If push came to shove, which I'm not sure it ever has, Jah Wobble is my favourite bass player and probably the primary reason I ended up loving dub music. His bass lines with Public Image Ltd are unforgettable and they were never the same after he'd left. For reference check out Poptones, Careering or Public Image. His bass on the dub version of Primal Scream's Higher Than The Sun is pretty special as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8e2CTB9oeQ
Public Image Ltd playing Poptones in The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1980.
I went to the gig with Pooley who I've not seen much of during the last year or so. There was a time when we were inseparable and I've known him for over 30 years, and if you recall the First Ever Gig blog from December, he accompanied me to that. One thing about spending a lot of time with someone is that you run out of things to say, so it was nice to have some genuinely interesting things to catch up on over our pre-gig meal in China Town. Udon Noodles with Mixed Seafood: amazing. We had a few beers in The Rain Bar which is a really good pub with cheap prices and an open fire which shows how old we are getting.
I'm not sure if it was due to seeing Pooley for the first time in a while but I did find myself reminiscing whilst walking about Manchester City Centre and thinking that I've still never stopped loving the place even though it has changed so much. Back in the eighties it had a derelict maverick feel with an air of danger. These days it seems to constantly be trying to reach outer space as the buildings compete to be the tallest in the city. Another big change is the amount of homeless people which is so bad I find it distressing and makes me ashamed to see what type of society we currently are: 35 years of Neo-Liberal selfishness has taken its toll. There were some guys on Mosley Street who had erected umbrellas in a doorway, had music playing and were partying on Spice. Seems such a sad existence so it's no wonder they are self-medicating on that monstrous drug, who would want to face reality?
On a happier note the gig was inspiring and everything I hoped it would be, his bass was so deep the Gorilla soundsystem was struggling to cope. He is such a funny bloke and he had everyone laughing with his inter-song monologues and gentle ribbing of his bandmates. He played some covers and his version of Harry J Allstars' The Liquidator was great. Also got a couple of Public Image Ltd numbers: Public Image didn't totally work as Jah sang, and Jah is no singer. In all fairness it is almost impossible to better John Lydon's snarling invective on the original. Poptones is a different story however as he doesn't bother with the singing and the result is the highlight of the night. I did actually have a tear in my eye. I bought a white label album from the 'merch' store and subsequently left it in the Gorilla bar but even this couldn't spoil the night. I just hope that who ever ended up with it appreciates they are listening to one of the best bass players ever. Pooley and I resolved to catch up more often and we are planning to buy a scooter each this year and possibly go on a European tour on them, which would be nice if it happens. Neneh Cherry next at The Albert Hall in Manchester.
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