X-Ray Spex - The Day The World Turned Boring?

The thing about the 'Punk Rock explosion' was, that back in its day it was new, fresh, young and Rebellious. The Punk Rock movement was about being an angry, bored, angst-ridden teenager, rebelling against society. Because it was such a strong, young movement, I don't think it bodes well with age.

Whilst Classic Rock bands such as The Stones, Led Zeppelin or Motorhead, are ageless, and can pull it off, for me, Punk bands can't. Because Punk was a moment in a time capsule,  something that can never be repeated, (just go and see the Sex Pistols today), it makes me feel rather sad, they are a parody of what was once a great live explosive movement.   

So, when I was told that I was being sent to review the X-Ray Spex gig at the Roundhouse, it was with great apprehension that I entered the Building. This was my 'teenage  playground' and holds so many exciting, nostalgic memories. I hate what the building now looks like from the outside.

Once inside, it was even worse then I had imagined.  What have the local council done to this famous, historical and charismatic venue? The Roundhouse used to be such a Fantastic live music venue back in the day. It was laid back, friendly, no rules and totally atmospheric, whereas today, its totally lost its identity. It is clinical and cold, with security everywhere,' telling you where you 'can and can't go'.... the place feels soul-less, dead!!!.  

I  saw everyone there, from The Who perform 'Tommy', when the amazing Keith Moon was still in the band, to T. Rex....The Runaways, right up to The Damned and The Ramones. The list of 'who's who' and the mixture of characters and Rocks Glitterati, legends who were there every Sunday is endless!

The Roundhouse had an exciting vibe about it, Which just like X-Ray Spex, has changed beyond recognition. I loved X-Ray Spex! At the time, they were new, exciting and vibrant, just like the scene that they were a part of. The  original line up was the late Jack Airport, Guitar , Paul Dean on Bass, BP Hurding on Drums and of course who can forget the fantastic Laura Logic on Sax? Admittedly, Poly Styrene still has that amazing voice. I cant possibly fault... it compares to no other, but the only way that I can think of to describe the X-Ray Spex of today, would be 'Punk Rock in a Cocktail Dress'!!!

None of the band that played that night were from the original line-up. They looked nondescript session musicians, which is not what X-Ray Spex was about they were a band. I think people were not expecting to see basically Poly Styrene and back up band, but they played all of the old  classics.

Opening up with 'Oh Bondage up yours', 'The day the World turned Day-Glo' ,and  'Art-I-ficial'....which is exactly how it came across... artificial!!!  It all sounded very polished, and ,ever-so-nice', with absolutely no balls, something that X-ray Spex once had in abundance. I watched a few numbers and was totally bored, with both the band and the venue. ( there was absolutely nothing visual going on stage).

I found the whole thing rather depressing and one big yawn.. ...