The first time I saw them was, I think, Birmingham Town Hall and most of us were wearing denims and long hair. They walked on wearing three piece suits and frankly looking like bank managers. Bill plugged in his gibson and wow, just wow! Then, now and forever, a terrific band. RIP Charlie.
There's not many true geniuses in the world of rock music, but Bill Nelson is certainly one. I wish this entire concert was here. The world deserves it.
Saw them do this at the Manchester apollo during the drastic plastic tour. Bill was being deliberately understated with his soloing but toward the end he pretty much relented to crowd pressure and cut loose and offered a series of brilliant improvised solos that I swear, almost took the bloody roof off the place. great days indeed.
I remember seeing them open for Nazareth in 1978 in Montreal. I had heard about them but wasn't familiar with their music. After hearing, I was blown away and ran out and bought Drastic Plastic. I bought the entire catalogue but Drastic Plastic and Red Noise are my favourites and still are among my all-time favourite albums.
I saw Van Halen open for the in Cleveland, Ohio. It was funny because I thought how terrible VH was and how great Bill and Be-Bop were. Of course VH became massively popular and few of my friends had ever heard of Be-Bop. Red Noise never played in Cleveland as far as I know.
One of my high school teachers turned me on to these guys in the 70s. One of the best bands of the 70s that never got their due. Bill Nelson is one of the great all time talents; songwriting, singing, killer guitar.
I absolutely love this performance of "New Precision" by Be Bop Deluxe from 1978. I had been a Be Bop Deluxe fan for a couple of years but had never seen them live until this "BBC Sight And Sound" broadcast in 1978. The recent album "Drastic Plastic" had been very different from the previous albums, more electronic and guitars back in the mix, so when I sat down in front of my TV, with portable cassette recorder at the ready. I was awestruck by this this opening track, a much more "rock" version of New Precision, just like Be Bop Deluxe used to be. I thought everything was back to normal but unfortunately Bill Nelson went solo and Be Bop Deluxe were no more. For me, this recording is the last good thing Be Bop did. Bill Nelson went on to do better music though, visit his website and enjoy.
Saw them in Brighton when the lights on the stage were horizontal multi coloured tubes, the bass line on this track was so loud my stomach was pounding what a great feeling fantastic!
I've been a fan since '74 and Bill's guitar playing is tremendous and the whole band rocked is too bad they never caught fire in USA like they should but nevertheless with me they did!!
This is from 1978? Sounds incredibly modern like it was recorded today! I always recalled seeing the name BeBop Deluxe but I never heard the music or saw the group play. I’m shocked at how good this is actually! Amazing! He’s like a British David Byrne. If I had to say who he reminds me of. Well, this is proof of my theory that there’s only room for a few bands at the top. The rest get shut out. As good as they were, they never had big hits. But this recording shows how good they were.
To be fair they’re both British, David born in Dumbarton, Scotland and Bill in Wakefield, England. I’m sure their influences were similarly shaped by their environments, either side of The Pond.
Underrated, yes, but not amongst guitarists. No one can ignore his style. A quaint song about the end of the world, that rocks...and. will wake up any party! He rocks on.
It has ‘Jean Cocteau’ name on the front ‘Jean Cocteau’ (French artist, poet, film maker etc ) ….he was/ is one of Bill’s heroes…inspirations…. I read somewhere, the sweater/ jumper was hand knitted for him…
This is really fantastic! I'm trying to think of what it would be like to hear this come out of nowhere in 1978! What a great sound! Plus Bill looks so young! He's probably younger than I am now in this! Ok I need to go sit down...
I was there. It was a change but wasn’t that jarring. Certainly nothing like Bowie’s Station to Station -> Low transition. Compared to that quantum leap, heading into new wave from rock, pop, punk and disco was relatively smooth sailing-almost logical.
@@carlodave9 Interesting! Thanks for sharing your perspective on it. Maybe I'll have to give Station to Station and Low transition another listen with that in mind.
Mmm. In interview (in a musici magazine, back then ) he said ….”he loves his ES345 semi acoustic… however, he felt it was more fitting for the period (punk/ new wave) and the style of music he was playing (at that time) to use - Fender Stratocaster & Yamaha SG2000s “
"Your tape recorder heart"... With those lyrics, those punchy guitar riffs and the vocal delivery you can almost feel Bill's transition from Be-Bop to Red Noise. Great version of one of the best tracks on Drastic. Thanks for posting this rare video!
Bill Nelson NOT with Red Noise. This is Be Bop Deluxe, worlds away from Red Noise. Much more pure rockin' 'n roll. Bill Nelson was solidly in his element at this time. while he did go on to experiment with different styles and sounds, never did he come close to the absolute brilliance of these years. He was way ahead of his time, but never out of touch with his era. Masterful yet so embracing, Spellbinding, but enthralling and energizing, he proved that intensity and raw emotion can blend seamlessly with style and intelligence, and the result is magic.
What a surprise to see a Be Bop Deluxe in Concert Video, and this time in very good quality. I remember i asked a friend to bring this album from his UK-holiday to me, and i was so pleased, Be Bop Deluxe as good as always, but with a bit of new aspects and directions. "Drastic Plastic" was the last vinyl i bought from them, it was their final album.
I marvel at this man. Plays wonderfully, sings while playing effortlessly. Fantastic intellect. Saw him live in Phx., Az. in 77' small stage in the round.. Yes, just excellent. You just had to be there in those years, NEVER WILL BE SEEN AGAIN!!! So sorry for us all.
I've listened to them since I was maybe 14... 1972. Never could figure why they didn't see greater commercial exposure. All my friends were eyeball-deep in Pink Floyd. I was listening to these guys, Hawkwind, Wishbone Ash, and so forth. This performance is reminiscent of Ultravox. I think Nelson is a fine guitar.
Fantastic. Thanks for posting. 'Drastic Plastic' is probably my fave Be Bop album. And caught them on the supporting tour in UK (Hammersmith Odeon). UK music press didn't know what to make of it though and I seem to remember them telling us that Bill had ditched the 'guitar sound'. Well, the 'sound' from the band on this album is certainly different to tracks on 'Axe Victim' but, as this video clearly demonstrates, there was still plenty of rather wonderful guitar from a genius player.
Saw them on this tour and it sent a chill up my spine the whole set. They did an encore called "Working Man" which was a monster endless guitar solo. I wish Bill would dig into his archives and release it.
Just found this. Very good quality. I believe this was the song they opened their April 14th, 1978 show at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles with. That was the second time I saw them.
I am priviliged to recall seeing this amazing band for modern music, drastic plastic and red noise tours . This was a stark stripped back band this time around .. and perhaps a genaration ahead of time ... and this is a fine rendition.
So much 1970s music sounds dated; this doesn't, but thats Bill Nelson for you. A visionary, genius and great musician; not just the best guitarist these islands has ever produced. He is Renaissance man.
I caught this performance when it aired live in 78 and it is so superb of course, It made quite an impression. Thanks for posting, after all these years!
I had the chance to see them at Bradford St George's hall. To this day I regret choosing to finish my school work instead. Apologies to my mate Vic for that night!! 😭
Great video saw be bop at the capitol theatre aberdeen in 1978 with Steve gibbons as support group absolutely brilliant concert happy days indeed thanks for posting brought back happy memories cheers 😊👍🏴
I always thought Drastic Plastic was a very forward looking album. It was out around the same time as Devo’s First album and Never Mind The Bullocks, as well as Ian Dury’s New Boots And Panties, all classics.
It may be just me, but New Precision had a touch of *Kraut Rock*, sorta where Amon Düül meets Kraftwerk. This is the only time Nelson exchanged his Gibson ES-355 for a Strat that I've seen. BBD was the most unsung and unappreciated band of its time. They crammed five albums into four years, ranging from the really good Axe Victim (original lineup) and Futurama (with Fox and Tumahai) to the excellent Sunburst Finish (now including Andrew Clark) to the transcendent Modern Music and new wave-ish Drastic Plastic. Loved them then, and appreciate them even more now.
Seen many many guitar players back in the day, famous and not so much. Nelson could play circles around most all of them. He was better live than on record. When I saw them at winterland in 77, he got all jacked up and just ripped. Threw his vodka and oJ into the crown, yes, some of it landed on me. LOL.
I'd love to see the rest of this concert. Theres so littlle Be Bop Deluxe video available in this good quality.I saw this when it was first broadcast and have to say it changed my life.If you have anymore please put it up,and thanks for a great track
Hi John and all the others who want to see the rest of this concert. I legitimately bought this dvd footage as part of an EMI release called Be Bop Deluxe At the BBC 1974-1978 [3CD/DVD] this is 3 CD's and a DVD of the whole Sight and Sound concert and all Be Bops Old Grey Whistle Test appearances, all for £14, Christmas is coming, go spoil yourself : )
Tell all your friends!
Be Bop Deluxe is the best band you've never heard
Bill Nelson is the man
Spread the word
Absolutely!
The first time I saw them was, I think, Birmingham Town Hall and most of us were wearing denims and long hair. They walked on wearing three piece suits and frankly looking like bank managers. Bill plugged in his gibson and wow, just wow! Then, now and forever, a terrific band. RIP Charlie.
There's not many true geniuses in the world of rock music, but Bill Nelson is certainly one. I wish this entire concert was here. The world deserves it.
what a cracking version from the most under rated guitarist and song writer of all time
+rickydicky100 Totally agree! Stunning!
right there you have rock and bill. i mean rock and r o l l
l hear ya
how is Bill Nelson under rated?
@@CONSIDERABLYMORE1 Is he credited for seemingly taking Steve Hillage licks and putting them to Gary Numan songs?
One of the world best guitar players.
Bill Nelson has to be one of the greatest, most prolific musicians ever. A true genius. Surely one day discovered properly and revered!
Way way way ahead of their time , one of the most underrated guitarists of all time
Saw them do this at the Manchester apollo during the drastic plastic tour. Bill was being deliberately understated with his soloing but toward the end he pretty much relented to crowd pressure and cut loose and offered a series of brilliant improvised solos that I swear, almost took the bloody roof off the place. great days indeed.
Totally underrated, never quite made the mainstream but what a brilliant live act. Bill is such a great musician and is still doing great stuff.
Gordon that's fantastic news
Will make an effort to follow up
Us old farts take a bit longer
Great Posts.
True, but he did influence so many people...
I saw this tour at the time Drastic Plastic was released
@@miketw10 1978 saw him with Red Noise Ncle City Hall
In this song alone, I can recognise so many little rock riffs and licks that I still use to this day 😂
No one sounded like them then and no one sounds like them today. Truly original and fresh forever. One of the best!
This shit is fresh today!
Bill Nelson. Be-Bop Deluxe. Great guitarist. Nuff_said!
This man was so far ahead of the pack...a major influence in so many guitarists playing.....one of the very best
Brilliant guitar playing Bill Nelson top 5 of all time guitar greats
When you play guitar without looking...wow effortless..❤
Simon Fox. A beautiful drummer.
40 yrs ago!!! So ahead of their time.........Still timeless.....
I remember seeing them open for Nazareth in 1978 in Montreal. I had heard about them but wasn't familiar with their music. After hearing, I was blown away and ran out and bought Drastic Plastic. I bought the entire catalogue but Drastic Plastic and Red Noise are my favourites and still are among my all-time favourite albums.
I saw Van Halen open for the in Cleveland, Ohio. It was funny because I thought how terrible VH was and how great Bill and Be-Bop were. Of course VH became massively popular and few of my friends had ever heard of Be-Bop. Red Noise never played in Cleveland as far as I know.
Saw Bill Nelson solo in NYC 1979 small club,blown away ! Ebow master !
Fantastic performance, saw this tour, Simon Fox is something else on drums.
My cousin
Hey cousin
@@1thaleb stunning drumming from simon. Is he still playing?
@@gerhardfehners5480 no he's retired
One of my high school teachers turned me on to these guys in the 70s. One of the best bands of the 70s that never got their due. Bill Nelson is one of the great all time talents; songwriting, singing, killer guitar.
Awesome ! Love this version. This might be one of the hardest rockin' songs that Be Bop did. Bill Nelson ROCKS !
Have you heard Live! In the Air Age? Fasten your seatbelt!
Never heard this before. Brilliant.
Ditto!
@@gregt8033 Sorry. Gave your comment a thumbs down three years ago in error. I have corrected things.
I absolutely love this performance of "New Precision" by Be Bop Deluxe from 1978. I had been a Be Bop Deluxe fan for a couple of years but had never seen them live until this "BBC Sight And Sound" broadcast in 1978. The recent album "Drastic Plastic" had been very different from the previous albums, more electronic and guitars back in the mix, so when I sat down in front of my TV, with portable cassette recorder at the ready. I was awestruck by this this opening track, a much more "rock" version of New Precision, just like Be Bop Deluxe used to be. I thought everything was back to normal but unfortunately Bill Nelson went solo and Be Bop Deluxe were no more. For me, this recording is the last good thing Be Bop did.
Bill Nelson went on to do better music though, visit his website and enjoy.
***** yeah man mine too this performance was stunning
+Deeply Dazzled What a genius of a guitar player,way ahead of his time,stunning beautiful solos ,Bill Nelson the best Axeman EVER
+Deeply Dazzled
He is still good;-)
Saw them in Brighton when the lights on the stage were horizontal multi coloured tubes, the bass line on this track was so loud my stomach was pounding what a great feeling fantastic!
I've been a fan since '74 and Bill's guitar playing is tremendous and the whole band rocked is too bad they never caught fire in USA like they should but nevertheless with me they did!!
This is from 1978? Sounds incredibly modern like it was recorded today!
I always recalled seeing the name BeBop Deluxe but I never heard the music or saw the group play. I’m shocked at how good this is actually! Amazing!
He’s like a British David Byrne. If I had to say who he reminds me of.
Well, this is proof of my theory that there’s only room for a few bands at the top. The rest get shut out.
As good as they were, they never had big hits. But this recording shows how good they were.
To be fair they’re both British, David born in Dumbarton, Scotland and Bill in Wakefield, England. I’m sure their influences were similarly shaped by their environments, either side of The Pond.
Get the Bill Nelson's Red Noise album (out early 1980's) you be blown away!
Underrated, yes, but not amongst guitarists. No one can ignore his style. A quaint song
about the end of the world, that rocks...and. will wake up any party! He rocks on.
This track live shows what an amazingly good band these guys were
This is Bill as I remember him, at his brilliant best. Nobody can touch him for technical ease on the guitar.
A genius in guitar playing and musical composition
One of the best Songs from Be Bop Deluxe....this songs rocks!!!
Andy is really lighting it up out there!
Top-shelf guitarist, singer, composer, performer. Handsome guy. But that sweater...
It has ‘Jean Cocteau’ name on the front ‘Jean Cocteau’ (French artist, poet, film maker etc ) ….he was/ is one of Bill’s heroes…inspirations…. I read somewhere, the sweater/ jumper was hand knitted for him…
This is really fantastic! I'm trying to think of what it would be like to hear this come out of nowhere in 1978! What a great sound! Plus Bill looks so young! He's probably younger than I am now in this! Ok I need to go sit down...
I was there. It was a change but wasn’t that jarring. Certainly nothing like Bowie’s Station to Station -> Low transition. Compared to that quantum leap, heading into new wave from rock, pop, punk and disco was relatively smooth sailing-almost logical.
@@carlodave9 Interesting! Thanks for sharing your perspective on it. Maybe I'll have to give Station to Station and Low transition another listen with that in mind.
Awesome song. it's so weird seeing Bill with a Strat. I'm used to him having that trusty ES-345.
Mmm. In interview (in a musici magazine, back then ) he said ….”he loves his ES345 semi acoustic… however, he felt it was more fitting for the period (punk/ new wave) and the style of music he was playing (at that time) to use - Fender Stratocaster & Yamaha SG2000s “
Sends shivers up and down my spine..!
Future predictions that cannot be ignored .
Fabulous
I saw them open for BOC in 1978 Hollywood FL
"Your tape recorder heart"... With those lyrics, those punchy guitar riffs and the vocal delivery you can almost feel Bill's transition from Be-Bop to Red Noise. Great version of one of the best tracks on Drastic. Thanks for posting this rare video!
saw this tour , they played winterland in SF ... THANX FOR UP LOADING
God brings me back to seeing them in concert multiple times..yeah I'm bragging❤😷
Just rediscovered this, and I can't believe, that I forgot, Bill Nelson and the Red Noise, just so powerful, superb
Bill Nelson NOT with Red Noise. This is Be Bop Deluxe, worlds away from Red Noise. Much more pure rockin' 'n roll. Bill Nelson was solidly in his element at this time. while he did go on to experiment with different styles and sounds, never did he come close to the absolute brilliance of these years. He was way ahead of his time, but never out of touch with his era. Masterful yet so embracing, Spellbinding, but enthralling and energizing, he proved that intensity and raw emotion can blend seamlessly with style and intelligence, and the result is magic.
Ok, I made a mistake, but life is short and I don't care too much about pedantry, Mr Nelson had made good music, made a lot of people happy
Amazing loved this band ALL my life still do
wow that just blew me away . what a performance better than the album version so pumping .............so coooooooooooooooooooool
Absolutely Brilliant ❤❤
Wish this band had made more albums. Sheer class. Great Musicians.
What a surprise to see a Be Bop Deluxe in Concert Video, and this time in very good quality. I remember i asked a friend to bring this album from his UK-holiday to me, and i was so pleased, Be Bop Deluxe as good as always, but with a bit of new aspects and directions. "Drastic Plastic" was the last vinyl i bought from them, it was their final album.
Saw them on the Dras Plas tour
S T O R M I N G !!
I marvel at this man. Plays wonderfully, sings while playing effortlessly. Fantastic intellect. Saw him live in Phx., Az. in 77' small stage in the round.. Yes, just excellent. You just had to be there in those years, NEVER WILL BE SEEN AGAIN!!! So sorry for us all.
Cool to see Mr. Bill rocking a strat!!
Damn, that was good!
I've listened to them since I was maybe 14... 1972. Never could figure why they didn't see greater commercial exposure. All my friends were eyeball-deep in Pink Floyd. I was listening to these guys, Hawkwind, Wishbone Ash, and so forth.
This performance is reminiscent of Ultravox. I think Nelson is a fine guitar.
One of my guitar influences
bill lives in Yorkshire my home wish I could meet him great musician
Bill and the boys were at the Santa Monica Civic in the early 80's, quite awesome. Bill is the musician extraordinaire.
Absolutely fuckin kickass.
Fantastic. Thanks for posting. 'Drastic Plastic' is probably my fave Be Bop album. And caught them on the supporting tour in UK (Hammersmith Odeon).
UK music press didn't know what to make of it though and I seem to remember them telling us that Bill had ditched the 'guitar sound'. Well, the 'sound' from the band on this album is certainly different to tracks on 'Axe Victim' but, as this video clearly demonstrates, there was still plenty of rather wonderful guitar from a genius player.
Seen them twice back in the day, GREAT live band !
When live in the Air age came out i was a Be Bop Deluxe fan from there beyond...
great performance,futuristic
Absolutely brilliant performance! Way ahead of their time... Thank you for posting.
I think Muse got some ideas from this song.
not sure what time has to do with it - Bill Nelson is timeless - none better - ever -
Superb performance.
Most prolific & underrated guitar player of all time, amazing Bill & BBD.
Saw them on this tour and it sent a chill up my spine the whole set. They did an encore called "Working Man" which was a monster endless guitar solo. I wish Bill would dig into his archives and release it.
Canadian band ‘Rush’ also had a song called ‘Working Man’ - think it’s on the first ‘Rush’ album….
Just found this. Very good quality. I believe this was the song they opened their April 14th, 1978 show at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles with. That was the second time I saw them.
What a talented gifted musician
Wow, I love his sweater lol.
Over all this sounds like Talking Heads, but the guitar sound is straight off Scary Monsters. Very much of its time - yet hasn't really aged much.
Guitar is so good. Bill Nelson.
Its so addictive this Band that it' s imposible to be indifferent one of my fave bands and Bill' s guitar is top notch my fave axeman.
saw them at colsten hall on this tour different stuff blew me awwaay
Timeless...Still as relevant today as then..
I am priviliged to recall seeing this amazing band for modern music, drastic plastic and red noise tours . This was a stark stripped back band this time around .. and perhaps a genaration ahead of time ... and this is a fine rendition.
Excellent Great Riff!!
Saw their last live show in 1978, opening for Nazareth, at Maple Leaf Gardens!
bill with a strat!!
This man was such an under-rated Genius. This was the first band i really got into. Still love the mans Music even today.
So, so good
Absolute genius.
Wow this man is superb ! how is it that not many know of him ? All his stuff is fantastic
Brilliant!
Champion of the pentatonic! awesome stuff and terribly underrated.
So much 1970s music sounds dated; this doesn't, but thats Bill Nelson for you. A visionary, genius and great musician; not just the best guitarist these islands has ever produced. He is Renaissance man.
Fabulous . Only Wish there was more .
i do not think they knew how good they were
I caught this performance when it aired live in 78 and it is so superb of course, It made quite an impression. Thanks for posting, after all these years!
Jimmy Federico
Jimmy you would have liked mill Street junction
Could hear the red noise sound emerging in the drastic plastic album.
Brilliant
Be BOP are impeccable!!!
Bill has such a big sound. Watch be bop deluxe on OGWT, for one guitarist it’s massive.
This strange transmorgification of styles that happened as long as it lasted is totally unique.
I had the chance to see them at Bradford St George's hall. To this day I regret choosing to finish my school work instead. Apologies to my mate Vic for that night!! 😭
Magnificent!!!!
Bill Nelson and Roy Buchanan
On stage together would have been massive
Great video saw be bop at the capitol theatre aberdeen in 1978 with Steve gibbons as support group absolutely brilliant concert happy days indeed thanks for posting brought back happy memories cheers 😊👍🏴
I always thought Drastic Plastic was a very forward looking album. It was out around the same time as Devo’s First album and Never Mind The Bullocks, as well as Ian Dury’s New Boots And Panties, all classics.
It may be just me, but New Precision had a touch of *Kraut Rock*, sorta where Amon Düül meets Kraftwerk. This is the only time Nelson exchanged his Gibson ES-355 for a Strat that I've seen.
BBD was the most unsung and unappreciated band of its time. They crammed five albums into four years, ranging from the really good Axe Victim (original lineup) and Futurama (with Fox and Tumahai) to the excellent Sunburst Finish (now including Andrew Clark) to the transcendent Modern Music and new wave-ish Drastic Plastic. Loved them then, and appreciate them even more now.
Seen many many guitar players back in the day, famous and not so much. Nelson could play circles around most all of them. He was better live than on record. When I saw them at winterland in 77, he got all jacked up and just ripped. Threw his vodka and oJ into the crown, yes, some of it landed on me. LOL.
Thank you for posting this gem.
he riff the world, Mr nelson
Brilliant.
True Prophet !!!
I'd love to see the rest of this concert. Theres so littlle Be Bop Deluxe video available in this good quality.I saw this when it was first broadcast and have to say it changed my life.If you have anymore please put it up,and thanks for a great track
Hi John and all the others who want to see the rest of this concert.
I legitimately bought this dvd footage as part of an EMI release called
Be Bop Deluxe At the BBC 1974-1978 [3CD/DVD]
this is 3 CD's and a DVD of the whole Sight and Sound concert and all Be Bops Old Grey Whistle Test appearances, all for £14, Christmas is coming, go spoil yourself : )
Oh thats great news ,thanks Paul and merry Christmas
Paul Delme Amazon here I come! Thanks.