Thanks for that Phil, it brought a lot memories flooding back. I was at that Donnington Park gig along with 70,000 others. Had a great time. I did a lot of gigging in those days (not as much as now though). Saw lots of the bands mentioned, it was a time of great excitement in the “Heavy Metal” world. It’s funny that the biggest four of NWOBHM are all still touring, and releasing albums 44 years later. Who said metal wouldn’t last.
Remember all this. It was a breath of fresh air after the doldrums of punk (sorry anyone who likes punk but...) very exciting time new albums flying at you every week by bands that were enjoying a resurge or new bands exploded onto the scene.
I didn't know about this. Donington 1980 was my first concert of any kind. Made all the more special because I was on the guest list. Pretty good for a 15 year old. My mate's sister worked for Midland Concert Promotions, so that was my conection. I was in the 'backstage' area - not behind the stage, but the pits for the drivers on the race track, far away from the stage, clutching my picture sleeve of All Night Long and a pen. Inside the cafeteria was Saxon, presumably supping some tea, the nearest I'd ever been to an actual rock band. Then I popped outside, and there was Roger Glover of Deep 'Freakin' Purple ! I couldn't speak, even though he looked directly at me. I failed to get him to sign my sleeve. Then a motor bike turned up. The rider took off his helmet. It was Cozy Powell. He looked at me and nodded. I couldn't speak to him either. (I also failed to speak to him at the Schenker gig when Cozy joined his band a few weeks later, which I also had a pass for.) Then we went into the arena (see what I did there ?). The first time I had been in the company of so many denim and leather clad brothers and sisters. Neil Kaye played many songs between sets, including one I'd never heard, but it seemed that every body else did as they sang along. That was my first time of hearing Freebird. So many memories, and they all come back whenever I hear And The Bands Played On. (They might have stuck an extra verse in it about meeting me while drinking tea or something...oh well, C'est La Vie.)
1980. The year Levitation came out. The album that got me into Hawkwind. For me it's their best. Back then they had a big following of fans. It too was a great time to be into Heavy Metal. 🙂
Glad you think G-Force was a great band. Gary Moore was the first real "guitar hero" I saw live. No offence to Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody, but Moore was in a different league, with Schenker, Blackmore and Eddie Van Halen. The Donington show is still so exciting on video. My mate was there, and he said Ritchie Blackmore was completely "as one" with his guitar.
Thanks for that Phil, it brought a lot memories flooding back. I was at that Donnington Park gig along with 70,000 others. Had a great time. I did a lot of gigging in those days (not as much as now though). Saw lots of the bands mentioned, it was a time of great excitement in the “Heavy Metal” world. It’s funny that the biggest four of NWOBHM are all still touring, and releasing albums 44 years later. Who said metal wouldn’t last.
Phil, I enjoyed this look back in time and the 80's was a Rock Music Explosion ! Good day from the U.S.A.
Great piece of memorabilia Phil never knew about this and I was there would love to get my hands on a copy of this, the hunt is on 🤞cheers Phil.
Great story Phil! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your life during that period. Sounds like it was very exciting.
Glad you enjoyed it
Remember all this. It was a breath of fresh air after the doldrums of punk (sorry anyone who likes punk but...) very exciting time new albums flying at you every week by bands that were enjoying a resurge or new bands exploded onto the scene.
I didn't know about this. Donington 1980 was my first concert of any kind. Made all the more special because I was on the guest list. Pretty good for a 15 year old. My mate's sister worked for Midland Concert Promotions, so that was my conection. I was in the 'backstage' area - not behind the stage, but the pits for the drivers on the race track, far away from the stage, clutching my picture sleeve of All Night Long and a pen. Inside the cafeteria was Saxon, presumably supping some tea, the nearest I'd ever been to an actual rock band. Then I popped outside, and there was Roger Glover of Deep 'Freakin' Purple ! I couldn't speak, even though he looked directly at me. I failed to get him to sign my sleeve. Then a motor bike turned up. The rider took off his helmet. It was Cozy Powell. He looked at me and nodded. I couldn't speak to him either. (I also failed to speak to him at the Schenker gig when Cozy joined his band a few weeks later, which I also had a pass for.) Then we went into the arena (see what I did there ?). The first time I had been in the company of so many denim and leather clad brothers and sisters. Neil Kaye played many songs between sets, including one I'd never heard, but it seemed that every body else did as they sang along. That was my first time of hearing Freebird. So many memories, and they all come back whenever I hear And The Bands Played On. (They might have stuck an extra verse in it about meeting me while drinking tea or something...oh well, C'est La Vie.)
What a fantastic story ! Thank you so much for sharing - Phil :)
Aah the memories, I still have the reviews from the various music papers of the 1st monsters.
Phil, thanks for sharing. What memories. Kind regards
I was riveted at each page turning. thanks Phil... Ritchie sure had the best photos...
1980. The year Levitation came out. The album that got me into Hawkwind. For me it's their best. Back then they had a big following of fans. It too was a great time to be into Heavy Metal. 🙂
Wonderful stuff! Truly the good old days! Great to see Phil!
Thank you 🙏
Great review, thanks Phil! Back in time, story become legend
Great time indeed - thanks muchly, Phil! 🙏👍
Love the Tygers of Pan Tang image.
Great journey at the good old days.Thanks Phil.😄👍🤘
What a great time to see bands.
You should do a few shorts playing the guitar Phil it sounds great.
Glad you think G-Force was a great band. Gary Moore was the first real "guitar hero" I saw live. No offence to Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody, but Moore was in a different league, with Schenker, Blackmore and Eddie Van Halen. The Donington show is still so exciting on video. My mate was there, and he said Ritchie Blackmore was completely "as one" with his guitar.
Budgie…. How about a Budgie album run down/ranking?
Looks like early copies of kerrang