CONCERTS

home

1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | Complete list of concerts | List of bands that played with Joy Division

CRISPY AMBULANCE

Many bands tried to emulate the moody magnificience of Joy Division but few succeeded as well as fellow Mancunians Crispy Ambulance. They were formed in Manchester in 1978 by Alan Hempsall, Robert Davenport, Keith Darbyshire and Gary Madeley – a line-up which would remain constant throughout the band's existence
They began by playing Hawkwind and Magazine covers but by 1979 the influence of their famous peers had become evident. A debut single, From The Cradle To The Grave, was released on their own Aural Assault label, and was brought to the attention of Rob Gretton, manager of Joy Division. He arranged for their next release – the 10" single Unsightly And Serene – to come out on Factory Records, while future releases such as 1981's excellent Live On A Hot August Night 12" single (produced by Martin Hannett) appeared on Factory Benelux
The band split in November 1981 but later reformed as Ram Ram Kino with some additional members. They would release one single on Genesis P. Orridge's Psychic Temple label late in 1985

Album: The Plateau Phase (1982)

Dates when they played with Joy Division:
Friday 13 July 1979 Russel Club – Manchester (UK)
Tuesday 8 April 1980 Derby Hall – Bury (UK): Alan Hempsall stood in for Ian Curtis at this gig when the singer was incapacitated by an epileptic attack

DETAILS

Line-up: Keith Darbyshire (bass) | Robert Davenport (guitar) | Alan Hempsall (vocals) | Gary Madeley (drums)