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Blitzkrieg Live

All tracks recorded live at Le Stadium, Paris, on 16th October, 1978.

Track listing

  1. Complete Control
  2. Tommy Gun
  3. I Fought The Law
  4. Jail Guitar Doors
  5. Clash City Rockers
  6. (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais
  7. Drug-Stabbing Time
  8. Protex Blue
  9. Guns On The Roof
  10. Stay Free
  11. Police & Thieves / Blitzkrieg Bop
  12. Capital Radio
  13. Janie Jones
  14. Garageland
  15. English Civil War
  16. London's Burning
  17. White Riot

Review

This is a great performance from the band, and the quality on the CD is pretty good as well. Everything is clear and there's no distortion or similar problems, though it's not as good as say the Bonds 1981 CD or Jamaica show. The band kickoff with a great rendition of Complete Control, straight into Tommy Gun, which is also excellent, then following typical numbers from the day, with 'Rope material getting in there about the time of the album's release. The whole performance throughout this gig is full of energy (Blitzkrieg is indeed a perfect description of the band's musical onslaught.).

Not really anything wrong with this show. Each song is performed well and Joe is very enthusiastic. Good version of (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais and a very rocking opening to Protex Blue, with Mick sounding great singing it, and of course in Stay Free as well. London's Burning is probably my favourite performance from the whole show. A lot of energy, great guitars and trademark incoherent vocals from Joe :-)

This gig is famous for one of the tracks appearing on the officially released Rockers Galore, albeit hidden. Police & Thieves followed by the Ramones' classic Blitzkrieg Bop. A great rendition, and it links up well with Police & Thieves. The band flow into it as though it was part of the song. The quality of the track there is pretty much the same as on here. There's been no mastering or overdubbing of it whatsoever. It just makes you think why the hell don't they start officially releasing all these gigs they have hidden away in the archives. People would buy them.

The only gripe with this show is a very minor noise that becomes audible in between songs, and it sounds similar to a jump in a vinyl going round and round but not actually skipping the music (Gaz of Clash UK Boots quite correctly described it as a 'heartbeat' sound). It could have been something on the tape. Anyway, it's only noticeable a few times, and this gig has good quality throughout.

A great performance from the band, and a good CD to have.

Rated: 8 / 10

Extra

The Police & Thieves / Blitzkrieg Bop track from this gig is tacked onto the end of the Rockers Galore promo CD and not listed on the sleeve.