Wigwam's previously unreleased rare live recording from 1976 out in February via Svart Records
In the summer of 1976, Wigwam performed not only in Finland but also in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany. However, the pace slowed down afterward. The early autumn tours planned for European countries were cancelled, and even the replacement shows in Finland had to be postponed due to bassist Måns “Måsse” Groundstroem's sick leave.
In October 1976 an opening appeared in the schedule for a studio session, during which Jim Pembroke’s third solo album, Corporal Cauliflower’s Mental Function, was recorded. After that, Wigwam played five gigs in Denmark at the end of November, followed by an equal number in Sweden. No exact information has survived about the concert setlists, but the band was in a stable phase, and certain songs had become staples in their live repertoire. Albums from Wigwam's deep-pop era, which began in autumn 1974, as well as Pembroke’s first solo records had already been released, and rehearsals were underway for what would become the Dark Album, released in 1977. It can be said that this concert, recorded for Danish Radio, is a strong representation of the band’s era at the time.
The recording took place in northern Denmark, in a district called Lundtofte in Lyngby. Before this, Wigwam had performed in Køge and Århus, and after Lundtofte, gigs in Ballerup and Copenhagen awaited. Lundtofte was home to the Danish Technical University (DTU), where a student venue called “Studenterhuset” (Building 101) hosted a one- to two-day music events known as Polyjoint during the 1970’s. The events typically featured Danish bands, but also visiting acts like Wigwam. Most importantly, Danish Radio was sometimes present at these events. Wigwam had performed a studio concert for Danish Radio the previous year, but this particular recording is considered the more energetic of the two. Details have faded with time — for example, the identity of the second act at the concert is unknown. In any case, both guitarist Pekka “Rekku” Rechardt and keyboardist Pedro Hietanen remember the band being in high spirits, in top form, and highly motivated. They had a deal with Virgin Records in their pocket, had gained international touring experience, and the future looked bright.
After returning from Denmark, Wigwam soon entered the studio just after Christmas to begin building the Dark Album. The first version came together quickly, but the release process turned out to be quite complex — but that’s another story.
Text by Jaakko Riihimaa.
Måns Groundstroem - bass
Pedro Hietanen - keyboards
Jim Pembroke - vocals
Pekka Rechardt - guitar
Ronnie Österberg - drums
A1 Just My Situation
A2 Simple Human Kindness
A3 Do or Die
B1 Never Turn You In
B2 Eddie and the Boys
B3 A Better Hold
B4 Colossus
C1 Grass for Blades
C2 Lucky Golden Stripes and Starpose
D1 No New Games
D2 Bless Your Lucky Stars
