pornographic and tragic: rogues gallery

rogues' gallery
“on for 92”
words and photographs by phillip williams

these previously unpublished photos were taken in 1992 at nme’s “on for 92” night at the venue in new cross. suede appeared that night along with other newcomers adorable, midway still and fabulous. suede’s short but passionately performed set consisted of:

"dolly"
"the drowners"
"painted people"
"metal mickey"
"moving"
"pantomime horse"
"animal lover"
"to the birds"

sources such as david barnett’s love and poison report that this gig took place on friday, january 3, 1992, but my memory (and the coding on my negatives done at the time) puts it on saturday the 4th. believe whom you will!

saul galpern was so impressed by their performance that he immediately decided to pursue the band with a view to signing them to his newly formed nude label. the rest is history.

the photo showing brett apparently screaming was taken during "metal mickey". the song originally contained several prolonged screeches over the middle instrumental break, though these were eventually dropped from the final recorded version of the song.

“stay together”
words and photograph by phillip williams

it was the london astoria, la2, 4 december 1993. that was the setting for the uk’s first public performance of the single-to-be, “stay together”, rendered with a little help from producer ed buller on keyboards and pete sissons, bernard’s guitar tech, on second guitar.

there was a distinct atmosphere - different chemistry, whatever - between bernard and brett on stage. it didn't get in the way of the performance, but there was a tangible tension - facial expressions were serious. i think i'm right in saying that it was at this gig that "he's dead" just seemed to go on forever: simon and mat trying to wind things up but bernard just spiraling on and up with the cyclic guitar outro. brett just professionally danced on!

specifically about the photo, i actually took two purposely, because as i was focusing up, charlie (charlton) came up, tapped me on the shoulder and shouted something like, "make sure you get a good one of this. pete would love it on his wall!" consequently, i did a print of one of the shots just for him, it was more of a close-up of pete and bernard.