Gang of Four – live at Second Chance, Ann Arbor, Michigan – June 30, 1981.
Diving into the early 80s this weekend with a set by Gang of Four, recorded live at The Second Chance in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 30, 1981.
Considered one of the leading bands of the late 1970s/early 1980s Post-Punk movement. They maintained a hard-edge until the early 80s, when they softened and drifted in the direction of more Dance-oriented music.
The band has gone through a number of personnel changes over the years, and has broken up a few times in the process. Still together, since reuniting in 2004, Gang of Four have enjoyed legend status, and for good reason; they were one of the most influential bands from the period and made their mark on numerous bands who have been influential in their own right. Cited as huge influences on their work, artists such as Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kurt Cobain of Nirvana put Gang of Four at the tops of their lists as a band who made a huge difference.
This concert comes from around the time of the release of the second album, Solid Gold, which was a hit in the UK but didn’t do much on this side of the Atlantic. The tour was to coincide with the release, and Warners (their new label, having left EMI after their debut album) and the label was doing their level-best to get word out, including broadcasting several of their concerts throughout the U.S. – this one was originally broadcast over the local Ann Arbor station.
So even though they may not have been considered a commercial success at the time, their legacy has been considerable, and the bands they influenced, which became huge later on, say a lot about just how innovative and profound they were.
Crank it up and enjoy the weekend.
