First/Last-Paul Collins

"Rock icon and cult favorite Paul Collins got his start with Peter Case and Jack Lee in 1974. Their band The Nerves toured with The Ramones and recorded a song called “Hanging On The Telephone.” The song would later become a hit when covered by Deborah Harry and Blondie on the Parallel Lines album.
Paul Collins formed The Beat in 1979, recruiting members of various rock bands including Steven Huff, Larry Whitman and Michael Ruiz. The result was The Beat, a high energy rock group in the style of The Ramones, Blondie and The Dictators. As the story goes, Collins was awarded a record deal with CBS thanks to his friend Eddie Money and Bill Graham Management. The Beat toured extensively with top acts like The Jam, Pere Ubu, The Police, Eddie Money, The Plimsouls and Huey Lewis. The Beat became Paul Collins’ Beat when a ska band from UK began using The Beat as their moniker."

Paul Collins hits Pittsburgh this Thursday night for a show at the awesome Get Hip Warehouse. He is touring behind his latest release, "Feel the Noise". Openers are blog faves City Steps. I want to thank Paul for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Jimmy Hendrix's “Are You Experienced?”.

Your last album bought?
“Talk Talk”.

Favorite album of all time?
“The Beatles”.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
The Stones' “Goats Head Soup”.

First concert attended?
MC5 at Unganos, NYC in 1969.

Last concert?
Los Secretos in Madrid.

Favorite concert ever?
Opening for The Police in Paris Palias de Sport, 1980.

Least favorite concert?
Alex Chilton at Tramps in NY... a very upsetting off night for an amazing performer & musician.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
I love Pittsburgh and all the friends we have there... I also like the Andy Warhol museum!

Thanks, Paul. Pretty damn cool fave concert you have there.