...Places
of Southend Punk Significance...
The
Musicians Workshop was originally started by Rob Grant at The Westcliff
Leisure Centre, and hosted gigs from 1977 onwards including The Heat, Deeno's
Marvels, Sliver (later The Traitors), Mickey Jupp etc. After a short period,
the Workshop moved to The Zero 6 which became its main base for several
years. Mick Roskams was the organiser initially, and he was assisted by
the legendary Geri Lyons, the lady whom always introduced each band that
played there. Geri, together with ex-Love Affair Roadie Richard Marsh as soundman then took over the running of the nights and they were both great in giving Southend's Punk and Post Punk bands a place to play. Also, as well as the myriad of local bands, artists from further afield came to play at The Zero, including everyone from The Monochrome Set, John Cooper Clarke and Jah Wobble, to Marillion, Bernie Torme, Geno Washington and the Comsat Angels.
At a time where it wasn't always easy to find a venue to let you play at all, the Zero 6 not only provided a venue, but also a backline with cabs & kit supplied. Many, many bands played there throughout the era and beyond, including: Steve Hooker, Deeno's Marvels, Wilko Johnson, The Vicars, The Leepers, The Decibels, The Youth, The Icons, The Sinyx, Janifacy Farm, Stripey Zebras, 86-Mix, The Get, Dr Pretorius, Le Mat, New Recruits, Kronstadt Uprising, Allegiance To No One, The Burning Idols, Puppets Prey, Anorexic Dread & many more.
Geri sadly passed a few years ago, aged only 53, but she continued running Jam nights at local pubs and encouraging musicians to play right until the end. Geri and her nights at the Zero 6 will always have a special place in the hearts of those involved in the Southend Punk scene of the time.
