'HERE WE STAND THE JUDGE AND JURY, DEAF AND BLIND AND FULL OF FURY'

Probably one of the most important band of the early 80's, along with Crass, in my mind anyway. THEATRE OF HATE. Saw them live a couple of times in Stevenage during 1980 and 1981, was hoping to post a tape of these shows, but sound aint the best, needs a bit of work. So instead here's a recording from The Lyceum, London (14/6/81) Theatre of Hate sounded like nothing that had been before them, they married that post punk Joy Division/Gang of Four sound with the rebel stance of The Clash and came out with their own unique style'n'sound. Pounding drums and bass, discordant guitars, stretched out saxophone solos, topped off with the high pitched warbling of Kirk Brandon and his soon to become fashionable quiff. Awesome. Lyrically they touched on the sins of the Catholic Church, Cold War politics and historical figures. 'Legion' remains one of my favourite songs ever! Theatre Of Hate were full of fury, but certainly not deaf, dumb or blind and neither were the fans to whom they offered hope, freedom and community in an age of Thatcherite politics, that were destroying everything. Westworld, their album is a landmark. Minimal, atmospheric, bleak and brooding yet uplifting. A classic! It also showcased Mick Jones(The Clash) production techniques, used to great effect on the first Big Audio Dynamite L.P and also his later work with The Libertines and Babyshambles. Anyway enough of my ramblings here is: Love is a Ghost Live at The Lyceum 1981 - http://www.sendspace.com/file/3lej44