The Stranglers on Eric's, Blondie and 30 years in the business...

By Jade Wright on Sep 29, 08 12:40 PM

The Stranglers will always have a special place in Liverpool's musical history.
On October 1, 1976, they were the first band to play at the opening night of Eric's.
It was the night a scene was born, a night that changed the music world forever. Entry was 60p, and in the audience that night were the young Ian McCulloch and Pete Wylie.
"We played at the opening night over 30 years ago, so we've got fond memories of Liverpool," says bass player Jean-Jacques Burnel.

"As a band we may have seen many changes in our career over the years but we can guarantee you, there's plenty more years in black."
The Stranglers have always refused to conform. Born in Guilford in 1974, they originally built a following as part of - but never quite fitted in with - the mid-'70s rock scene.
Therein began a tale of rockdom, stardom, dingy bars, and gorgeous girls.
They partied hard and built a well-deserved reputation as the wildest of bands.
Scoring 42 Top 40 hits, including Golden Brown, No More Heroes and Peaches, the Stranglers quickly made a name for themselves with their aggressive, no-compromise attitude and distinctive keyboard led sound.
One of the instigators of the developing UK punk rock scene, their idiosyncratic approach rarely followed any single musical genre, rather choosing to explore a variety of musical styles including punk rock, gothic rock, and new wave through to the 'pop' of some of their '80s output.
The Stranglers' early music was characterised by the growling vocals and sometimes antagonistic lyrics of Jean-Jacques Burnel (JJ to his pals) and Hugh Cornwell.
But after 16 years at the helm Hugh Cornwell left the band to pursue a solo career.
Baz Warne now heads up the band, who will be heading to Liverpool for their second visit of the year next month.
Their first, a double-header with Blondie, was one of the best gigs of the year. Their headline show promises to lift the roof off the Carling Academy.
"The Echo Arena gig with Blondie was great, so we're looking forward to coming back," grins Baz.
"The Academy looks like a great venue for us. We enjoyed the arena, but you can't beat a standing gig for getting the atmosphere going.
"I love Liverpool. It's got that battered dignity about it. Maybe it's something to do with being a port. I come from a dock town (Sunderland) and so I feel at home when I'm in Liverpool.
"People live hard and work hard and play hard. It feels like a real, working city, but it's also incredibly beautiful. You walk round a corner or look up and there's something amazing everywhere you go.
"A few years ago we had a great night in The Pumphouse at the Albert Dock. It was a great place for a party. But then the whole city seems to be having a party this year."
What can we look forward to from the Liverpool show?
"It'll be The Stranglers with a slight twist," says Baz. "There'll be the crowd-pleasers, plus a few surprises thrown in. We're rehearsing at the moment and it's sounding good."
After joining the band in 2000, Baz is still the comparative new boy.
"I've been in the band for nearly nine years," he laughs. "So I don't feel so much like the new boy anymore.
"Before I joined the band I was a fan. I never made any secret of that.
"I loved the sound. Nobody sounded like The Stranglers. Nobody had their musicianship.
"The way they looked, the way they behaved, it was terrifying to a lad like me, but I loved them for it. I've still got the albums on vinyl at home."
Are The Stranglers still scary?
"Yeah, I'd say so," laughs Baz. "We have our terrifying moments. Sometimes I look at JJ and he freezes the blood in my veins."
The Stranglers play Carling Academy Liverpool on October 26, tickets are available from the box office or www.stranglers.net.