Gig: 2/2/1984, The Alarm, Tiffanys, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Only minutes before the doors opened the local council were hesitating whether or not to let the concert go ahead. Apparently, permission had not been given by the correct authorities when arrangements were being made. Luckily the OK was given which was a wise decision because thousands of disappointed and angry Alarm fans roaming around Cardiff could have been dangerous. For a venue Cardiff Ice Rink proved spacious and atmospheric. [read more]

A Declaration of intent, very definate in its viewpoint andclear in its ideals. The Alarm would be so easy to ridicule if it weren’t for the unavoidable power of their songs. Anthemic but not ridiculously so, their dignity stems from factors far less obvious than a resounding chorus. It’s easy to see why this band attract contempt – the hilarious hairstyles and Jesse James meets Desperate Dan wardrobe, the unapologetic [read more]