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MINTY
ARTICLE
THE BLITZ KIDS
City Set For Shock Rock - Banned band 'will perform nude'
from Cambridge Evening News, 22 April, 1996


YOUNG teenagers could watch a shock rock band whose act features full-frontal nudity and mock self-castration at a Cambridge youth venue (sic) - despite being banned elsewhere.

The Junction - which receives a city council grant - is backing controversial art rock group Minty, who have been banned from four London boroughs amid allegations that they are offensive.

There will be no age restriction on the performance.

Junction promotions manager Rob Tinkler said nudity made a change, and added: "I do not see why they should be excluded just because they are different. "They have asked for a security guard in front of the stage because they do not know how people will take it." Asked if he felt those attending the concert would be offended, Mr Tinkler said: "I think people who are going will know what to expect." Venues have banned the band because singer Nicola Bowery performs naked with a plastic bag draped over her and Matthew Glamorre enacts mock self-castration. "I reserve the right to mutilate my body as I wish in the name of show business," he said. The band, whose act also includes "pagan prayers," is due on stage tonight around 9pm at the Clifton Road venue. Support will be a male singer called Elizabeth Bunny. But now Minty is hitting back, hoping other venues will not follow suit and ruin its UK tour. Mr Glamorre said: "It is true that our performance will include nudity, but it will not be pornographic. There is a world of difference in pornography and art. "We hope that promoters will stand firm and honour their commitment to stage the shows through the UK." In Manchester, the band was ordered to cover up. The show was banned in the London boroughs of Camden Town, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, for full- frontal nudity on premises not holding the appropriate licence. It is not the first time Minty has visited Cambridge. The band supported pop group Pulp at Cambridge Corn Exchange last year, when it is understood the act was of a tamer nature. Coun. Richard Smith, chairman of Cambridge City Council's Leisure Services Committee, said The Junction would receive a £142,000 subsidy from the council this year. He said: "The Junction is not run by the city council. We give them a grant, but we do not have any control over their programme. "I would not be happy with it going on in a venue run by the City Council, like The Corn Exchange."

Sarah Reedman
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