Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

ClAsSiC TuBe.cLaSsIc BrIx jG33o


Anyone any good stories to tell that involve the Fall? Id be interested in any comments?

Maybe I can help here...

I got into the band around 91/92.

First saw first them in '97, on the tour of which never nearly completed...Burns, Hanley, Crooks, Nagle and Smith. Aberdeen Lemon Tree.....to me, it was the last decent line-up. When Smith lost Hanley and Burns, I feel that the band was over (I speak as as a bassist/drummer and Fall fan).

I saw them again in 2002 - I think it was filmed for a DVD. Good gig, but lacked the edge that made it different in '97 - when Mark had played the entire gig at 11 with a lot of time with his back to the audience!

Post-Hanley (even his last couple) I can't say the records stand up. Last great album- the underrated 'Middle Class Revolt'. Saying that, I can avoid the Brix era - so for me, the band is '79-83 (I know...I include 'Perverted By Language') and from '90-94 (I stop at 'Cerebral Caustic'). Untouchable.

I always love The Fall, but I can't defend them as I once did. The minute they lost the bit of stability they had, kind of turned off.

I must add, the only album I haven't heard in recent years is 'Reformation TLC' - I know the rest, and to my ears, The Fall haven't really been the same since 'Middle Class Revolt' - good tracks on 'Levitate', but since then, I've struggled to like it.

Discuss!!!

Iain,How did you end up seeing the Fall in Aberdeen the windy city? BTW thanks for your post im very limited in The Falls history Cheers.

No problem Scott!

I used to live Aberdeen, did all of my further education(college and beyond) up there. Great city, really loved it, and nearly never left. Only downside was the long winters!

I saw loads of bands at the Lemon Tree - superb venue. I actually saw Travis, supporting a local band way before they broke through.

There's a great Fall fan site - http://www.visi.com/fall/news/fallnews.html

You'll find loads of history and bits on there. They are true fans!

I suppose I'm just a bit more objective when it comes to the band now. They will always be special....just like all groups, they have their ups and downs. One thing is certain - you can never write them off.

I know Brix played a Ric when she was with them first time (83-89). I'm not sure if she did second time (94-96). I'm also quite convinced that I saw footage of bassman Steve Hanley (very cool bassist) playing a Ric, although I may have dreamt that one!

My brother in law lives in Aberdeen Iain next time im up i will go and check out who is on.Cheers