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SUCK OUT THE VENOM!

Geographically, the northern England industrial wasteland of Newcastle-onTyne is a distance of some 360 miles from London. Culturally, it might as well be the dark side of the moon. Its notable features? Its high unemployment level, the friendliness of its inhabitants, the incomprehensible local accent and a band called Venom.

October 2, 1985
Andy Hughes

SUCK OUT THE VENOM!

FEATURES

Andy Hughes

Geographically, the northern England industrial wasteland of Newcastle-onTyne is a distance of some 360 miles from London. Culturally, it might as well be the dark side of the moon. Its notable features? Its high unemployment level, the friendliness of its inhabitants, the incomprehensible local accent and a band called Venom.

Aside from a few local fans, Venom are practically unknown in their hometown. At home, they hang around in the same pubs and clubs they’ve always enjoyed, with the same friends. No superstar ego trippers here. This level of anonymity stretches the length of the British Isles— Venom can move freely without fear of being mobbed by hysterical fans or idolizing metal freaks.

How does a band as big as Venom manage to live this double life—megametal heroes in the States, virtual unknowns in Newcastle? Simple. They’ve never played a gig in their hometown. Not one.

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