The Jam
100 Club
London, England
September 11, 1977
Transferred from Backstage Ltd. reel
01 Joe Biedrzycki, The Jam - Intro, I've Changed My Address
02 The Jam - Carnaby Street
03 The Jam - The Modern World
04 The Jam - Time For Truth
05 The Jam - So Sad About Us
06 The Jam - London Girl
07 The Jam - In The Street, Today
08 Commercial - Oxygene - Jean-Michel Jarre
09 The Jam - Standards
10 The Jam - All Around The World
11 The Jam - London Traffic
12 The Jam - Heat Wave
13 Commercial - On Stage - Rainbow
14 Commercial - Oxygene - Jean-Michel Jarre
15 The Jam - Sweet Soul Music
16 The Jam - Bricks and Mortar
17 The Jam - In The City
18 The Jam - Back In My Arms Again
19 The Jam - Slow Down
20 The Jam - In The Midnight Hour
21 The Jam - Sounds From The Street
22 The Jam - Takin' My Love
23 Joe Biedrzycki - Outro
NOW UPDATED WITH A CUE SHEET!
Another from the Sam Eliot's Mustache Collection.
Sam reports, "The show was taken from the actual station reel to reel. It was one of the old 10" metal reels. I always thought that they (Backstage Ltd.) were somehow involved/related to the BBC Rock Hour reel to reel shows, as I believe they were both operating in northern New Jersey."
I found a short blurb that said "Backstage Ltd. (was) resigned as the American production company for the BBC/London Wavelength "Rock Concert Hour"" and that Starfleet Studios in Boston handled most of their taping work. Patrick Griffin is mentioned as the producer, along with Kevin Kalunian as an associate. Both of them turn up on Supergroups In Concert, A Night On The Road, and On Stage Live shows.
In addition, there's a press report that Backstage Ltd. was producing a Tanya Tucker concert for ABC Radio.
As to their location...I found a mailing address for Backstage Ltd. in a classified employment ad as 1 Alvirne Drive, Hudson, New Hampshire 03051. That's a private residence in a ranch-style suburban home, so it isn't where the business was based.
While I couldn't find a review of the actual show, I've included some 1977 press coverage of the Jam. I hope you enjoy the vintage newspaper clippings.
We're looking into whether this came out as a BBC Rock Hour in America. BBC Rock Hour #223 was from Newcastle in 1980, as was BBC College Concert #13. However, this would have been before London Wavelength switched distribution to vinyl records. The reel to reel shows are poorly documented, so it may have come out on a reel.
We don't have a broadcast date, as there was no cue sheet or affidavit included. I thought the ads might provide a clue, but they're not much help. The broadcast had to be after the date of the show itself, so it was October 1977 or later. Both Jean Michael Jarre's "Oxygene" LP and Rainbow's "On Stage" were issued before the concert took place. It is LIKELY that the promotion for these two albums would have taken place in late 1977 or early 1978. My guess is that the show was broadcast in that same time period.
In an effort to use the tools provided by our Technological Overlords, I asked Bing's Copilot to "Write a review of the Jam, live at the 100 club on September 11, 1977" and here is what it gave me. Note that this is an AI, writing about music it cannot hear or understand:
Copilot
"Certainly! 🎶 On September 11, 1977, The Jam delivered an electrifying performance at London’s iconic 100 Club. This legendary gig showcased their raw energy, tight musicianship, and rebellious spirit. Let’s dive into the details of that memorable night:
Venue: The 100 Club, a historic music venue in London known for hosting groundbreaking acts.
Setlist: The Jam played an exhilarating mix of their early hits and fan favorites. Some standout tracks included:
“I’ve Changed My Address”
“Carnaby Street”
“The Modern World”
“In The City”
“Heat Wave”
“Sounds From The Street”
And many more!
Review: The Jam’s performance was a sonic assault on the senses. Paul Weller’s distinctive vocals cut through the air, while Bruce Foxton’s pulsating basslines and Rick Buckler’s relentless drumming provided the backbone. The crowd, packed into the intimate venue, soaked up every note, dancing and singing along.
The band’s energy was infectious, and their commitment to the music was palpable. Whether it was the urgent punk anthems or soulful covers like “Heat Wave,” The Jam left an indelible mark on everyone present. Weller’s charisma and stage presence held the audience captive, and the band’s chemistry was undeniable.
As the night wore on, the intensity escalated. The encore, featuring a blistering rendition of “In The City,” left fans craving more. The 100 Club walls reverberated with the sound of rebellion—a snapshot of punk’s golden era.
In hindsight, that September evening was a defining moment for The Jam. It captured their essence—the fusion of mod sensibilities, punk attitude, and a love for classic R&B. The 100 Club gig remains etched in music history, a testament to a band that would go on to shape British rock for years to come.
If you ever stumble upon recordings from that night, crank up the volume and transport yourself to the sweaty, pulsating heart of London’s underground scene. The Jam at the 100 Club—pure rock ‘n’ roll magic! 🎸🔥234.
Note: The information provided is based on historical records and fan accounts. The actual experience may have been even more exhilarating! 🎤👏"
