Who are The Distractions?

Some further snippets from the City Fun Exhibition at the Manchester District Music Archive. There's another review of the Buxton gig, by Andy Zero, a 'Leveller' benefit gig at the Poly alongside The Fall and The Passage, and a question-and-answer in the letters pages after the first City Fun (the Distractions special).

Saturday 14th, The Distractions, Buxton. Cavers 'do'. Lots of heavy cavers jumping up and down, and side to side - slipping and sliding the night away. P.A. bouncing off the table. The Distractions - very good, very tight, good fun. Mike (Cyril the Fonze) and Steve (red and black harlequin) grabbing front line attention. Bass surge, guitar distinction. Constant drums, clear voice, energy, competence, fun. They knew it was good. What more. I can't be objective - the best Distractions gig I've ever seen. Playing like this, why only in front of 100+ cavers and no fans?

Andy Zero

Sat 21st. The Poly. A 'Leveller' benefit. A gig: The Fall, The Passage, The Distractions, Crass, Agony Column...  The Distractions - Bad sound. A messy beginning, slow start, pauses and breaking guitar strap didn't contribute. About 1/2 way through the strength of material becomes apparent. The last song. A few people dancing. Another four numbers and we all would. I'll wait until next time. Photographs in the dressing room.

City Fun,

Who are "The Distractions"? I've never heard of them.

Dear Godzilla, 

The Distractions  are a good local band. You've probably never hard of them because you spend too much time reading the N.M.E. to find out what's happening in Manchester. I presume you've heard of the Buzzcocks before they'd even decided to form, eh!