11.01.78 THE SIRENS one and only gig with Steve Murray on vocals, Marc Riley Guitar, Craig Scanlon Guitar, Steve Hanley Bass, Paul Eastman Drums, Pips Club Manchester. The Sirens carried on with a girl called Julie on vocals until Marc left, the others formed a band named Staff 9.(Marc joined The Fall in June 1978 - Craig & Steve joined July 1979).

05.02.78 STUART & STEVE MURRAY hold auditions at TJ Davidson's Manchester , for drummer & guitarist to form Fast Cars

18.02.78 HAYDN JONES & TONY DYSON are chosen (Tony had played with the Murray's from 1974 TO 77)

22.02.78 1st GIG AT PIPS CLUB IN MANCHESTER supporting Virginia Wolf (featuring Nick Bold on lead guitar).

13.03.78 1st demo recorded at Smile Studio, Sale, Cheshire, with Steve Foley.

25.03.78 1st GIG AT THE BUTCHERS ARMS, PENDLEBURY (went on to play every Saturday night for 7 months, also Stuart's 20th Birthday!)

01.04.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury. Here's a photo of the Landlord at the time.

08.04.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

09.04.78 Melody Maker Rock / Folk contest Manchester.

15.04.78. After playing at the Butchers went in to BBC Radio Manchester to be interviewed live on air for 'Saturday Rock' by Peter Sharratt.

22.04.78 Steve broke light fitting off ceiling whilst playing at The Butchers Arms

29.04.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

06.05.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

13.05.78 Boothstown Community Centre in the afternoon, Butchers Arms in the evening

22.05.78 Pembroke Hall, Worsley.

23.05.78 Duke of Wellington, Pendlebury.

27.05.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

29.05.78 Rafters Club in Manchester supporting X T C Click here for receipt signed by Dougie James, promoter at Rafters and manager of The Fall

01.06.78 The Stockade, Walkden.

03.06.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

10.06.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

17.06.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

20.06.78 The Oaks, Chorlton, Manchester.

23.06.78 Chloride Social Club, Clifton.

24.06.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

01.07.78 The night Steve fell through the window at The Butchers, became "part of the show!!"

02.07.78 Jules Vern, (now The Unicorn) Peel Green Eccles.

06.07.78 The Boundary Inn, Oldham.

08.07.78 Paul Tandy Festival, Cheetham Hill Mcr in afternoon, The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury in the evening

14.07.78 Commercial Inn, Stalybridge.

15.07.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

22.07.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

26.07.78 2nd demo session, this time at Cargo Studio in Rochdale with John Brierley.

27.07.78 As above.

28.07.78 The Regent Hotel, Blackburn.

05.08.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

12.08.78 The Butchers Arms, supported by IQ Zero

26.08.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury. (Mike Sweeney of Salford Jets joined us on stage).

02.09.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

04.09.78 Carlton Club, Warrington.

08.09.78 Swinton Youth Club, Swinton.

09.09.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

16.09.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

23.09.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

24.09.78 HAYDN JONES left after clash of personalities, replaced by CRAIG HILTON

30.09.78 After just 1 practice, Craig plays at the regular Saturday night at the Butchers Arms

07.10.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury.

14.10.78 The Butchers Arms, Pendlebury. (watched for the 1st time by Tim Llewellyn from Rabid Records, he became our Manager).

19.10.78 Russell Club (The Factory), Mcr. with Salford Jets and The Jeff Hill Band.

21.10.78 Last night at the Butchers, as it says on ' The Kids Just Wanna Dance ' "Someone danced just a little too much and we got banned from the Butchers Arms!! "

24.10.78 1st gig at 'The Band On The Wall' Club in Manchester, for the 'Manchester Musicians Collective' with The Not Sensibles & Stand and Deliver

27.10.78 Mayflower Club, Gorton Mcr. supporting Bram Tchaikovsky's Battle Axe ex The Motors Mayflower ad with gig on

29.10.78 Commercial Inn, Stalybridge.

03.11.78 1st gig in London at the North London Poly, with Jeff Hill Band, John Cooper-Clarke and Ed Banger

14.11.78 Band on the Wall with 'THE FRANTIC ELEVATORS' featuring singer MICK HUCKNELL Ticket from gig

15.11.78 The Birch Hotel, Ashton under Lyne Photo of the Landlord!

18.11.78 The Factory, Manchester with DILLINGER

23.11.78 KELLY'S CLUB, Manchester supported by 'SISTER RAY '

01.12.78 Salford College of Technology with 'JOY DIVISION ' and ED BANGER

03.12.78 The Electric Circus' Manchester

05.12.78 Band on the Wall with Departure and I-Beats

06.12.78 The Birch Hotel, Ashton

13.12.78 Pips, Manchester

15.12.78 3rd demo session again at Cargo, Rochdale, recorded; Modern day Romance, Tameside Girls, Why, What can I do (the last 2 used on Manchester Collection).

16.12.78 Cargo Studio mixing with the owner John Brierley

20.12.78 The Highwayman, Warrington.

27.12.78 The Highwayman, Warrington.

1979

11.01.79 Manchester Poly with BUZZCOCKS & V2.

14.01.79 The Commercial Inn, Stalybridge.

17.01.79 The Duke of Wellington, Pendlebury.

20.01.79 The Factory, Manchester with TON TRIX (featuring Mike Score who left to form A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS)

23.01.79 The Birch Hotel, Ashton.

27.01.79 Review in Sounds by by Mick Middles following gig supporting ,'THE BUZZCOCKS' at Manchester Poly. (see What Mick Middles said).

03.02.79 Review in N M E following gig at 'The Factory' Manchester with TON TRIX. (see What the press said).

07.02.79 Highwayman, Warrington.

28.02.79 Hazel Grove Youth Club.

06.03.79 The Birch Hotel, Ashton.

07.03.79 Bowdon Vale Youth Club with SISTER RAY Gig photographed by Martin O'Neill More here Here is the Ticket for the gig!

09.03.79 Middleton Civic Hall with The last chicken in the shop & The Salford Jets.

16.03.79. The Factory, Manchester, with "Last chicken in the shop." Gig Review

18.03.79 Commercial Inn, Stalybridge

23.03.79 "Snoopy's" Youth Club, Swinton.

24.03.79 Spread Eagle, Ashton under Lyne.

27.03.79 Band on the Wall with IQ Zero and Staff Nine (featuring Craig Scanlon who later joined The Fall)

APRIL 1979' A Manchester Collection ' (Object Music OBJ 003) is released containing 2 of our songs ' Why and ' What can I do?'

03.04.79 The Wishing Well Club, Swinton.

07.04.79 review of gig at Bowdon Vale in Record Mirror

13.04.79 Recording "Images of you" at Strawberry Studio, Stockport, produced by Martin Hannet. (Track never released). We were using Joy Division's downtime during the night as they were recording Unknown pleasures with Martin.

17.04.79 Wishing Well Club, Swinton - support from The Change & Shades of no-one

19.04.79 TJM records show at Eric's Liverpool with The Teardrops (featuring Steve Garvey of Buzzcocks) & V2

23.04.79 London's Marquee Club supporting THE EXTRAS.

30.04.79 In Granada TV Studios Manchester recording 2 songs for "What's On." Images of you and Tameside Girls. (Only Images makes it to the programme.)

05.05.79 Marquee gig reviewed in 'PopStar Weekly.'

09.05.79 Hazel Grove Youth Club.

MAY 1979 TONY DYSON (DRUMS) LEFT, REPLACED BY STEVE BROTHERDALE (B'Dale) (ex Panik, Warsaw, V2,)

31.05.79 Photo shoot with Kevin Cummins on location in Moss side, Manchester

02.06.79 Headline Manchester Poly supported by 'The Out' and The Change

07.06.79 Appeared on ' What's On ' Granada T.V. Recorded Tameside Girls & Images of You, the later being shown. Archive footage exists.

09.06.79 Withington Festival, Rippingham Road Park with The Out, Miami Beast, & Gordon the Moron

14.06.79 The Factory Manchester with The Out & Gordon the Moron Here's a great photo with our posters on the wall

16.06.79 Reviewed in Melody Maker following gig at Withington Festival (see What the press said).

26.06.79 Pendlebury Miners Club. (Private Party 18th Birthday). 28.06.79 John Dowie, Fast Cars, The Naughty Boys, Nasty Turns at West Indian Centre Manchester

JULY 1979 STEVE B'DALE SACKED, TONY DYSON REJOINS ON DRUMS

07.07.79 Hanworth Carnival London ( sponsored by The Who ) The Out also played from Manchester Coach we travelled on

14.07.79 A Manchester Collection reaches No. 6 in "Sounds" alternative charts

17.07.79 The Birch, Ashton under Lyne

07.08.79 Deeply Vale, Festival, Bury with The Ruts, The Donkeys, Spizz Energy, The Fall, et al. ( Filmed & recorded)

13.08.79 Clarion Club, Burnley, supported by The Stiffs.

22/23 AUGUST 1979. Record 'The Kids Just Wanna Dance' Smile Studios, Chorlton, Manchester, Co-produced with Steve Foley.

30.08.79 The Bulls Head Walkden.Salford.

12.09.79 The Factory, Manchester with Salford Jets. Click for flyer

07.09.79 Fun House, aka 'The Mayflower' Gorton, Manchester with The Hoax

**.**.79 Jenks Bar, Blackpool.

OCTOBER '79 Release of 'The Kids Just Wanna Dance' (Streets Ahead Records SA 3)

05.10.79 The Funhouse Manchester with The Buzzards, but they didn't turn up, we still played, Reveiw of the gig in City Fun

06.10.79 Live Music Show (sponsored by Melody Maker), Belle Vue, Manchester, promoting Gordon - Smith Guitars.

**.**.79 Railway Workers Club, Nelson, Lancs.

07.11.79 Airplay on BBC Radio One by John Peel.

21.11.79 Romeo & Juliets, Oldham.

**.**.79 Recorded Demo at Drone Studio Chorlton with owner Engineer Paul Roberts. Tracks; Images of You, Bombed our school, I wont be coming home.

1980

**.**.80 During another session at Drone we recorded; Here we are today, All my friends, Pretty and the idiot.

05.02.80 Manchester University supporting THE CHORDS

12.02.80 Sheffield Limit Club, supporting THE CHORDS

16.02.80 Mention in Sounds when supporting THE CHORDS in Manchester. (See what the press said).

25.02.80 Jenk's Bar, Blackpool with support from The Change.

Feb / Mar 80. Grange Arts Centre Oldham with Performance and God's Gift.

22.03.80 Hollywell North Wales with RUN 229 and TWO TONE PINKS

22.04.80 Lancastrian Hall Swinton. Flyer for gig.

02.05.80 South Trafford College

16.05.80 Salford Tech.

MAY 1980 TONY DYSON QUITS AGAIN, THIS TIME REPLACED BY PETE BATES (ex Two Tone Pinks).

05.06.80 Jenks Bar Blackpool 03.07.80 Lancastrian Hall Swinton. Stuart Murray on stage Click Here

03.09.80 Portland Bars Manchester.

11.09.80 Recording at Phonogram studio, London for Polydor. (Way of the world, Sometimes it hurts, Marching as to war, This old heart of mine, Sophisticated Lady). Tracks never released.

12.09.80 Mixing the above tracks at Phonogram / Polygram.

23.09.80 The Birch Ashton Tameside

25.09.80 Rafters Club Manchester supporting The Revillos

01.11.80 Supported THE JAM at the Apollo Theatre in Manchester

07.10.80 Battle of the Bands Manchester Apollo Theatre

14.11.80 Stockport Tech. College

20.11.80 Pinky's Club Salford

24.11.80 Last gig at The Portland Bars Manchester Craig had his guitar stolen (a Gordon -Smith custom) and Pete Bates our drummer at the time quit

band split up. " So near but ....so far. "

We also played at the following venues but I have no dates;
AMBROSE BARLOW SCHOOL, SWINTON (Paul Ryder from The Happy Mondays in audience);
MOORSIDE SCHOOL, SWINTON;
DERBY HALL, BURY;
THE CHAMPION HOTEL, SALFORD;
SALFORD UNIVERSITY SU BAR;
BOUNDARY HOTEL, OLDHAM;
LANCASHIRE VAULT, OLDHAM;
KING GEORGE, MOSSLEY;
THE PHOENIX, MANCHESTER;
HULME LABOUR CLUB, MANCHESTER;
GRANSMORE HOTEL, Openshaw Manchester;
CHECK INN, ALTRINCHAM;
THE WAREHOUSE, PRESTON;
HUYTON COLLEGE, Nr LIVERPOOL;
SCARISBRICK HOTEL (downstairs), SOUTHPORT;
THE WILTON PRESTWICH
THE SPORTSMAN (St John's Arcade) LIVERPOOL;
ALSAGER COLLEGE, CHESHIRE;

and then there was more !!!!!

01.03.90 Duke of Wellington, Pendlebury

April 1994 Back to front #4 released on Incognito Records, Germany, featuring "The kids just wanna dance."

??????? 1990s Bootleg of The kids just wanna dance is released in Japan (white label).

??????? 1999 Bootleg album Killed by Death 20 released in Europe featuring What can I do

30.05.96 The Witchwood Ashton with The Salford Jets

07.11.96 The Witchwood Ashton again with Salford Jets

25.03.98 The Butchers Arms Pendlebury 20 Years Later !!!!!

1998 100% British Mod released on Captain Mod records,featuring "The kids just wanna dance."

16.12.2000 LAUNCHED THIS WEBSITE ON FREESERVERS.COM !!

05.03.01 Recording at Ionian studio, Bolton, for Detour album "Coming ready or not!!"

08.03.01 Recording at Ionian studio, Bolton, for Detour album "Coming ready or not!!"

15.03.01 Mixing at Ionian studio, Bolton, for Detour album "Coming ready or not!!"

01.07.01 Single, Everyday I make another mistake / I'm alright, released on Detour Records, UK, Limited pressing on 900 copies on black vinyl, 100 on Pink vinyl

01.07.01 The Kids Just wanna Dance officially released in Japan on 1977 Records.

13.07.01 The Band on the Wall Mcr

22.07.01 Shinjuku Jam Tokyo Japan

23.07.01 Shinjuku Jam Tokyo Japan

01.08.01 Coming ready or not released on Detour Records, our 1st album !!

04.10.01 Recording at Ionian studio, Bolton, for 1977 records Japan, Here we are today, Way of the world, Turn on the radio.

09.02.02 The Pendlebury (formally The Butchers Arms) Manchester, with The Two Tone Pinks

10.06.02 Recording at Studio, Whitworth for Detour Album "Well...you started it!."

12.06.02 Recording at Studio, Whitworth for Detour Album "Well...you started it!."

18.06.02 Mixing at Studio, Whitworth for Detour Album "Well...you started it!."

19.07.02 Holidays in the Sun Festival Blackpool Review 1 Here and Review 2 Here More here

20.07.02 Water Rats Theatre London, with Long Tall Shorty & The Teenbeats

31.10.02 Two singles released by 1977 records Japan, Here we are today / Way of the world & Turn on the radio / Marching as to war, 500 cpoies of each.

2003 The kids just wanna dance released on Last Years Youth Records Germany with Why and What can I do from A Manchester Collection added

01.02.03 The Pendlebury, with Salford Jets

17.06.03 Recording at Studio, Whitworth for Detour Album "Well...you started it!."

30.08.03 Blue Bell Hotel, Monton with Mike Sweeney and Salford Jets

13.12.03 Hope Hotel, Salford, with Salford Jets for a review CLICK HERE

29.05.04 Hope Hotel, Salford, with The Salford Jets,

01.06.04 Single, Best Friend / Here We Are Today, released on Detour Records UK, Limited edition of 525 full colour Picture Disc’s

29.08.04 Aspull Rugby Club, Wigan

13.11.04 Recording at Studio, Whitworth for Detour Album "Well you started it!."

19.11.04 Live footage from 1979 and 2004 interview featured in "Truly Madly Deeply Vale" documentary on Granada T.V.

23.11.04 Mixing at Studio, Whitworth for Detour Album "Well you started it!."

2005 Don't you know it's last years youth CD released in Japan on Wizzard in vinyl featuring The Kids (track 14)

2005 Everyone a classic Vol 5 CD (Bootleg) released featuring The kids (track 7)

01.05.05 Aspull Rugby Club, Music Festival,Wigan

09.05.05 Fast Cars live at Deeply Vale, 1979, released on Ozit Records UK.

26.05.05 Exhibition at the Urbis Centre Manchester on Punk, featured one of our posters from 1978. It was on until 12.09.05 CHECK OUT PHOTO it shows John Cooper Clarke stood by it (and a poster of his!!)

22.10.05 Exhibition at "Touchstones" in Rochdale, features us on Wall of Fame, Photo in Cargo Studio, & A Manchester Collection cover, on display. On until April 2006.

11.11.05 King George's Hall, Blackburn, with The Stiffs

12.11.05 Aspull Rugby Club, Wigan.

2006 1st CD single released on New Recruit Records "Baza" (My first, my last, my everything)

03.11.06 The Cock Hotel, Worsley, Manchester.

19.11.06 The Road to Ruins Festival, Rome Italy. More here

10.12.06 Book signing of "No more heroes" (we are on pages 235 - 237) - Alex Ogg, in Stockport.

28.07.07 The 12 Bar Club, London with The Plague, Machines, X-Rippers

07.09.07 The Cock Hotel, Worsley Manchester

10.09.07 Live interview with Becky Want on Radio Manchester more here

08.10.07 New album "Well ... you started it!" released on Detour Records UK BUY IT HERE

27.10.07 Bay Horse Hotel, Horwich, Bolton.

March 08 Images of You (recorded in 1979) released in Japan on 1977 Records

22.03.08 St Gregory's (aka Peter Kay's Phoenix Club), Farnworth, Bolton with 'The Change'.

28.03.08 Red Cloth Club, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

29.03.08 Red Cloth Club, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

30.03.08 Graff Club, Fukuoka, Japan

01.04.08 Pepper Land Club, Okayama, Japan

02.04.08 Tight Rope Club, Nagoya, Japan

25.05.08 The Retro Club Manchester as very special guests of "The Cute Lepers" (with former members of The Briefs). Poster Here Gig review

13.03.09 The Dirty Water Club, London.(Stuart & Steve Murray with Andy Dawson on Drums). With The Hateful and 10-0-7's. Poster here

28.08.09 Moses Gate Farnworth with The Salford Jets

17.10.09 Club Academy Manchester with The Purple Hearts

04.06.10 Moses Gate Farnworth

19.06.10 Still Unbeatable Festival, The Victoria, East London with The Plauge, The Stiffs, The Boys More here

15.10.10 Wurlitzer Ballroom, Madrid, Spain More here

28.08.11 Lake Festival, Hollingworth Lakeside Milnrow, Rochdale. Steve Foley introducing the band

24.09.11 Georgia's Fun Raiser, Worsley, Gtr Manchester

04.06.12 *Georgia's Fun Raiser (G - Festival 21) (Guest musicians: Pete Bates on Drums, Luke Hinton from Hanky Park on Keyboards)

27.07.12 Salford Knights Scooter Club 30th Anniversary @ Tyldesley RUFC Tyldesley, Gtr Manchester. Here is a Review of the gig.

28.07.12 "Norman's Garden Party" (Private Party) Walkden, Gtr Manchester

26.10.12 "Snoopy's Reunion" Swinton Sports and Social Club, Swinton, Manchester

16.11.12 Wild at Heart Club, Berlin, Germany, with The Not Amused More here

ALL THE ABOVE GIGS STEVE, STUART, CRAIG & TONY

25.07.13 *Sound Control Manchester, as special guests of Emily's Army from America. (Drums that night were played by Rick Hilton, son of Craig)

19.10.13 *Academy 3 Manchester, supporting Toyah Wilcox (Drums that night were played by Rick Hilton, son of Craig)

19.10.13 Rick Hilton replaced Tony Dyson on Drums on a permanent basis.

02.12.13
Named in Terry Christian's Top 200 Manchester songs "The kids just wanna dance."

26.04.15 Star and Garter Manchester, (Punk for the Homeless, Headline) Here we are!

03.05.15 The G-Festival, Worsley, Salford.

28.08.15 Release of Greater Manchester Punk 1977 - 81 vol 1. Features The kids (track 13)

02.07.16 The G-Festival, Monton, Salford (Bowie Tribute set)

18.09.16 The Deeply Vale 40th Anniversary gig at Heywood Civic Hall nr. Rochdale.

22.04.17 Release of Greater Manchester Punk 1977 - 81 vol 2, B2 Features 'Images of you.'

23.06.17 Release of the Deeply Vale 40th Anniversary gig DVD boxset, featuring Fast Cars full live set.

19.07.17 Release of The kids just wanna dance on Italian label Breakout Records.

28.07.17 Release of the Manchester North of England boxset, featuring "The kids" on CD 2 track 2.

31.07.17 Stuart Murray appears on Ray Bowles show 'Anarchy in Harpurhey!' - North Manchester Radio.

30.08.17 Stuart Murray appears on Howard Copitch show on Salford City Radio.

15.09.17 Release of Gary Crowley's Punk and New Wave CD Boxset featuring once again 'The kids just wanna dance! CD 2 track 1.

29.09.17 Interview with Stuart & Steven Murray for "The sounds of Salford" with Simon Williams, produced as a podcast.

14.10.17 The Dukes Reunion featuring Salford Jets, Fast Cars, The Trend. Reunion of bands that played the Duke of Wellington in the late 70's.

07.07.18 G Festival at Monton, to celebrate 40 years as Fast Cars !!

26.10.18 Release of Harmony in my head comp on Cherry Red Records featuring 'You're so funny'

27.07.19 Pump it up! A powerpop weekender at The Lexington, London

15.02.20 Pete Shelley Memorial Campaign at St Joseph's Hall Leigh, with Benefit State, Notsensibles, The Distractions, Fast Cars and The Drones.

21.01.21 Craig Hilton Fast Cars Guitarist and the man behind the sound of the band finally passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer. He will be sadly missed by his family and his bandmates

30.04.21 Detour Records release the Polydor tapes on a mini album entitled "Once again ... I'm lost for words.400 on black 12" vinyl and 100 on Neon magenta. The album is dedicated to Craig "The sound of Fast Cars!"

03.10.21 Steve and Stuart interviewed on BBC Radio Manchester by Mike Sweeney. 2 Tracks from "Once again" are played: Way of the world & This ole heart of mine

26.09.21 First rehearsal with Nigel Hilton on guitar (one of Craig's younger brothers), went well and officially now new guitarist in Fast Cars.

12.02.22 Pete Shelley Memorial gig at Turnpike Centre, Leigh with The Freshies and Static Line. (First gig featuring Nigel Hilton on Lead Guitar & Steve Murray on Rhythm guitar).

17.04.22 Wangies Bar Eccles with Buzzkocks, The Chimps, Benefit State and The Drones.

30.04.22 Spinning Top Stockport, Punk weekend with MC16, Benefit State, The Sentence and Papashangos.

05.06.22 Irlam Live music festival (on Grassroots stage). #irlamlive (LAST GIG with Nigel Hilton on Guitar).

30.07.22 Spinning Top Stockport with support from Colacello and Eddie Mooney and the Grave. (First official gig as a 3 piece).

17.10.22 Hope and Anchor, Islington, London.

04.11.22 Spinning Top Stockport.

24.04.23 The York Bolton with The Kanz.

20.05.23 Spinning Top Stockport with Slackrr.

26.05.23 Disorder Bar Manchester, Cherry Red Boxset launch with Ed Banger and The Distractions.

01.07.23 Spinning Top Stockport with The Distractions and The Harveys.

23.07.23 The Finsbury London at the Powerpop weekender.