Tales From A Disappearing City - Episode 13 - special guest - Brandon Spivey - Part 1

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Punk, Anarchy and Acid House in 1980's Manchester.

In episode 13, I am joined by my old mate and cultural hooligan, Brandon Spivey. We delve into his initiation into radical music and subculture, recounting his upbringing in 1970s Macclesfield and subsequent relocation to Manchester in the 80s. As a class-conscious anarchist and anti-authoritarian, he actively opposed the system and confronted fascists on the streets, participating in protests and riots across the UK and wider Europe. Our conversation explores the impact of punk rock, Northern working-class dance culture, and Brandon's close association with Dave Godin, the man credited with coining the term "Northern Soul" and contributing to Motown's success in this country. We also touch upon his friendship with the founders of Eastern Bloc in Manchester, his first encounter with early Detroit techno, and the significance of working-class Northern culture in the realms of art and music.

Brandon has been prolific in releasing a diverse array of hard, uncompromising, and weird electronic records since 1993, drawing inspiration from his deep appreciation for acid house and Detroit techno. His aliases encompass A.C.A.B., Agro, Collective Strength, Evo, among others.



Recently, Brandon has directed and produced a feature-length documentary titled "Crass: The Sound of Free Speech (The Story of Reality Asylum)," currently being screened at venues across the UK and Europe. Made with the blessing of Crass members, the film delves into 1970s Britain, exploring the genesis of punk and the establishment of Crass. It provides a comprehensive examination of their art, music, and ethos, highlighting their profound social and political impact.

I asked Brandon to write a short description to describe himself and it is reproduced below

"Brandon Spivey is 56. Has a love of life, music , art and rebellion.
He has lived in a number of countries. Enjoyed many riots.
Hospitalised a number of authoritarian undesirables.
Written 'No Comment, The Defendants Guide to Arrest' .
He gave up drink and drugs in 1989 to focus on being a c#nt.
He has interest in all aspects of working class art, music and culture.

In summary:
Electronic music producer, Film Maker, Building worker and Trouble maker.
Interested in Musicology and Dadaist art.
A proud advocate of free speech and a supporter of peoples right to attack their oppressors.
He mocks identity politics bullshit and is proudly anarchist and a born anti authoritarian."

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and throughout Europe and beyond and has an eclectic and seriously deep collection of music built up over time that reflects an appreciation of all elements of the London groove. Neil currently runs Presence Unknown, a vinyl and digital label dedicated to releasing music influenced by his love of Electro, Acid House and Rave. He also does a monthly show on Threads radio where his aim as always is to play you some amazing music that you have never heard before.



youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness