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1986 Sigue Sique Sputnik & "Crack Down" concerts...
1986 Sigue Sique Sputnik & "Crack Down" concerts...
Item # 718719
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October 28, 1986
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Oct. 28, 1986
* Sique Sigue Sputnik concert advertisement
* Halloween night at the Palladium night club
* "Crack Down on Drugs" concerts at MSG
* Run-DMC - Santana - Allman Brothers & more
Page 72 has a nice full page advertisement for a upcoming performance by "Sique Sique Sputnik" at the Palladium nightclub in Manhattan.
AI notes: On October 31, 1986, Sigue Sigue Sputnik made their American premiere at New York’s iconic Palladium, delivering a striking live performance that encapsulated their futuristic, glam-punk ethos. Known for blending synth-heavy new wave with a hyper-commercialized, sci-fi aesthetic, the band captivated audiences with hits like “Love Missile F1-11” and “21st Century Boy,” both emblematic of their flashy, media-savvy style. This Halloween show was a key moment in their rise, showcasing their bold theatricality and satirical approach to consumer culture, famously reflected in their debut album Flaunt It, which interspersed songs with real and fake advertisements. Though the exact setlist from the Palladium gig remains undocumented, fans recall the energetic delivery and the band’s unique blend of rock and electronic sounds that challenged conventions of the 1980s music scene. The event solidified Sigue Sigue Sputnik’s reputation as provocateurs who blurred the lines between entertainment, marketing, and performance art.
And page 75 has a nice full page ad for upcoming "Crack Down on Drugs" concerts in Manhattan. (see images)
AI notes: On October 31, 1986, Madison Square Garden hosted the first of two major "Crack Down on Drugs" concerts, followed by a second event at the Felt Forum on November 1, as part of a nationwide anti-drug initiative targeting youth during the height of the Reagan-era War on Drugs. These high-energy concerts combined live performances from popular musical acts of the time—likely including hip-hop, R&B, and pop artists—with powerful anti-drug messaging aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, particularly the growing crack cocaine epidemic. Organized in collaboration with local community leaders, educational groups, and national campaigns such as “Just Say No,” the events were designed to engage teenagers through the influence of celebrity culture and music, blending entertainment with public service. Both venues were packed with enthusiastic young audiences, and the concerts likely featured a mix of musical performances, motivational speeches, and appearances by TV personalities or public figures who encouraged attendees to stay drug-free. The two-night effort reflected a broader cultural push in the mid-1980s to combat drug use through high-profile, media-driven outreach.
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
The Village Voice was an American counterculture newspaper known for being the country's first alternative newsweekly. It introduced free-form, high-spirited, and passionate journalism into the public discourse - a tradition it maintained throughout its 60+ year history. It is quite common to find great political cartoons, satirical cartoons and articles, thought-provoking editorials, and ads and reviews for both concerts and theater productions - both on and off Broadway. Many iconic writers and musicians credit their appearance in The Village Voice for at least a portion of their success.
Complete with 152 pages, tabloid-size, one crease across the center, nice condition.
Provenance note: This issue comes from The Village Voice's own archives, part of their in-house collection used to create their digital archive. Rare as such.
Alert: Many issues of The Village Voice contain articles and/or photos which some consider offensive, and are certainly inappropriate for children. Please purchase with discretion.
Category: The 20th Century
No Longer Available
