The Big Midweek Life: Inside The Fall

The Fall were one of the most important and influential post-punk bands of all time. Led by the charismatic and irascible Mark E. Smith, the band released a string of classic albums in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including Live at the Witch Trials, Dragnet, and Hex Enduction Hour. However, it was their legendary midweek gigs that truly defined The Fall's unique appeal.

The Big Midweek: Life Inside The Fall

by Steve Hanley

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	948 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	501 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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From the late 1970s until the early 1990s, The Fall played a regular series of midweek gigs at small venues around the UK. These gigs were often chaotic and unpredictable, but they were also incredibly exciting and creative. The Fall's midweek gigs were a chance for the band to experiment with new material and to connect with their fans on a more intimate level.

In his new book, The Big Midweek Life: Inside The Fall, author David Quantick provides an in-depth look at these iconic gigs. Quantick interviews former band members, fans, and promoters to create a vivid and entertaining portrait of The Fall's midweek world. The book is full of fascinating anecdotes and insights, and it offers a unique perspective on one of the most important bands of the post-punk era.

The Early Years

The Fall's first midweek gig was at the Electric Circus in Manchester on October 11, 1977. The band was still in its early days, and they had yet to release their debut album. However, their live shows were already legendary for their energy and intensity. The Electric Circus gig was a typically chaotic affair, with Smith ranting and raving at the audience and the band playing at a breakneck pace. However, the gig was also a success, and it helped to establish The Fall as one of the most exciting new bands on the post-punk scene.

Over the next few years, The Fall continued to play regular midweek gigs at small venues around the UK. These gigs helped to build the band's fanbase and to hone their sound. By the time they released their debut album, Live at the Witch Trials, in 1979, The Fall were one of the most popular and respected bands in the post-punk movement.

The Classic Years

The early 1980s were the classic years for The Fall's midweek gigs. During this period, the band released a string of classic albums, including Dragnet, Hex Enduction Hour, and Perverted by Language. They also toured extensively, playing to sold-out crowds all over the world. However, it was their midweek gigs that remained the heart and soul of The Fall's live experience.

The Fall's midweek gigs were often held at small, sweaty venues. The band would play for hours, often without a break. Smith would rant and rave at the audience, while the band played with an intensity that was both exhilarating and terrifying. The gigs were often chaotic and unpredictable, but they were also incredibly exciting and creative. They were a chance for The Fall to experiment with new material and to connect with their fans on a more intimate level.

Some of the most memorable Fall midweek gigs took place at the Hacienda in Manchester. The Hacienda was a legendary nightclub that was owned by Factory Records, the label that released The Fall's early albums. The Fall played at the Hacienda on numerous occasions, and their gigs there were always some of their most memorable. The Hacienda was a large venue, but it was always packed to capacity for Fall gigs. The atmosphere was electric, and the band would often play for hours on end. The Hacienda gigs were a defining moment in The Fall's career, and they helped to cement their reputation as one of the most important live bands of the post-punk era.

The Later Years

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Fall's midweek gigs began to decline in frequency. The band was still touring extensively, but they were playing larger venues and their sets were becoming more structured. However, The Fall never completely abandoned their midweek gigs. They continued to play them sporadically throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

The Fall's last midweek gig took place at the Roadhouse in Manchester on November 26, 2008. The gig was a typically chaotic affair, with Smith ranting and raving at the audience and the band playing at a breakneck pace. However, it was also a fitting end to an era. The Fall's midweek gigs had been a defining part of the band's career, and they had helped to create some of the most memorable moments in post-punk history.

The Legacy

The Fall's midweek gigs were a unique and important part of the band's career. They were a chance for the band to experiment with new material and to connect with their fans on a more intimate level. The gigs were often chaotic and unpredictable, but they were also incredibly exciting and creative. They helped to define The Fall's sound and to establish them as one of the most important live bands of the post-punk era.

The Fall's midweek gigs may be gone, but their legacy lives on. The band's music continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians, and their midweek gigs remain a testament to their unique and enduring talent.

The Big Midweek: Life Inside The Fall

by Steve Hanley

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	948 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	501 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE