Album review : GIRLSCHOOL – Running Wild – Live in London 1984 (CD & DVD)

Cherry Red [Release date : 11.07.25]

We’ve said it before (and will no doubt say it again), Girlschool experienced their share of heartache… label let downs, revolving door membership issues, conflicting views on musical direction and the struggles to sustain their ambitions, never mind the industry’s prevalent sexism.

This CD and DVD release is taken from the band’s gig at London’s Camden Palace in 1984.

The DVD of the gig is a first.

A small stage lends itself to an intimacy clearly enjoyed by an enthusiastic crowd. The energy bounces back and forth between band and audience. The banter is both ways. You can sense it, you can see it, you can hear it.

1984 was a key year for the band. This was the time to reinforce their transition from Metallised Biker Punk, to polished American Pop/Metal. They expanded to a five piece – Kim McAuliffe, Gil Weston, Denise Dufort, Jackie Bodimead, plus new girl, Criss Bonacci.
Success beckoned.

And so, on the Camden stage, the band straddle the boundary line between the past and the polish of their 4th and latest album, the Radio/MTV friendly Play Dirty.

In fact only 4 older songs, ‘Hit & Run’, ‘C’mon Lets Go’, ‘Emergency 999′ and ‘You Got Me’ survive the shift from the studio to the stage.
The remainder are an even mix of songs from Play Dirty and those planned for 1985 album, Running Wild.

Of the new material, ‘Love Is A Lie’, ‘Running For Cover’ and ‘Are You Ready To Rock’ never feel like too much, or not enough. Hearing them live deceived us to thinking perhaps the new, improved pop metal sound would be just like this. When in fact “just like this” was reserved for live performance.

The package is further boosted by some cool liner notes from Rich Davenport, based on new interviews with Kim McAuliffe. ***1/2

Review by Brian McGowan

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