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Tonstone

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Silver Dagger
Those early bootlegs - Stones especially - were like a beacon from another, secretive planet. Their enjoyment was heightened because you were hearing something that you shouldn't have, illegal contraband or so bootlegs became a prized trophy in the early 70s.

Live in London (Wembley 73) and the Nicaraguan Benefit Concert (73) were the first two I bought - from a hole in the wall shop off Carnaby Street in London that was run by a paranoid Welsh guy named Derek, who would constantly be looking over his shoulder in case of police.

The next, as a few have mentioned above, was the legendary Bedspring Symphony - which became the 'must have' boot any would-be music fanatic would do anything to acquire for their collection.

So this love of bootlegs inspired me to record my own and by summer 74 I bought a then, state of the art, Sony portable stereo cassette recorder - TC124CS, if I remember correctly - and I recorded nearly 100 show between then and the starting of punk.

I'd also recorded a few on a trusty Phillips cassette recorder including the Rolling Stones at Wembley - matinee show on Sept 8 - which has now found its way into Stones lore as - according to the late Gazza - one of the best sounding recordings from the whole 72/73 world tour.

I also recorded Knebworth 76 and was positioned in front of Keith's side, recording a very rhythm guitar heavy sound that is quite unique in terms in aural quality.

After that I stuck to my other great love which was taking photos and one day aim to bring out a book of them.

But yeah, the world of bootlegs was arcane, mysterious, sometimes murky but the most fun you could have with your clothes on. Nice thread hbwriter.

Hi Silver. I think I bought my first bootlegs from the same guy.
I was down from Edinburgh to London 1n 1975 or 1977 for a Scotland v England international and obviously decided to check out Carnaby street. I remember just wandering off into a side Street [Think it may have been called Praed St] anyway I came across what was a pokey little record shop. Thought I would have a browse to my surprise I spotted a Stones LP I had never seen or heard of in the small racks.
Asking what it was the guy told me "It's the best Stones Live album you've never heard". Asked if he had any other Stones LP's the guy looked around to check who was about and nervously opened a curtain behind the counter to pluck a few albums out of what looked like store room cupboard. Ah!!! my first encounter to the mysterious world of bootlegs.I ended up buying Bedspring Symphony,Brigt Lights Big City & The Best of The Rolling Stones in Concert

On getting back to Edinburgh I could not wait to give these a spin.I was blown away by the quality of stuff I had never heard before. I wanted more !!!.That was me hooked. Since then I have had a wonderful journey of collecting bootlegs and the sheer thrill of obtaining a new titles always gave me a buzz.
I think the start of the internet and downloads somewhat took away a bit of the thrill . However I still collect whatever I can and still get excited to hear new outtakes or unreleased tracks.
Thanks for your story. It took me back to some heady days.