I saw the Stranglers play North Berwick Fringe at the Sea a couple of weeks ago. The last time I had seen them play was November 1986 at Wembley Arena, supported by X-Mal Deuthschland and Keith Allen who did a brilliant confrontational set.
The 1986 show was the only time I ever went to such a large venue, and I vowed never again. That meant I missed Prince’s shows at Earls Court, but on the whole I just like small, standing venues where you can get as close to the band as you are comfortable with.
I thought they did a cracking Toiler on the Sea near the end of the ’86 show and when they opened the recent show with it I knew we were in for a good night. They really miss Dave Greenfield RIP, and a lot of the keyboard parts seem much simpler arrangements, but all the old aggression is still there and it’s great to see JJ having such a good time.