Love Fist Gig - September, 1984

I remember this gig as if it was yesterday

Back in the 80's the Hertford Corn Exchange was a great little venue for up and coming bands. With the closure of the Marquee, it was really the only place where the local music scene could thrive.

Every now and then a bigger act would grace the stage and on the 12th September 1984, rock band Love Fist! did just that.

Fresh from a world wide tour, the band played a one off gig in the UK and the Corn Exchange happened to be that venue. It was a low key event with only a couple of newspapers picking up on the story but for those that did manage to find out that Love Fist! were playing, it was certainly a night to remember.

The band were known for their crazy and over the top shows. Donning peroxide blonde hair, bandannas and bangles galore.

Rex Rockard (left) was renound for wearing tightest of spandex in the most outrageous colours. He would often take the mickey out of other bands by launching into tongue in cheek performances of 'True' by Spandau Ballet and 'Mmoney For Nothing' by Dire Straits. Ocassionally he had items thrown at him should a loyal fan of one of these other currently popular bands be present. But it certainly kept us entertained.

Love Fists fans were a motley crew.  Boy George (right) was a fanatic and made it to this particular gig.

Even the middle class and high society enjoyed the drama and passion of Love Fist.

But their biggest fan was Jimmy Saville pictured here to the right with the whole band after the gig.

Although you rarely hear of Love Fist these days - they have drifted into the music industry abys - if you speak to the great rock stars of the 1980's they will all smile and nod in recognition of one of the greatest (yet underrated) bands of the early 1980's

Oh and if you ever happen to be passing the Corn Exchange in Hertford you can still see their name engraved just below the window on the right of the main door.