden era. In his case that involved a comparatively short but incident-packed period … Continue reading

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Still on The Vapors’ trail – back in touch with Dave Fenton

This time 40 years ago, The Vapors were about to set out on tour with The Jam on their biggest adventure to date, invited along for the ride on the latter’s Setting Sons tour by their co-managers, Jam bass player … Continue reading

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About the Young Idea – talking about The Jam with Nicky Weller

From the moment you turn right at the desk inside the Cunard Building’s The Jam – About the Young Idea exhibition and head down a mock London Underground tunnel lined with promo posters publicising the original records, you’re in for … Continue reading

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From The Jam / Deadwood Dog – Preston 53 Degrees

After a winning set by locals Deadwood Dog and a stirring late ‘70s/early ’80s soundtrack between, there was more than a frisson of excitement around 53 Degrees as The Gift’s upbeat instrumental Circus signalled the arrival of the main act. Bass … Continue reading

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When Setting Sons rise again – the Bruce Foxton and From the Jam update

Thirty-five years ago next month, The Jam released their fourth long player, Setting Sons, a further high point in an already stellar career. After their explosive debut, In The City, in 1977, the Woking three-piece gave us the not-quite fully-baked follow-up … Continue reading

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Sound affects on a midsummer’s night

ON such a warm and sticky night at a packed 53 Degrees in Preston, there were always likely to be technical imperfections in this From the Jam performance. But while I couldn’t quite hear enough of Bruce Foxton’s backing vocals … Continue reading

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