On May 29th, 1981, Throbbing Gristle performed their last live show at the Kezar Pavillion in San Francisco, CA. This legendary performance marked the initial breakup of the group and end of its mission.
One of the attendees remembers:
You know for the life of me I can’t remember anymore about the actual music. I can remember closing my eyes during one piece and floating off into the 4th dimension (no drugs here just TG). I can remember jumping up and down because of the intense beat, and I can remember screaming along with the rest of the audience as they yelled back at Genesis during ‘Heathen Earth’. The show ended within the usual 60 minutes with a short version of ‘Discipline’. At the end there was no screaming for more. I think the audience was too mesmerised by the last 60 minutes to really do anything. The group stayed on stage and started packing things up. Genesis talked with the audience for a while and I spoke with peter for a few minutes. As I said at the beginning it wasn’t your average rock concert, it was more a happening, an event and one I’ll remember for a long time to come.
Set list:
“Dead Souls”
“Guts On The Floor”
“Circle Of Animals”
“Looking For The OTO”
“Vision And Voice”
“Funeral Rites”
“Spirits Flying”
“Persuasion U.S.A.”
“The Process”
“Discipline (Reprise)”
I’ve watched the video literally dozens of times already and it simply blows my mind.
In related news, all five TG albums have been remastered and reissued by Industrial Records last year and according to Chris Carter, the sixth and final TG album, TG’s Desertshore – The Final Report, is in the works and set to be released later this year. Bring it!
Just a quick heads up for those who happen to be in or around Berlin on November 11: Demdike Stare, Andy Stott, Tropic of Cancer and Emptyset will be playing live at the notorious Berghain alongside Milton Bradley, Raime and Opium Hum. This lineup is a no-brainer so be there if you can.
Heads up for those who happen to be in Los Angeles tonight: Finders Keepers Records label boss Andy Votel will host one-on-one conversation with the legendary French composer and Serge Gainsbourg’s right hand man Jean-Claude Vannier. The event starts at 8pm and will feature rare documentary footage and unreleased Historie de Melody Nelson outtakes. Don’t miss!
The Cinefamily, 611 N Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Phone: 323-655-2510.
Chicago-based Neon Marshmallow festival will hit New York City for the first time this fall. The event will take place on October 14-16 at Public Assembly in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The venue sound will be expanded with the addition of the full-spectrum Bunker sound system. I am looking forward seeing Tim Hecker and Veronica Vasicka!
Live: Tim Hecker, Rhys Chatham, Grouper, Phill Niblock, Alan Licht, Mark Fell, Kevin Drumm, Loren Connors, Phoenecia, Rene Hell, Blues Contro, James Ferraro, The Men Xeno & Oaklander, La Big Vic, Forma, Palmetto Moon Electronic Group, Mandelbrot & Skyy, Joe Lentini, Ryley Walker.
DJs: Veronica Vasicka, Spinoza, Ric Leichtung, Emilie Friedlander.
Visuals: Yr Friend Matthew, EyeBodega, Jon Williams & Rebecca Gaffney
A limited number of complete passes are available for $60 here. More info/details here.