People Watching Part 3 - Neon Heart
Since it
opened a few years back, the Moth Club has been the place to go for Boomtown’s
nightlife thugs. But back in the day, the place to be seen was Neon Heart.
All life
poured down into the Neon Heart when it first opened in 1975. There had been a
few other juke joints in town and by and large, they were cool enough if you
had the zazz. But Neon Heart was the first in-your-face night club.
As well
as normal club nights, occasionally they’d have live music. Most of the acts
were really ropey but occasionally, something good would turn up. I remember
seeing a six piece bluesey-rock outfit from Ireland there one night. Hooks
strong enough to raise the Titanic and lyrics that were sharp enough to cut
steel – I often wonder whatever happened to them...........?
Probably,
the lowest point occurred one night I was there. As usual we were struggling
with the out of time sound system when a girl ran sobbing across the crowded
dance floor – mascara running all down her face. Our feelings of concern didn’t
last long as we tried to get back into our dance routine – back in the day the
‘module’ and the ‘slide’ were all the rage. After about half an hour, there was
a scream - the music stopped, the lights went up – she’d been found dead in the
toilets – suicide!
The Neon
Heart’s heyday ended in about 1985 by which time it seems, the management
wanted to do other things. The place had a major digital re-package in 2005 and
from 2013, was seen more as place for live music – which really sent Cement
City all a spark. There was talk for years about a big comeback for Neon Heart
in 2020, with a new vibe that was both retro but also of its time. When I
walked past recently I could see they’d been making some changes – the new
chapter looks as if it will be with us very soon. The opening of the Moth Club
was probably the kick up the arse that the old place needed!!