Is it really THIRTY years Ago?
May 5, 2011
The last referendum held in the UK was 30 years ago apparently, and asked people to decide on whether or not we should remain in the Common Market.
I remember it well because on that particular day I was one of the additional roadies recruited to help unload and set up for The Police who were playing a gig that night at Birmingham Town Hall. I was the only one who went off to cast my vote (in favour of staying in the EEC if you’re interested) once we’d got all the equipment and PA installed.
It was pretty tough going, even for a fit youngster which I was in those days, so when we came across a couple of crates of lager we thought it was a very kind gesture to reward our efforts with some much needed refreshments. Of course they were really destined for back stage and naturally we knew nothing about their disappearance when ‘the alarm was raised’. I’m sure they knew damn well who had had them away but we escaped any retribution – we still got our £20 and got to see the concert.
In fact me and a student friend spent most of the gig sitting on the edge of a box either side of the stage holding on to the top tier of speakers that, although adorned with safety chains, were swaying precariously in time to the thump, thump, thump of the music. Did I mention that I hate heights?… that I have problems even up a step ladder?
It was a truly memorable experience, really great concert, and although it was approaching 3 in the morning by the time we finished, I went home blissfully happy (yes, we had secreted enough lager to keep us going all evening and on the journey home) with a pair of Stewart Copeland’s drum sticks. OK, it took the best part of the next day to get my hearing back to normal, but my girlfriend at the time
was thrilled when I presented her with the drum sticks and very appreciative. She dumped me a few weeks later, so with hindsight, I wish I’d hung on to them!
If you’re still deciding whether or not to vote, I urge you to go and do it. Who knows, something equally memorable might happen on the way to the polling station that you can recall in 30 years time.
