This 1979 live album captures The Stranglers at a moment when their initial punk energy was hardening into a more ambitious, if sometimes unwieldy, post-punk sound. It documents a band firmly in command of their established audience, delivering raw, unvarnished performances of their most challenging material.
- The album was recorded live at the Alexandra Palace in London on 20th and 21st December 1978.
- "Live (X Cert)" reached number 30 on the UK Albums Chart.
- The release was controversially given an 'X' certificate by the British Board of Film Classification, effectively banning it from mainstream outlets and contributing to its cult status.
The Stranglers are a long-running English rock band formed in Guildford, Surrey, in 1974, initially rising to prominence within the pub rock scene before becoming synonymous with the UK's punk and post-punk movements. They are known for their distinctive sound, which blends abrasive guitar work with melodic keyboards and often confrontational lyrical themes. In 1979, The Stranglers were at a commercial peak, having moved from independent labels to a major, and were preparing to release their fourth studio album, "The Raven," later that year.
