Years of going gaga for gigs celebrated in book
ABOOK which will stir up concert memories for giggoers will be published this week. 16 Years: Gigs In Scotland 1974 To 1990 features around 2000 photos as well as gig posters, set lists, and autographed material.
Chris Brickley, who comes from Glasgow but is now resident in Edinburgh, said he sourced the material for the publication over a period of two years.
More than 150 private collectors, from Scotland, the UK and overseas, have contributed to the book. Contributions also came from professional photographers including Harry Papadopoulos, Chalkie Davies and Chris Brickley.
The book features David Bowie, Sex Pistols, Clash, Ramones, REM, U2, Joy Division and Jam to Kraftwerk, Devo, Cramps, Fall, Adam, and the Ants, Birthday Party, Suicide, Skids, Scars, and Simple Minds, as well as Crass, Swans, Virgin Prunes, Nico and Divine.
Alongside this eclectic and impressive array of critically-acclaimed acts are photographs of venues, industry figures, and fans themselves while over 120 venues are showcased in the book including legendary venue the Apollo and Tiffany’s.
Those behind the project said the main challenge was to raise the funds required to print the book. This was achieved through a group of co-sponsors and 100 crowdfunded pre-orders and donations over three weeks in February this year. With the target reached, the project was able to come to fruition.
Chris Brickley, project initiator, said: “I was staggered by the range and quality of the material available. I wanted to cover the whole of Scotland, to give a flavour of how things actually looked.
“Gig-going was a fundamental part of our social lives, democratic and affordable, and the friendships forged are enduring. I’m sure fans will enjoy looking through the book, whether they were there at the time or perhaps younger music enthusiasts tired of their parents’ memories.”
Ian Rankin, who has written the foreword for the publication, added: “Chris has curated a treasure trove of concert memories from Scotland’s rock music past.
“A trip down memory lane for many of us, it’s also an invaluable guide to a lost world of venues, bands, fashions, and moments in time.”