I remember this gig well. We played a mix of old and brand-new material. I would normally be very nervous about playing some of this stuff for the first time, however my mind was very preoccupied with the running of our very first WOMAD festival and the potential financial disaster that it was heading towards. Two years earlier a wild idea I’d had on a train had led to my hustling a group of people interested in the music of other cultures, and now our dream was very much becoming a reality – an artistic triumph and a financial disaster.
Because WOMAD was unique in its focus on music and art from around the world, and mixing it with up with rock and jazz, no-one knew how many people might turn up and we had seriously overestimated our appeal. But those that had decided to check out WOMAD and its weird and wonderful lineup were open-minded, bold and curious – a great audience.
We performed inside in the Showering Pavilion in the Royal Bath and West Showground. It was also the first time I had performed with Ekomé, the wonderful Bristol-based drum and dance group, and although we had a bit of a rhythmic train crash in Rhythm of the Heat it was a thrilling collaboration.
It was a landmark and edgy gig for me both personally and musically and brings back lots of memories. I hope it works for you.
-pg
Live at WOMAD 1982 is available now on all digital platforms