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I was 21 years old and had a weekend job producing Rockfile on local Northern Ireland station Downtown Radio. Elvis Costello & The Attractions were to play the Ulster Hall, Belfast. Someone at the station suggested that I take a tape recorder and try and get an interview with Costello. So off I went with good friend Jim.
After visiting a few Belfast bars, we entered the venue and found our great seats. Front row balcony.
Following a great performance by Costello and the Attractions, we made our way backstage to the band's dressing room. The room was packed with music type people from all over Ireland and a few from England.
Tables were covered with free alcohol. Of course, we helped ourselves. Couldn't pick up the courage to approach Elvis. He's much taller than I expected. He and the band decided to leave through the rear door, followed by everyone else. Except Jim and myself. We were still sampling the free drink.
When we did decide to leave, the rear door was locked so we went back through the hall to the front doors and found them locked. After a bit of searching, we found an unlocked door that led to a small yard. But between this yard and the main road was an eight-foot wall.
I hoisted Jim up on my shoulders, then he pulled me up. We were sitting on top of the wall, contemplating the eight-foot drop, when along comes two RUC police Land Rovers. About six police get out, all armed to the teeth with automatic weapons. One of them says, "What's this, boys? Breaking into the Ulster Hall?"
They got us down off the wall and bundled us into the Land Rovers. One each. We spent half an hour being questioned before the police believed our story...
— Barry Vance, via email
This, Barry, is one for the ages. Thanks for sharing! [MB]
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