{"id":72593,"date":"2020-04-14T11:39:12","date_gmt":"2020-04-14T10:39:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/centmagazine.co.uk\/?p=72593"},"modified":"2020-04-14T12:10:22","modified_gmt":"2020-04-14T11:10:22","slug":"1979-in-dundee-music-and-film","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.centmagazine.co.uk\/?p=72593","title":{"rendered":"1979 in Dundee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This film Scheamer’s traces a group of friends and their musical journey in a time of a changing world in 1979 Dundee; a music history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1979, Dundee, and it\u2019s a rather harsh reality. As I drive down the waterfront, past the Tay bridge, and into the city centre, there is a greyness that hangs in the air. It is hard to imagine that this was once an epicentre of Scottish industry. Today though, only the final dregs remain. In the distance a light plume of smoke filters into the bright blue sky, reminding me that there are a few factories clinging onto their past. Those who remain tirelessly produce Jute, the sacks used to hold grain, all packed onto ships and transported off to some faraway land. I often wonder where it all ends up. India maybe, or Russia, even Australia. And then I think, it all came from Dundee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It seems to be the parents of our generation pushing us towards working in the factory. Things are changing, but they say \u2018a job for life son\u2019. And it is here, I find myself on my way to interview for a job unloading sacks of jute at the port. I don\u2019t even want it, and I certainly don\u2019t want it for life. To be honest, I\u2019m surprised they are even hiring. All the newspapers are saying factories are closing down, but I just need something to tide me over until I find something better. London I often think, imagine going there… The fashion, the music, the clubs, everything is new and exciting. Just as I escape into the day dream of the big city, reality hits. The traffic comes to a grinding halt, and I find myself sat waiting at a red light, surrounded by sad, tried looking buildings. Children are out playing in the street, their mothers perched on the front wall, gossiping about the latest neighbourhood scandal no doubt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the lights change, I turn on the radio. Simple Minds is playing, I turn it up and allow myself to escape into another world. I blare out the words, forgetting I am on my way to an interview. But how can I be nervous for a job I don\u2019t even want? Apparently, my choice of leather jacket and Dundee United football shirt wasn\u2019t appropriate for an interview. According to my parents anyway… it\u2019s a form of expression?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I pull up to the monstrous looking factory building, and find myself sitting, just listening to the radio. The Specials come on, their music is so full of energy, you just want to get up and dance. I close my eyes, gently tapping my finger to the beat on the steering wheel. A band I have never heard of, U2, plays next. Their debut single, 11 o\u2019clock tick tock, I\u2019m not convinced to be honest, I doubt it will ever take off. Ah, an old familiar favourite from Madness, now they really are a class act. They know how to get the crowd up on their feet. I saw them once in Glasgow, it was just a small club night, but I\u2019ll never forget it. Just as I remember the smoky haze of the basement venue, a man in overalls approaches me, with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. \u2018You cannae park here lad\u2019. I reverse back, and as I turn my head, I can see out across the Tay. A vast expanse of water, reminding me that the world is a big place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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