Running as a sister venue and located nearby International 1 was the slighter larger International 2 (also closed I believe early 90’s). There were rumours of ongoing drug incidents that precipitated its demise. It was a grander venue than International 1 as it had a upper balcony overlooking the stage where I recall supping Newcastle Brown prior to the gigs.
I visited there twice and my first visit on a very cold Monday night in December 1986 is still up there as one of my favourite all time gigs. The Pogues were in town and at that point they were at their absolute peak. I have never witnessed a more interactive audience as I would estimate around 80% of the crowd were dancing and an old fashioned sprung dance floor assisted in this regard. In the middle of the gig we had a loo break which were situated out the back of the venue and walking back up we encountered the largest drunkest moshpit I have ever witnessed. The band had a euphoric stage presence and Shane McGowan had a plethora of different forms of alcohol by his feet including what looked suspiciously like a bottle of Crème de Menthe.
Stand out tracks were ‘Sick Bed of Cuchulainn’ and ‘A Pair of Brown Eyes’ and they finished their second encore with ‘The Wild Rover’.
Even the DJ was inspired, spinning the Buzzcocks ‘Ever Fallen in Love’ as the first track post gig.
The night took a surreal turn afterwards as we piled into a restaurant next to Yang Sing for some tucker and in the middle of our meal a considerable ruckus ensued. Two Chinese lads proceeded to turn on another highly unfortunate Chinese lad with chairs and tables upturned. After a summary lesson had been taught (reason unknown) the assailants calmly landed a substantial amount of cash on the counter for damages on their way out followed shortly after by the battered and bruised victim. We exchanged bemused glances, made sure he was ok and then returned to our supper.
The other gig at the venue was Jesus and Mary Chain supported by Motorcycle Boy (led by Alex who was previously in the Shop Assistants). Mary Chain were decent that night finishing their set with ‘Kill Surf City’ and ‘Never Understand’. My records show I bought a band T-shirt for a bargain £4 which lasted for an exceedingly long time before disintegrating!
The venue was owned by Gareth Evans who also doubled up as the Stone Roses manager. The venue is sighted in the first few seconds of the promotional video for ‘Sally Cinnamon’.
Used to be one of my favourite venues. Trying to remember a highlight gig – probably Soundgarden and Corrosion of Conformity.
Also saw one of my all time favourite bands Saigon Kick there but I had to suffer through the awful headliners Extreme for the privilege. The curse of being chauffeured to gigs.