Monday, 13 July, 1981 – I-Beam, San Francisco, California, United States

  1. The N.W.R.A.
  2. City Hobgoblins
  3. Deer Park
  4. Impression of J. Temperance
  5. C ‘n’ C
  6. Stars on 45
  7. Lie Dream of a Casino Soul
  8. Printhead
  9. Winter
  10. Totally Wired
  11. Prole Art Threat
  12. Session Musician
  13. Leave the Capital

NOTES

Amazing

A stunning performance of the group from the penultimate outing on the mammoth 1981 US tour.

Smith is a playful mood – changing the words – joshing with the audience – americanising his words – chucking in the odd german phrase in.

Excellent quality sound in the most part, drums are a touch muddy in places perhaps.

The high point is an exceptional reading of “Winter” where Burns cymbal play is deft and the band crash through a muscular version of the song. But I am being too selective – every number tonight has something special about it as the group power on at mesmeric speed with all the confidence of a unit which has honed down its act to clockwork precision on a long tour. Hanley’s bass on “Deer Park” has to be heard to be believed – an exercise in dexterity that would have Bootsy Collins slapping his lips in awe.

The closing “Leave the Capital” is taken at a mesmeric amphetamine tinged pace with the Roman Shell being replaced by a Spanish one.

Highly recommended.

Great photo here with Jello Biafra looking on.

photo