New Order w/ Throwing Muses
Words and Photos: Marshall Dickson

Appeared:
April 12, 1989
The Bayfront Center Arena

Shortly after the release of the first cassette single and in the last gasps of the 80s, New Order performed at St. Petersburg’s gone-to-the-grinding-wheels-of-progress concert venue, The Bayfront Center Arena.  It was the second night of the band’s US tour for the album Technique, which leaned heavily on the acid house dance sound that was all the rage in Ibiza & England at the time.  That party energy transferred directly to the audience, which were on their feet for the entire evening, and had the band smiling in obvious appreciation.

Opening the show were Boston’s Throwing Muses, who’s single “Dizzy” was a college radio hit from their album Hunkpapa.  Helmed by stepsisters Tanya Donnelly and Kristen Hirsh, the band would spawn future Alt-Rock favorites The Breeders, Belly, 50 Foot Wave and solo careers for both women.