Tom Robinson & Dexy’s Midnight Runners – Hastings Pier gigs

John Storer asks...

I wonder if anyone else can remember Tom Robinson Band with Eater in support around the time of 2-4-6-8 Motorway

The other was Dexy’s Midnight Runners around the time of “Searching For The Young Soul Rebels (my second favourite album ever) – a set even shorter than The Sex Pistols. There were a few National Front idiots at the front of the stage and Kevin Rowland took the band off-stage during the third number and refused to come back out. There may even have been some band / audience fisticuffs Dexy’s are one of my all-time fave bands but this was the only time I saw them live. What really annoyed me was that a lot of mates decided not to go see them at The Pier but to go to the band’s gig at Brighton Top Rank the following night. They all returned with rave reviews and one of them still swears to this day it was the best gig he ever went to!

Philip Meston…..Didn’t see TRB, but was at the Dexy’s gig. Gig was rather spoilt by beer can throwing and disruption, which was partly due to the band not wanting to play Geno as I recall. Other than that, they really could play!!

John Austin….I saw the Dexy”s gig ! spoilt by gobbing punks !

Pete Fairless…..The Dexys gig was brief, nervous and angry… In short, of course, exactly as it should have been! Not sure anyone saw TRB on the pier!

Martyn Baker…..Yep I was there. Kevin asked the audience if they’d bought tickets just to see them perform their hit record. When lots shouted “Yeah!” He quietly said “Ever been had?”.

Leigh Weiland-Boys…..I was there that night! Anyone & everyone that knows me has heard the story…I seem to recall a lot of spitting going on!

Pete Fairless….Eater supported The Stranglers, it may be that gig that John is thinking of. Eater were dire, probably the worst band I ever saw on the pier.

Alan Esdaile….It does look like Tom Robinson did not appear, unless anyone knows different? Could it have been The Crpyt?

Sarah Harvey….I have seen an advert for TRB but just need to find it. As i remember it wasn’t the biggest advert I have ever seen….could have been supporting someone else. Can’t remember actually seeing them.

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