I Was There - Theatre of Hate

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The live music experience these days is very different than it used to be. For one thing, unless the artist specifies “no phones,” everyone has a phone and is taking photos and videos. And with You Tube, there’s often a good chance you might be able to relive the experience through a posted video or two. Some are even pretty decent quality. When I can’t sleep, I often watch these videos of shows I’ve attended. To say I can’t sleep right now is a bit of an understatement - I’ve been up for well over a day and a half at the moment. I even went on a 19-mile bike ride to try to tire myself out, which only seemed to energize me. So, live videos it is! This particular video is of British post punk band Theatre of Hate. Part of a bill that also included Chameleons; and my favorite band, The Mission, this show took place 09/30/2023 at The Oriental Theater (also called “The O”) in Denver, Colorado. Led by guitarist/vocalist Kirk Brandon, Theatre of Hate formed in London in 1980. (Brandon also fronts a spin-off band called Spear of Destiny.) They are best known for their only British Top 40 hit (#40,) 1982’s spaghetti western-tinged “Do You Believe in the West World.” The O, meanwhile, is an historical landmark, which is why it’s still called The Oriental Theater (and which is why it’s known as “The O.”) They cannot change the name nor the marquee. It is, however, an excellent live music venue, with a bus stop right out front! Link is to TOH performing “Do You Believe in the West World” at that show. I was a couple feet left of whoever filmed this, and yes, my round head pops in and out of view a few times: