'IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE ALL OF THIS IS DONE'

One of the 80's biggest 'alternative' bands; NEW MODEL ARMY, named after Cromwell's English Civil War forces. I first came upon them when they played at Bowes Lyon House in Stevenage in 1984. Justin aka Slade The Leveller prowled the stage in a red bands mans jacket like a manic street preacher spitting out words of venom and anger. "I believe in vengeance I believe in getting the bastards, getting the bastards, getting the bastards, now!" You didn't get that at a Crass gig. They received a lot of criticism of their often puritanical views, and themes of revenge that also surfaced on a latter track of theirs, The Hunt, another tale of vengeance. Their live shows were an intense religious experience they had a faithful, fanatical following that travelled the country to worship. Pyramids of bodies and waving arms filled venues, and clogs pounded the dance floor, clogs were the shoe of choiceof yer New Model Arm disciple. Converse trainers, Chelsea Boots or Dr Martins were no protection against a stray clog, not that there were many when they played in Stevenage, the hall was half full. By 1985 they were playing Top of The Pops wearing Only Stupid Bastards Use Heroin T-Shirts, with gaffa tape across the word bastards. All Of This Is was originally released in 1999 and is a fine live collection of all their best numbers. Get it there, turn up loud and feel angry.