Rock City

Along with the Colmbiahalle in Berlin and Leeds Uni, Nottingham Rock City is one of the legendary venues synonymous with the Sisters, having received no fewer than six visits from the Girls over the years, three in the lengthy UK treks in 84/85 thanks to the WEA advance as they built up a devoted fanbase, and three at the turn of the millenium as touring became the band's main focus. The club has topped the polls as best venue in the likes of the NME and Kerrang! over the years, no mean feat for a provincial concert hall. Rock City first opened its doors to a music starved Nottingham public (the East Midlands town having had no suitable venue for several years since the Sandpiper closed down shortly after the Sex Pistols' visit) in December 1980, with Edwyn Collins' Orange juice the first band on stage in support to Pell favourites The Undertones on their "See No More" tour in front of a capacity 1400 crowd. That accolade would have fallen to Di'Anno era Iron Maiden had Rock City not failed its' fire certificate test earlier in the month, with gigs by Human League and Magazine also cancelled as a result. An all-standing venue with a wide stage, three bars and a balcony, as well as a smaller club-wihin-a-club downstairs, Rock City soon became a favourite with bands and fans alike, and it was inevitable that The Sisters would end up there. Indeed, they were billed to play there in early October '83 as part of a tour to support the release of Temple Of Love, but with internal problems becoming more apparent, the shows were pulled and the club had to wait another seven months before a more confident and professional band took to the famous stage for the first time. A stage probably overdue another visit ...