Formed only a year earlier, Belfast based Protex secured the support slot on what was probably one of the most sought after gigs of that year. A couple of weeks ago I talked with Aidan Murtagh, lead singer and guitarist with the band, about the tour which we’ll upload next week. Between 1978 and early 1980 they released 4 cracking power pop singles and I thought you may like to give them a listen before the post (available through usual platforms).
And what was the best support band you saw that never quite made it, that you would recommend to fellow COB?
Faith bros might be the1983 college tour I know when they did Aston uni a support group were called the climb June1983
I’ve just checked a site that lists the Rats gigs but it doesn’t say, though I’m sure I read somewhere they may have done. I enjoyed Zerra 1 and the CD they toured with. Perhaps HH can advise?
Didn’t they support Rats on (some of) the In the Long Grass tour?. I’ve seen them definitely and fairly certain at Hammersmith Palais but struggling to remember who with. I know Zerra 1 did a lot of the tour but was it all?
I had actually forgotten about another great band I saw supporting The Alarm and that was The Faith Brothers, led by Billy Franks. Their debut album, EVENTIDE, remains one of my all time favourites. A social commentary from the early 80’s, with great hooks and a fantastic brass section. The second album bombed. I read he died unexpectedly 2-3 years ago, but had been gigging around mainly London up to that point. Well worth at least one listen.
Technically these are the first band I ever saw live, as they were supporting The Rats. I’m looking forward to hearing the chat.
Heading to Spotify now!!
Funnily enough was on a similar topic Downtown yesterday. I would recommend Mighty Stef from the Irish leg of Rats 2013 (or 2014?) tour. Got one of their albums 100 Midnights which I played only this morning after being reminded about them. Deserved more recognition in my view.