This gig took place at the Van Hall in Amsterdam, a squat that allegedly proved to be quite significant during the emergence of hardcore punk in Holland in the mid-eighties.

The performance documented here is the second of two shows in two countries on the same day. Earlier in the afternoon, Fugazi played a set in Gent, Belgium (see FLS #0055).

Unfortunately, the sound quality of this recording is nothing much to boast about; the bass sounds are essentially insufficient in the mix, the treble too high.

Yet for those willing to press on, I think this is a recording still worth checking out. I find that the set list flows particularly well, and that the performance packs a punch. There are basically no duds to be noted; pressed to pick a highlight, I'd probably go with Suggestion, which is delivered well-paced and instrumentally maybe a tad restrained yet feels acute as ever.

Also, aside from some intermittent funny small talk amongst a number of Dutch people attending the show, you get a bit of humorous stage banter as Ian wonders what's happening in Amsterdam while Joe replaces a broken bass string and the discussion soon leads to existential questions related to shit holes and the contentment of its dwellers.

Interestingly, footage of this show has surfaced in recent years, as is often the case with Fugazi gigs. At least a snippet can be retraced on Youtube and can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnn3d3y_W0E

It features the first five minutes of the show (Song #1 and Lockdown) and adds a bit of an image to the recording. Watch closely as Guy mills and swings graciously about the place, busting some trademark moves, while the music comes crashing and even Joe shakes off his usual reserve.