I first saw theFall on or around my 32nd birthday. I knew very little about the band but was taken by some friends as a treat. My marriage had ended and they wanted to cheer me up.
I had been told many stories about Mark E Smith and looked forward to seeing if he would fight with the band.
They came on (after a performance poet whose name I forget) and I saw this beautiful elfin girl take her place behind the keyboard. I was told that she was Marks wife!.
He shuffled on looking like someone’s uncle at a rave and the music started. I was assaulted by a wave of wonderful noise while Mark mumbled inherently into the Mic.
I cannot remember what songs were played but I do recall loving the band. The music just grabbed you, shook you about and forced you to witness musical genius. Mark would occasionally fiddle with the amps between mumbles yet that added to his mystique.
I was made into a fan at that moment.
This is my favourite track….love the opening and it doesn’t let up until the end. Turn the volume up and enjoy.