Adrian Grainger is a fan of good old classic rock aka 'Hair Metal', he plays drums in an 80's covers band called Ashes to Ashes (go check them out, they're rather good), where he is transported back to the 80's with a mullet that would make David Coverdale jealous. We caught up with Adrian and asked him to tell us about his first ever gig, here's what he had to say.... 

 

Your Name?  

Adrian Grainger

 

Where do you live?

Plymouth

 

Age now? 

44

 

What was your FIRST ever gig that you attended?

Magnum

 

Where was the concert?

The Cornwall Colisseum

 

How old were you? 

15

 

Do you remember names of the support acts?

FM  - they had really big hair and shiny suits

 

Who did you go with?

I think with 3 mates – Chris Williams, Chris Price and Steve Price. The reason why it’s a bit of a sketchy answer will become clearer later…….

 

What do you remember most about the show?

How loud the support band was. I’d never been to a proper gig so it kind of scared me! I also remember that they had a really weird looking keyboard player and despite being a support band they gave him a solo. Unfortunately, being 15 it was one of my first experiences of drinking so I had a couple of pints of cider and fell asleep during the main act!

 

How did you feel the moment the lights dimmed and the ‘intro’ music started?

Excited then a little bit frightened by the sound of the support band. A bit woozy by the time Magnum came on.

 

Was it indoors or outdoors?

Indoors

 

Did you buy a T-Shirt/accessories?

No – I was too poor then. I was surprised mum and dad let me go to the gig and that they gave me the money for the ticket.

 

Did you like the band MORE after you saw them live?

Definitely as it was more of a night out. I hadn’t actually heard of either band when I got asked if I wanted to go with the lads.

 

If you didn’t already own all the albums/singles, did you go and buy more of their music AFTER seeing them live?

Yes to both bands. I bought a few albums including the ones that they were both promoting at the time

 

Are you still a follower of the act?

Magnum: Bought a few albums, this was around their successful time when they were releasing the Vigilante album etc. FM: Bought the album they were promoting at the time but lost touch after that. Some years later, I got married to my wife who is a big fan and had all their CDs so I rediscovered them and much prefer them of the two bands. They’d split up by the time I came back to them but fortunately they reformed and have since released three albums better than most of the previous back catalogue.

 

How many times have you seen the act/band now?

Magnum: twice and I was sober enough to take them in properly the second time!! FM: 4 times, including a support slot on the recent Foreigner/Europe bill. I’ve also got tickets to see them twice in November. I’ll get my coat……

 

What advice would you give to a young fan looking to attend his/her first gig?

Don’t get drunk – and try and take as many memories from it as you can!