Bravo Erland for posting this! Geoff Docherty was a very innovative and influential promoter back in the '70s and he "made" a number of significant bands. "Free" were a classic example. Because of Docherty's efforts, they became huge in the north-east and their fame really spread from there. I didn't realise that he'd given Roxy their start at the City Hall. I saw them first at 'Redcar Jazz Club" in June '72 and I don't think they played "Virginia Plain". It was a small venue in the Coatham Hotel. It was a small audience and the gig was a little chaotic but their genius showed through. I note that Geoff booked them in December '72 for City Hall - this was obviously post 'VP" and also after the late, great John Peel had pushed them but it would still have been a risk. Newcastle City hall was a definite step up for them - well done to Geoff. Regards, Windswept. PS. Geoff's book, "A Promoter's Tale" is well worth a read. It really captures the era.
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