I bought Viva! Roxy Music in 1976, when I was 12.
I had a few singles from the past, but this was my first full album – and it was live! (Not sure where I got the money from to buy it. Probably pinched it off my sister. Only kidding – I had a milk round.)
A bit like Bowie, Roxy Music helped me through my formative years. (Or hindered them. It’s hard to tell which.) And yes, I did have a stupid floppy fringe.
True, they probably don’t have the creative gravitas that Bowie still holds today. But when Brian Eno was with them they were a class act.
Unfortunately, they kind of slipped into the bland malaise of pop as the years went by.
I went to see them at the Point Depot in Dublin with my good friend, Mr. Patrick Chapman. The audience was filled with 40-something+s, like us. In fact, I think it’s the last gig I went to. (I don’t really like crowds.) Or other people, for that matter.
Anyways, here are a few of my faves from the album and there’s even a link to a greatest hits should you be feeling nostalgic.
And, if you want to see what Roxy Music look (and sound) like in the 21st century, here’s “If there is something” from a gig in Lyon last year. (By ‘eck, the years have been kind to Andy McKay on sax.)