The Reliants#1, 1977-1978
Part 4 - The Arts Centre
press article had to be written by the band themselves and submitted by hand - what memories, the days of a Labour government before Thatcher took away any Union rights!
It was 50p to get in. The capacity was 96. The Reliants broke the crowd record and had over 100 people paying to see them. Each band member made £4.80 - the big time! The Armchair had purchased a stripy pyjama top from the Oxfam shop for his stage wear, thinking it had a 'Belsen' look to it, very trendy at the time! A variety of school kids arrived with their school ties anarchically tied loosely around their necks.
It was December 1978, Christmas was round the corner. Rikky Patrick (Rikk Quay), the DJ for the night, had a siren in his box of tricks and this hailed the arrival of The Reliants on stage. The gig was a raucous success, the audience danced down the aisles and in front of the band. The band played 'Away in a Manger' reggae style, as a festive treat. Half way through the gig as things got a bit lively, Dave Armour had to stop proceedings warning the audience if they didn't stop dancing and shouting and throwing things, pop bands would no longer be allowed to play. The audience calmed down, the band played on and a wonderful night was had by all.
Take a look at the Arts Centre Photo Story to recapture that unique night.
The Armchair, thinking that one day, some 25 years later, some sad bastard would produce a web site highlighting the event, had the foresight to take a cassette recorder with him to record the gig. A portable cassette recorder was a rare thing in 1978 and some bastard nicked it. Was it you?
Sadly, the gig proved to be the final appearance of the band and they split. The Armchair and Vince went on to form The Reliants#2, Sam went on to earn some cash in Somethin' Else and John went back to school.
The Reliants - Tamworth's first and last punk band.
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