December 9th 1985 – Leicester University
I’d seen a few bands by now a couple of times, Ultravox and OMD….The Alarm would become the first band I’d see for a fourth time, although were were to be far from finished with the other two bands mentioned.
I remember 1984 and 1985 and a very special time for me musically, it was also a struggle to find enough money to see everyone I wanted to, something had to give.
I’d already missed Simple Minds touring Sparkle in the Rain (Tour Du Monde Tour 1984), although we did gatecrash the soundcheck for that one so got to hear 3 songs, including Waterfront, and see the band before being spotted by security! Japan would sell out so quickly I didn’t get a ticket.
I wouldn’t even see U2 until Longest Day gig in 1985, as I wasn’t ready for them when they did Pre-War Tour in 1982 and The Unforgettable Fire Tour didn’t come to Leicester. I’ve no idea why I didn’t go somewhere, but I guess tickets sold out very quickly.
I digress, but that may be due to the fact all I remember about this gig was what a sweat pit it was and how brilliant the new tracks from the Strength album were! We really enjoyed a good mosh pit in these days, it wasn’t a proper gig if you weren’t going home in sweat sodden clothes….never took to stage diving though 😉
All The Alarm songs tell stories, mainly about hard fought battles, in wars and in life and everything they sing resonates in some way to people’s own situations
I go back to the lyrics of Spirit of 76 on a regular basis. I guess it is a sad sone, but it is also full of hope and fighting to never give in. Even in the bad times, kick ass forward….When I’ve felt shit (and happy)…this is the one!
Set List
- Deeside
- Declaration
- Marching On
- Howling Wind
- Knife Edge
- Dawn Chorus
- The Deceiver
- The Day the Ravens Left the Tower
- Third Light
- Absolute Reality
- Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke
- One Step Closer to Home
- Walk Forever by My Side
- Spirit of ’76
- Blaze of Glory
- Strength
- Encore: Sixty Eight Guns, The Stand (Prophecy)
- Encore 2: This Train Is Bound for Glory, We Are the Light
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