Photograph
Fast Cars
Spinning Top
4th November 2022

4th November 2022 - Fast Cars
The Spinning Top, 20 Wellington Rd S, Stockport SK4 1AA

I went to see Fast Cars performing Live in Stockport with two German friends Volkmar and Paul Rauner from Berlin-Spandau.

I had been a fan of the band since I first saw them being supported by Sister Ray at Kelly's Club, Manchester in 1978.

I saw them several more times that autumn playing local venues, namely, Salford Tech with Joy Division and Band on the Wall.

My most memorable Fast Cars gig was at the Portland Bars on 24th November 1980 which turned out to be their last of that era.

I had fun dancing around to Tameside Girls, a favourite song of mine at the time, with members of my best mates band The International Set!

Forty years later, I caught up with Fast Cars once more when the band did a free turn at the Pete Shelley Memorial gig in Leigh. It was brilliant to meet band founders Stuart and Steve Murray.

That was on 12th February 2022 at the Turnpike Centre, Leigh with The Freshies and Static Line. (First gig featuring Nigel Hilton on Lead Guitar & Steve Murray on Rhythm guitar).

I was in Manchester with Volkmar and Paul to see The Damned the day before Fast Cars were due to play The Spinning Top, so we were absolutely delighted to get the 192 Bus down to Stockport to see them.

I met Stuart inside the pub who gave me the bands Set List while telling me their lead guitarist from Brighton had left the band due its distance from Manchester. Steve explained, the band were now a threesome, like The Jam, which fits well, as they play power punk mod songs.

Great tight set of 11 original songs, a couple of good newer ones thrown in too. Outside afterwards with van loaded, we had lots of fun taking photos with Stuart and Steve to finish off the night!

Our hearts go out to Stuart and Steve who made our visit one to treasure, thanks a million guys.