1982 • The Zap Club
In 1982, I set up the Zap Club as a one night a week club with Amanda Webb and Patricia Butler and with Ian Smith as compere and Roger Ely appearing on the first bill. I performed solo at the club and sometimes with Ian Smith and with Extremists in an Igloo, the Wild Wigglers and the equally snappily titled Screaming Sirens in search of Utopia.

Neil arriving through a film screening of a volcanic eruption
Zap at the Royal Escape
image: Richard Paul Jones

Neil laces the auditorium with theatrical flash and maroons and sets them all off. He is promptly banned from the venue
Zap at the Royal Escape
image: Richard Paul Jones

Steve Coleman drums, Gary Castle bass