Robert Wyatt performs in a knitted mask on French television. One of the more underrated progressive rock groups from the ’70s Canterbury Scene, Matching Mole was a short-lived […]
Virginia Astley Live on BBC2 (1982)
A rare TV appearance from the cult English singer-songwriter.
We’re big fans of Virginia Astley here at ISC HQ. Her conceptual debut From Gardens Where We Feel Secure was one of the most played albums at the In Sheep’s Clothing hi-fi bar, is featured in our (( ROOM RECORDINGS )), and has been in constant rotation this past year at home.
This live video we discovered recently of Astley performing “Waiting to Fall” comes as a complete surprise. We’d previously thought only a few live recordings and an interview on Greenwich Sound Radio existed of the cult singer-songwriter. Filmed at the Coventry Electric Wharf in 1982, this BBC2 appearance likely came shortly before Astley released her debut album on Rough Trade. Her performance here is mesmerizing and the industrial backdrop surprisingly matches the dreamy quality of her music.
Interestingly, this track would not be featured on any of Astley’s albums and wouldn’t be released until 1985 on a split 7″ that has become quite difficult to find.
