| City: | Epsom, England |
| Venue: | Swimming Baths |
| Date: | December 9, 1972 |
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This gig opening for Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come is one that Brian May later recalled vividly. It was an important "exhibition gig" as Brian puts it, and it was the first time they were able to muster up the cash to rent some decent gear. John Deacon and roadie John Harris designed a new PA system as well. But to their dismay, with the venue being an indoor swimming pool, the sound was dreadfully bad with all the echo. According to Brian, Ronnie Beck from EMI Publishing (then Feldman) attended the show and met up with the band afterwards, telling them that the sound was probably the most appalling thing he had ever heard. But despite the sub-par environment he nonetheless found the band to be "absolutely fantastic," offering them a deal in the new year. Brian thus frankly regards this as the gig that "moved us on the most." The band were indeed signed within the next eight weeks or so, as evidenced by the cue sheet from their first BBC session on February 15, 1973 listing Freddie Bulsara and Brian May as being with Feldman, ensuring remuneration from the radio airplay of their songs. |