Just a quick line to wish all our visitors a very merry Christmas and happy New Year. Of course, there are some Stranglers fans out there who won’t need seasons greetings - if they have been fortunate enough to obtain copies of the excellent Rattus at the Roundhouse DVD! Currently listed as out of stock – maybe Santa has a secret stash? Feedback from those who have been glued to their TV’s over the past week watching the 30th anniversary gig has been nothing short of phenomenal. Congratulations to The Stranglers and all who made the night happen. Perhaps it’s time to look at another upcoming anniversary-in-black..? Black And White will also be 30 years old in 2008. Enough chat – see you next year, when there will be a third PDF to download from us. It promises to be a fantastic journey... but until then...

For all those who were there, and those who weren’t – the ‘Rattus at the Roundhouse’ gig last month featuring the 1977 set-list is now available for pre-order on DVD from the official merchandise site. The disc arrived at The Stranglers offices last Monday and JJ describes it as “awesome”. The disc will contain the whole set, “fuck ups and all. Well, we have to show them don’t we?” says Burnel. The ill-fated repeated set will he “hidden” on the disc somewhere, but “won’t be that hard to find!”

The now legendary set restart was not because the gig was being filmed says JJ. “I honestly forgot all about the filming. I just wanted to get it right. We’d lost all momentum. I put it to the vote, as you may remember, and I just decided on the spot ‘what the hell, let’s start from the top’. I wasn’t thinking about the DVD. But then the sound went again anyway!”

Fans can also look forward to another treat. The Burning Up Times can reveal that JJ is recording the next instalment in the Vladimir saga. Last heard in Vladimir and The Pearl, Vlad makes his way from Mexico to Europe where he takes advantage of the expanded European Union to begin amassing a fortune, “a kind of Vladimir and the oligarchs….” says JJ. The as-yet untitled episode will be available for download from The Rat’s Lair; no release date has been set.

Bonus features for the DVD also include some backstage soundchecking and a photo gallery. It’s an all region DVD. Track listing, according to the merchandise site, is as follows: No More Heroes; Ugly; Bring On The Nubiles; Dead Ringer; Sometimes; Dagenham Dave; Goodbye Toulouse; Hanging Around; 5 Minutes; Bitching; Burning Up Time; I Feel Like A Wog; Straighten Out; Something Better Change; London Lady; Peaches; Get A Grip On Yourself; Go Buddy Go with encores of The Spectre Of Love and Duchess.

Available HERE

No doubt Dave’s keyboard rig on tour years ago may have been temperamental at times, particularly the Hammond L100. However, nothing prepared anyone for what happened at Sunday’s Roundhouse concert. Keyboards cutting out caused the set to grind to a halt, and modern technology is the fault!

“It was a MIDI software error.“ manager Sil Willcox explained. “It’s because we had a lot of equipment running underneath the stage on the night, what with the filming and everything, a lot of new equipment. That sort of thing can affect software.“

The band stopped while technicians tried to fix the problem, and even replayed the entire set from the top after eight songs in. Not only that, the gig consisted of performing the same set list as 30 years ago at the same venue, plus encores: filming of the one-off special for future DVD release hung in the balance on several nervous occasions.

MIDI is the communication system between electronic musical instruments and sends messages using protocol. It can synchronize synthesizers using a timecode. It can also link MIDI synthesizers together to be played on one single synthesizer.

At his West Country farm, Sil was relieved after the techno headaches at the weekend. We wondered if this is likely to threaten the upcoming Belgian acoustic gigs.

“Well, it was fixed on the night and it went ahead, so yes it’s been sorted out.”

Stranglers 2008 live dates are expected to be announced in February.

Read the Roundhouse reviews in Strangled LIVE

It is with deep regret news has come to The Burning Up Times of the death of Stephen Reid from East Kilbride, Scotland. His friends broke the news to other fans at Thursday’s Glasgow gig. The cause was, we are told, heart failure. Stephen was just 39.

A one-time contributor to the Burning Up Times PDF, many will also know him as a knowledgeable and respected member of the MiB Forums by the name of Steveareno. His views were always a welcome addition to any discussion. Our sincere sympathies go out to his family and friends. For many of us, losing a Strangler buddy is like losing a close, close friend. Rest in peace, pal… The next PDF will be dedicated to you, sir.
 

Stephen with JJ at Oran Moor last year

Reader Donald MacKay sent us a few words to say about Stephen:

I first met Stephen outside the stage door of the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, where a few fans had collected to try and get a chat with Hugh before his support slot promoting Wired on the Big Country Tour. He was interested in the stuff everyone had with them for signing, and we exchanged addresses for possible swaps. Obviously he was very keen!
I bumped into him at many a gig after that, both Stranglers and Hugh solo. He was always at the front with his pals, including Brian. I know Stephen got involved with Hugh’s information magazine for a while, including travelling to Hugh's home to interview him. He was an avid fan of all things Strangler related. Then a strange thing happened last Thursday night: during the gig, several yards in front of me in the crowd, I briefly caught sight of Stephen’s pal Brian. So I thought, yep, good to see the usual crowd are in supporting the band. Stephen and Brian were always at gigs together, including Hugh's gigs. So naturally I'm thinking Stephen was there.

We walked out of the ABC onto the street and who is walking towards us but Brian (Brian doesn't know me so he passed by). I thought this was really odd cos he was on his own. I had previously noticed a lack of ‘Steveareno’ posts on the MiB Forums site, who would have been enthusing about the upcoming gigs. Also, I was going to ask him for some information for the upcoming 1977 PDF, because Stephen was an avid collector photos, press cuttings - in fact Ebay probably made half their profits from him.
 
So I was deeply shocked on Friday morning when I saw the news on the website. Stephen was a few years younger than me, and I knew he had a wife and kid(s) - he talked about taking his wee boy to the football.

So we have lost one of the faithful, way too young. I didn't really know him very well, but I always respected his knowledge and passion for the band and the music. He will be sadly missed but remembered, especially at future gigs. I have no doubt his presence will be there.

Deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.

Donald
 

Jet Black took some time out a few moments ago to do an interview planned for the forthcoming Burning Up Times PDF. It’s a real coup for us, for as you know, Jet doesn’t do interviews!

We have to report our number one drummer was professionalism personified and in fine fettle, displaying no signs of laying up the drumsticks yet: “I’ll probably play ‘til I drop…” were his precise words. He’s also looking forward immensely to the upcoming Roundhouse show, with rehearsals taking place in the West Country as you read this. One the night he says there’ll be “some new oldies and some new newies,…” although he didn’t divulge the precise set of songs; but he did admit it won’t veer too far from the ’77 Roundhouse set.

Jet was fluent as gave us an insight into the band in their halcyon era of Rattus and Heroes and the lead-up too, for Issue 3. From one of the questions, he even offered to send us the contact details of the subsequent owner of the infamous ice cream van that carted The Stranglers and all of their equipment to and from gigs in the early days. We left Jet to start a rehearsal with the rest of the band while we type the transcript. We’d like to thank manager Sil for his assistance, and naturally, Jet who gave up his time and effort for us. It has to be said - this autumn promises to be real treat for Stranglers fans.

Regarding the next PDF: we’d like to thank all concerned for their help. The bulk of the content is in but there’s a fair bit of back room work still to be done, as you are no doubt aware, but we hope to have a publishing date soon. Until then, see you at the forthcoming shows! BTW… gig reviews (and photos) are always welcome here, (hint, hint!).

Incredible, isn’t it? Anyway… attention men and womeninblack. Listen up. Issue 3 of The Burning Up Times PDF is awaiting your contribution – this is a celebration of Stranglers’ albums Rattus Norvegicus and No More Heroes and their ground breaking year of 1977.

Okay - fear not! We’ve already got some substantial interviews under our belt, so we’re not asking you to hunt down the carpet fitter who glued down the orange carpet tiles in the drum booth at TW Studios for a PDF grilling – or the bloke who mended the rear brake shoes of the legendary ice cream van that carted the band about… although we wouldn’t mind finding the whereabouts of it nowadays – it’s a Bedford, registration number GVA 279K – last seen in Lancashire some years back. Have you seen it ? Where it is now?

Why ’77? It must be said Rattus & Heroes bore a fascinating psychedelic-edged punk hallmark that became The Stranglers’ benchmark. So why is it they always seem excluded in rock history? Many of us witnessed the latest erasure from pop culture in the BBC TV documentary series, ‘Seven Ages of Rock’: in the ‘Punk’ episode, they carefully swerved round The Stranglers throughout, but the irony wasn’t wasted on us fans; the narrator spoke of US bands Patti Smith and The Ramones - with a Roundhouse poster in the background which was emblazoned with The Stranglers! Conspicuous by their absence, everyone knows they were at the forefront of music then. They outsold the lot.

So, what we need is a solid document from EVERYONE on The Stranglers’ big year – whether the literati want that or not. For Issue 3 we need YOUR take on the music, Image, impact… the best single, the coolest B-side, the most poignant album track,. Gig review, even. Did you witness the band in action? Even if you were a bystander in 1977 – don’t be one in 2007. This is the fans’ perspective – not telly media or rock critics. Get a grip. Get involved. Get active and scribbling to redress the balance.

Subs deadline, Saturday 1st September please. (50 - 500 words)

editors@strangled.co.uk

SINGLE CREAM

Debut single Grip underachieved at No. 44 in February 1977, but by No More Heroes,

the band had reached the top flight with 3 consecutive Top 10 chart smashes.

DOUBLE BUBBLE

Two LP’s out, just months apart. Not only were their

singles ‘overlapping’ in the charts, but so were their albums!

Rattus at the Roundhouse, a 30 year anniversary

Just in case you’ve been in a bunker for the last two months, tickets are on sale for the upcoming Stranglers’ gig at London’s legendary Roundhouse Theatre. This one-off event celebrates 30 years on from their record-breaking 5-night stint in November 1977 – as well as 3 decades since their albums Rattus and Heroes. The Roundhouse box office is 0870 389 1846 or online at:

www.roundhouse.org.uk

The buzz among fans concerning the Roundhouse has been unprecedented, and in the spirit of the occasion, Stranglers’ stalwart DJ Andy Dunkley, the Livin’ Jukebox, is booked to appear along with veteran punk poet John Cooper Clarke. We had hoped Spizz could make the support slot, seeing as he played at Battersea and he is still gigging with Spizzenergi. Alas, the deal had already been struck, plus, MiB management wanted a quick clear-away before The Stranglers come on and when the cameras start to roll. The subsequent DVD will document this special event for those who can’t make it. For those of us who can - make sure you bring your dentures with you when you smile at the camera. Obviously that only applies to the old crusties like us! As far as the set list goes, it is thought the band will work from an original 1977 set from the Roundhouse – with newer numbers included. Glasgow and Manchester gigs precede, and it is thought the set will remain constant throughout the 3 dates.

The Stranglers’ diary is filling up: as we type, arrangements are underway for the band to be photographed courtesy of a ‘well-known snapper from the Punk era’ to promote the Roundhouse concert. A suitable and central venue is all that’s required. Meanwhile, the band have just returned from the Japan dates, and an acoustic tour of Holland and Belgium has been announced for October and November, which almost rounds off a busy 2007 for The Stranglers. Next year sees JJ off to Japan for Karate duties as well as and song inspiration. And talking of 2008… it’s the 30th anniversary of Black And White - and The Burning Up Times hopes the album can have a Roundhouse, or similar treatment. In this day and age, would London mayor and ex-GLC Ken Livingstone allow another Battersea Park, we wonder?                                                                          

The infamous Battersea Park strippers moments before the police arrived to take down their particulars. Upcoming gigs at Strangled LIVE

Out August 13th 2007: ‘The Story So Far’ – a twin CD, 36-track compilation taken from all of The Stranglers’ studio albums recorded for EMI including last year’s 'Suite XVI' and comes listed in chronological order revealing the progression of the band; from 1977’s 'Peaches' and 'No More Heroes', through 'Nuclear Device [The Wizard Of Aus]', 'Bear Cage', 'Strange Little Girl' to 'Golden Brown', 'Norfolk Coast' & 'The Spectre Of Love'. Catalogue number: EMI 3972972. We notice there are a couple of live tracks included – as well as one listed as ‘explicit’!

CD1:
1. Peaches
2. (Get A) Grip (On Yourself)
3. London Lady
4. Ugly
5. Dagenham Dave - Live
6. I Feel Like A Wog
7. Bring On The Nubiles [explicit]
8. Bitching
9. No More Heroes
10. English Towns
11. Peasant In The Big Shitty
12. Tank
13. Sweden (All Quiet On The Eastern Front)
14. Nice N' Sleazy
15. Mean To Me
16. Walk On By
17. Shut Up
18. In The Shadows

CD2:
1. Nuclear Device (The Wizard Of Aus)
2. The Raven
3. Don't Bring Harry
4. Duchess
5. 5 Minutes - Live
6. Bear Cage
7. Just Like Nothing On Earth
8. Thrown Away
9. Waiting For The Meninblack
10. Non Stop
11. Strange Little Girl
12. Tramp
13. La Folie
14. Golden Brown
15. Big Thing Coming
16. Norfolk Coast
17. Unbroken
18. The Spectre Of Love
 

Fraid there’s not much to report in The Stranglers camp right now - but there are a couple of things worth mentioning about erstwhile members of the band. On Saturday 26th May, Hugh Cornwell plays a full band set at ‘The Horn’ in St. Albans in Hertfordshire. When he last played here (June 2005) on the eve of his brief Canadian tour, he brought the house down. We’re hoping this one will be just as good. Check out his other dates HERE. If you can’t make it, you can always make do with the upcoming review within these pages.

Meanwhile, Paul Roberts releases ‘100’ on Monday 21st May. It’s a live CD of the Black In Town gig at the 100 Club featuring John Ellis, and available HERE. More gigs are in the pipeline - although John tells us he won’t be involved this time: “I had a great night.” He says. “It was great seeing everyone again but I want to move forward now. But I hope to work with Paul in the future.”

Finally… what’s all this ‘coming soon’ on the index page, eh? It’s a special feature on it’s way to you - SPECIAL GUESTS will be a new section all about the extremely varied support acts of The Stranglers over the years. Bands have been tracked down and memory banks well and truly raided – just look out for the upload in ‘SPECIAL GUESTS’… err, coming (very) soon!

We swore there would never be another. But after much swearing, there will be! PDF Issue 3 will focus on The Stranglers’ big year – 1977, and will feature all things ‘Rattus Norvegicus’ and ‘No More Heroes’ – the first time we’ve undertaken two albums in one go. Well, if The Stranglers could do it,… Four magnificent singles, three Top 10 hits, two smash hit albums – all in one PDF.

Initial groundwork is underway from a variety of welcome sources – and a couple of great interviews and articles have already been completed. We are also aware at first glance, this topic may have already been done to death in the media – but not by you! Which is why we are looking at what hasn’t been fully covered – a fans’ perspective - and what really deserves chronicling. For this, WE DO NEED YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS – your ideas, your articles, your press clippings, your thoughts, your reviews, your interviews - it’s your PDF. You know the email address to get in touch. Get involved, or not. The choice is yours!

News has reached us regarding Jet’s recurrent health problems. Confirmation comes as British fans mingle in Iceland. Jet’s illness means he will not be performing tonight’s gig in Iceland, but he will return...

One source informs us Jet’s drum technician will step in for the first Stranglers gig of 2007. The following gig is on Saturday in Belgium, and then in Germany on Monday. As Stranglers fans are already aware, this is not the first time a stand-in has jumped into the breach, as drummers Robert Williams, Tim Bruce, Rat Scabies and Keith Tobe will testify over the years. Jet may be 68, but anyone who can still rock after overcoming shingles, back injuries, cyanide poisoning, and asthma to return Phoenix-like to the most durable of British rock bands, deserves not only a medal, but a well-earned rest. The Burning Up Times wishes Jet all the very best - and a very speedy recovery to return to the drum seat as soon as possible. Get well soon, Mr. Black!

The Stranglers are booked for a charity event at Battersea, South London - or not. We've since discovered it's a JJ and Baz acoustic event, amid all the hilarity of the night. See Strangled LIVE

Could this be the next single? eBay

The Stranglers are taking a well deserved break. And JJ tells us that the Amsterdam gig was the last of the year. Following on from the magnificent Suite XVI tour, plans for next year involve the already booked European tour. Of note, though, were JJ’s thoughts on a proposed US tour, as well as Japan and Australia. The economics of touring the States have taken a beating for non-US musicians, and crew alike, as the country demands £1,000 a pop for a working visa… and the band want to take their own crew.

“I think we’ll wait for the Stateside release before we make our minds up,” he says. “There are various offers on the table. A West coast tour, including Vancouver in Canada. An East coast tour, to include Toronto. And a tour of the whole lot.” US fans should hopefully see something of the band next year. But JJ warns: “It’s got to make money, I’m not paying to go to that place!”

Other gossip includes talks for a Japanese release of Suite XVI on a local independent label. The label has been hugely successful in the last year promoting local talent and it’s very keen to sign The Stranglers. Japanese gigs seem certain to happen… as does a trip to Aus while in that time zone.

JJ is pleased with the worldwide reception to the latest LP, stating again that it’s already outsold Norfolk Coast. That’s because it’s good, offers your reporter. “No, that’s not it. It’s more than that. Historically the media never cared if we made good records. Something’s changed. It’s now cool to name check The Stranglers. New bands are talking about us. For instance the bass player in Kaiser Chiefs (Simon Rix interview here) cited me recently as one of his heroes.” Well, as a lot of you out there would say, join the queue mate.

One eagle-eyed reader saw a link of the French Tour here …where it states the Nancy date has yet to be confirmed, as are all dates prior to the official site’s publication. Even more observational readers have spotted the site’s anachronistic logo beneath the header!