Fugazi playing at the Riverside in Newcastle upon Tyne on Sunday 26th November 1989, without a doubt changed my life! It seems a grand and ridiculous statement but it really is true.
Fugazi's whole outlook on playing live and their approach to the music industry was and remains to this day quite simple but radical and I admire them more than words can describe.
Riverside, as a venue, felt similar with friendly door staff and an atmosphere unlike any other club I had been to or have been to since.
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| Fugazi ticket from Riverside Newcastle |
Before the gig I approached the band as they walked around the venue and they were only too happy to have the show filmed and then be interviewed afterwards. At which my position for the night was taken on - a hastily moved table in front of one of the mighty brick pillars, which I must say that I always liked!
God's Ultimate Noise and Crane warmed the crowd up and by the time Fugazi walked on stage the room was heaving and already dripping with condensation! They played a mixture of songs from their first two EPs plus some newer songs from their forthcoming album Repeater. 'Waiting Room', 'Glue Man' and 'Margin Walker' never sounded better. It was a combination of the band being on top form and playing in what was to become one of their favourite venues. This remains one of my most memorable gigs ever.
When I heard that there was to be a documentary made about Riverside, I got in touch with one of the producers and offered them my footage of this and other Riverside gigs I filmed around the time. I am really pleased to have my work included in the trailer, which can be found on their indiegogo crowd funding page this month. The campaign runs for 30 days. If enough funds are raised, the team will go out to interview Ian Mackaye in Washington DC, to add his recollections of Riverside to the live footage in the completed documentary.
The campaign is at www.indiegogo.com/rivfilm and embedded below.
