Band. Fans. Friends. Music

Black clothing, backcombed hair, belts, doom music, berry jenever. The new-wave (or post-punk) culture of the eighties is revived. Learn about an impressive cultural phenomenon or reminisce about your own past.

In 1981, after a gig, the author met the band that would change everything. The Comsat Angels were an English band, more popular in Holland than in their own country. New-wave Holland embraced the group, who toured there often. Inge van Sombrië attended many of their gigs, became friends with the band and still thinks they are the best band ever.

The new-wave music world is portrayed: what are sound checks and gig posters, how do backcombing and hair spray work, which colours can or can’t you wear? Don’t be uncool, and learn how (not) to be a groupie. Images of the ‘dark’ 1980s illustrate this story about a band and a fan who became friends.

Illustrated with private photos. A beautiful portrait of a subculture of the 1980s.