Joe Strummer at the edge of the stage snarling down his mic

Robert Furnace <freedomfieldsattalktalk.net> wrote:

Hi Graham, Not sure if you have received my screen shot from the Plymouth After Dark forum?

Robert Furnace - The Clash gig and Castaways

In 1977 both my brother Mike and myself lived in Plymouth.

We would have caught the bus into the centre then walked, to the venue. Castaways was a night club set in the heart of Plymouth's club land on Union Street.

I was a regular visitor to its Monday Rock cafe night. Groups would be booked to play the early part of the week but not Friday onwards as the venue would return to it's disco /night club routine.

From the outside the building did not look any thing special but once inside it was quite smart all on one level, long and oblong in shape with a couple of bars at each end. The stage and dance floor were a three sided box which looked as if it had been dropped into the top right hand corner of the venue. The stage was on the small side, the dance floor was sunken and to get on the floor there was a long two tier step that ran the whole of the open side of the box.

Punters would congregate on the steps to gain a better view of the stage or to view people dancing, whilst on the dance floor the view was ok at the front but not so at the back. If you wanted to go to the bar/ toilet you would have to battle your way through the crowd as a lot of people would congregate at the top of the steps and this would back up. When the band where playing it created a small bowl adding to the atmosphere. The ceiling was lowish with good lighting also adding to the effect.

Castaways could accommodate about 1000. 1200 people on a disco night people would congregate at the bars and in the centre of the building.

I cant remember buying a ticket for the Clash ig we must have done as I was on the dole at the time so had to be careful with the pennies.

Upon entry the tickets must have been retained by the door staff.

I got into the habit of keeping my ticket stubs but for castaways I only have one, The Drones who played there in January 78.

As for the Clash –well to start, what a line up. The Lou's were first on. They stick in my mind for they where the first female punk band i saw live. Their set was basic. Not many people would have known who these French punksters were but to be fair the crowd stayed and watched instead of diving for the bar.

Richard Hell and the Voidiods. I had heard of them I new that they were big on the US punk scene. To me he seemed like a men of mystery whilst on stage. I cant remember anything about the set they played but it must of had some lasting impression on me as I bought the LP Blank Generation soon afterwards.

The Clash being the main event. A more raucous affair. Very energetic. Joe Strummer at the edge of the stage snarling down his mic. They were my favourite band along with the Stranglers and Buzzcocks. I can not remember the set they played but it was by far the best act that i saw at Castaways. You sensed that they would go on to greater things so on reflection i feel very privilged that I saw them at this stage in their careers,

Regard Rob.

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