Your top 5 things about Stafford.

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
Love the fortress analogy!… but really was it called The Keep because it was the one that was Kept?!…
Or possibly because you can see the castle from there? Who knows?

Were you there when the fake council letter about the lifts was circulated? Giving instructions about what to do in the event of various types of lift failures, finishing up with instructions about how to survive, if the cable broke - squat on the floor, keep watching the floors light up as it falls through them, then jump up as hard as you can, just as 'G' is about to light up.
 

Henchy

A few posts under my belt
Or possibly because you can see the castle from there? Who knows?

Were you there when the fake council letter about the lifts was circulated? Giving instructions about what to do in the event of various types of lift failures, finishing up with instructions about how to survive, if the cable broke - squat on the floor, keep watching the floors light up as it falls through them, then jump up as hard as you can, just as 'G' is about to light up.
That is brilliant and does ring a bell but Not Guilty on this occasion!
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
…and reminds of an incident involving a paternoster lift… was there one Beaconside?
I don't remember that - I started in 74.

There was one in the EE/GEC Transformer building at one time, but I'm not really sure if I did see that one or not.
 

Henchy

A few posts under my belt
You're right it was the main hall...don't remember Wizzard though, most probably the copious amounts of Newcastle Brown.
Could well have been Wizzard… the Wailers were the support act and despite being complete unknowns made a huge impression on me…interesting that we’re both vague about the main act!
 

Henchy

A few posts under my belt
I don't remember that - I started in 74.

There was one in the EE/GEC Transformer building at one time, but I'm not really sure if I did see that one or not.
So that fits… I finished in 75. I should remember re the paternoster because a long lost pal went for an interview and I think it was at NSP. He, never having used one before and perhaps being a bit confused did not get off at the top floor and everything started to go dark as the lift went into the space where it shuffled sideways. He thought it was going to fold flat or something, panicked and tried to jump out of the ever decreasing gap! Result… damage to both… thankfully not too much. His nick name… Phil the Pill!
 

BobClay

Well-Known Forumite
I can remember seeing Roy Wood and Wizard at the Polytech on Beaconside in the early 70's. I was driving a Trojan Bubble Car at the time (bike licence only.) Don't really know why I went because I wasn't much of a fan of that band. Then they made that Christmas Song and my indifference turned to slavering hatred. 🤪🤪😛
 

EasMid

Well-Known Forumite
The first time I saw The Wailers was on The Old Grey Whistle Test (according to Google this would have been 1st May 73 Tuesday). They said they were appearing that week at the poly (Friday I think).
They played in a smaller room than the main hall on a small low stage & I remember standing very close to them. The original lineup split up shortly after & a new lineup was formed as Bob Marley & The Wailers.
I don’t remember if they were on with Wizzard but I don’t remember the snow either (could be the ganga fumes 😉)
 
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Henchy

A few posts under my belt
The first time I saw The Wailers was on The Old Grey Whistle Test (according to Google this would have been 1st May 73 Tuesday). They said they were appearing that week at the poly (Friday I think).
They played in a smaller room than the main hall on a small low stage & I remember standing very close to them. The original lineup split up shortly after & a new lineup was formed as Bob Marley & The Wailers.
I don’t remember if they were on with Wizzard but I don’t remember the snow either (could be the ganga fumes 😉)
Yes…the proximity of Marley leaning out over the edge of the stage!
 

Henchy

A few posts under my belt
Jomt!
Anyone remember the startling revelation at the close of the Bonzo Dog Doo Da band’s set at the Poly?
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
Phew a date! Late for snow but definitely the reason for Peter Tosh and co not wanting to travel.
Mmm, they were supposed to play there again on November 22nd, but it is stated that that was cancelled as peter Tosh was ill - it is always possible that people's memories may be impaired...

They were also scheduled for the Top of the World on December 3rd - also cancelled, apparently.

 

Henchy

A few posts under my belt
Oh no it’s not may11… the insanity returns! The details from the Roots Reggae Forum are for the reconstructed band’s tour with the “Bob Marley and….” brand…(and the later date is Stoke). I definitely started at NSP in Sept 72 and only stayed at Brooke Ct for the first 2 terms…and it definitely snowed.
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
'History' often confuses the Stafford and Stoke venues, as it does with the two Bingley Halls.

This also says the May one was at Stafford and the November one was void.


My first 'knowledge' of any of this was from a friend who says he was there, at Safford, for the Wizzard/Wailers gig - and remembered the Wailers as "drums and whistles"...

All of this is subject to conjecture at this distance.
 

Mudgie

Well-Known Forumite
The first time I saw The Wailers was on The Old Grey Whistle Test (according to Google this would have been 1st May 73 Tuesday).
Is there a site that lists what was on each week of The Old Grey Whistle Test ?
 

Mudgie

Well-Known Forumite
remember seeing Roy Wood and Wizard at the Polytech on Beaconside in the early 70's. I was driving a Trojan Bubble Car at the time (bike licence only.) Don't really know why I went because I wasn't much of a fan of that band. Then they made that Christmas Song and my indifference turned to slavering hatred.
I don't think bands or singers should be judged by their Christmas records.
I think 'Mistletoe and wine' and 'Wonderful Christmastime' are two of the worst records ever though Cliff Richard and Paul McCartney are both quite accomplished musicians.
 
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