Colin Dredd - Newtown Neurotic R.I.P.

It is with sadness that I received the news that Colin Dredd, original bass player of the Newtown Neurotics died this week. I have stated on this site previously that The Neurotics, as they became known, formed the musical backdrop to my political education at a time of miners strike benefits, the Brighton bombing of the Grand and gigs played in the face of fascist skins.

I only saw Colin play with the band once. The first time I tried to see them at the Zap Club in Brighton in 1985, the Neurotics pulled out on account of Steve Drewett having his wisdom teeth pulled out (Attila filled the bill on that occasion). The next opportunity was at The Basement, again in Brighton in January 1986. After that I saw a handful of farewell gigs, by which point Colin had ceased playing live with the band through ill-health (replaced by Mac for these gigs).

When the band again played a handful of gigs in 2005, I chatted to Colin at the venue in Liverpool Street. I may have been a little drunk on this occasion, but nevertheless Colin was charming and genuinely thrilled that I, along with everyone else in that room, had made the effort and were there to see his band.

And that is all I can say really, our acquaintance was fleeting in the extreme, but what he left on record is and has been there for many years and is going nowhere fast.

Thanks Colin!!

Here's the Newtown Neurotics on John Peel in March 1983.

FLAC: http://we.tl/wkATgFGIyy

01. Jimmy Jangle
02. Does Anyone Know Where The March Is?
03. Life In Their Hands
04. Wake Up
05. Agony