The footage has been dated on the YT upload as 1983, but it’s definitely 1982. Mark Ellen even alludes to New Gold Dream being a new album. I mean, yes, it still would be deemed that in early 1983 but if I look at Dream Giver Redux, It shows that the OGWT performance was recorded on September 17th, 1982, which makes perfect sense.
I love how quiet and subdued the performances are. Jim obviously felt the need to tone down the moves and vocal histrionics somewhat for these performances. There are some gorgeous looks to camera. Some tongue action. OMG! The make up! And some slight wardrobe changes too.
It’s a real shame that SSIS gets cut short. It’s beautifully lowkey.
I am so glad Jim mentioned Mike in his post last week. Mike had this beautiful touch with his playing. It’s a shame they felt he wasn’t really working out. One wonders sometimes if it was possible that if today’s Jim could have the ear of 1982’s Jim that he’d say “Kid, don’t be so hasty.” Probably only for 1982’s Jim to say “Fuck off, grandad. Who are you?” Lol. I’m glad Mike has his place pictorially in most of the artwork for the album too, with that fantastic flat top ‘fro of his.
A side note, touching on Mike, then Mel, along with Tony Butler in Big Country, was my young teenage brain having a hard time grappling with the concept of Scottish bands having black band members in them. I don’t know why? Just…general naivety on my part. Never really questioned it with bands coming out of England.
Anyway….happy MMM!
