Jean-Jacques Burnel, the esteemed bass player of The Stranglers, recently recounted an unforgettable incident in which he leapt off stage to rescue a fan from a violent bouncer at the historic Apollo venue. The incident occurred during one of the most turbulent concerts of the punk era. Despite being renowned for his expertise in karate, even JJ required a police escort after clashing with the venue’s security personnel.
In an interview, Burnel humorously reminisced about the daring leap from the stage, acknowledging that the stage was exceptionally high. He conceded that he would not be able to execute such a feat today. The Stranglers, who are marking their 50th anniversary, are scheduled to commence a tour across the UK and Ireland in March, with Glasgow as the inaugural stop.
Reflecting on the violent altercations that were more prevalent during the band’s early days, Burnel admits that he now endeavours to avoid confrontations as much as possible. He expressed optimism that such incidents will not tarnish their upcoming anniversary tour.
The band’s tumultuous history with the city of Glasgow was emphasized, with Burnel recalling the animosity they encountered, particularly at the Apollo venue. He characterized the venue’s bouncers as “old school” and recounted the incident where he intervened in the mistreatment of a fan, resulting in a clash that led to the band being escorted out by the police.
Glasgow was not the sole city where the band encountered such situations. Burnel also recalled a night spent at Strathclyde Police’s former HQ after an incident involving the band’s drummer, Jet Black, at the Central Hotel.
The article provided insight into the contentious reputation of the Apollo bouncers and the violence that typified that era. However, it also presented a former bouncer’s perspective, revealing that many stories about the bouncers were exaggerated and that their role was crucial in managing large and rowdy crowds.
The exceptional and often tumultuous experiences of The Stranglers during their global tours were also highlighted, with the band being apprehended in France and Sweden and narrowly evading volatile situations. Burnel attributed his love for martial arts to his ability to control his temper and strike a balance between his wild side and his musical career.
Finally, the article concluded by emphasizing Burnel’s astonishment at the band’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration, citing the band’s resilience and unwavering presence in the music industry. It also included the tour dates for their upcoming performances.
In conclusion, the article provided an in-depth exploration of the remarkable and often controversial experiences of The Stranglers, shedding light on their enduring career and the enduring passion of its members for their music.