Go West Live featuring Alan Murphy 1987 - part 1 of 4

Go West in concert as part of the Runaway Train tour promoting the "Dancing on the Couch" album. This is the second incarnation of the live band - the core remains Peter Cox, Richard Drummie and Alan Murphy but now with Pete Adams (keyboard), Jaz Lochrie (bass) and Jimmy Copley (drums).
I know a lot of fans feel the first line up was best but these guys are totally on it - they're superb players and as tight as a gnats crotch here!
Part One song list:
. SOS (very uncharacteristic couple of errors by Alan here but who cares!)
. True Colours
. Chinese Whispers
Please remember this has been captured from a VHS tape that is now nearly 25 years old so forgive the glitches/graininess and the fact that Chrysalis didn't put a bloody HiFi track on it! Enjoy...

[@crimsonrush]

Alan Murphy was absolutely awesome. He took Allan Holdsworth's style and made it commercial. So sad he couldn't stick around. Very inspirational. x

[@coolcat6303]

I agree. Peter Cox is a majorly underrated vocalist & it's a shame he isn't well known here in the U.S.. IMHO, he is right up there with other great blue eyed soul singers like: Steve Winwood, Michael McDonald & Daryl Hall.

[@djmylesmatisse]

Drummer Jimmy Copley was Tears For Fears drummer on their Sowing The Seeds of Love tour after this. Her made songs He played on even better. He died of Leukemia in 2017. Here's what Tony Iommi wrote about him after he died... My friend Jimmy Copley lost his battle with Leukemia the day after Mike Clement and I went to visit him in hospital. So sad… he was a brilliant drummer and a fantastic man. He worked with me on my solo album and on the Dep Sessions with Glenn Hughes and myself. We had some great times together and lots of laughs. He was a really wonderful person who loved playing. We’ll miss you Jimmy. My condolences to his family at this time. RIP my friend, Tony

[@TremorBear]

Alan Murphy...what great guitarist.

[@themanfromutopia1]

Alan Murphy was a hero to all us young guitar players in the 80s.I went on to have a life doing sessions in music and Alan showed me the path.Much missed .R.I.P Alan.X

[@andycave6715]

I was on the Tina Turner Clair Brothers crew during the Private Dancer tour 1987......These lads showed up as opening act......All I can say, is that every night.......dinner in the crew room was a hasty sandwich......inhale a joint, and immediately back out to front of house to listen to these guys every night..........They blew everybody's mind..........Made me an absolute lifelong fan.........Alan Murphy..Stunning and much missed........Jimmy Copley owning it every night............Still to this day one of my top three bands......

[@andycave6715]

Just to add more pain to anyone who didn't see this bunch live back then......the other half of the Tina Turner tour had...Level 42 as the opening act..........And I was getting paid to be there........lol

[@seanswinton6242]

Andy Cave Wow, you were blessed! I saw both of these concerts.

[@vandamme514]

That is so cool. I love Go West, Level 42 and Tina Turner.

[@davecoalwood9487]

Nice one Mate. Thanks for sharing. Level and this lot, love them both.

[@davecoalwood9487]

Brilliant.

[@jabbafunk]

Mr.Cox delivered some real BaddAss Vocals during that time !!! WoW 🙂

[@Shad3251]

Go West introduced me to the word "gaberdine" which I have never heard again since

[@tommyburnhamsmusic]

Al Murphy absolutely kills me. First 5 mins, absolutely slaying! R.I.P

[@Eflatmajor7sharp11]

Sick. Alan is like a Lukather with some Holdsworth's phrasing.

[@Foghat1961]

I was just thinking Lukather was about as good as it got in '80s.... I'm not so sure now, Murphy was something else.

[@63Baggies]

@@Foghat1961 We ALWAYS downgrade our players in the country...

[@greyfella]

I was the drummer in the support band called " Ordinary Man " on this tour. Go West were a great bunch and treated us very well. They filmed two of our songs that evening, and one song " Goodbye America " is also on You Tube.

[@therealawakener7]

Alan Murphy is a national treasure and a fucking axe legend. Sublime tone, unique skills, innovative approach. R.I.P. See you soon:-)).

[@aren2822]

RIP Jim Copley, one of the best drummer

[@borgullet3376]

Jimmy Copley's a Fu#king Beast !

[@chrisw1953]

I met Alan with a couple of friends at a house in the Angel Islington..he was playing with a band called Mahatma at the time.. I myself was/am a guitarist who was playing in a band called Palm Beach Express and thought I was an ok player. We were just drinking/chatting and Al played Roundabout by Yes (who I don't really like) and he played it note perfect, solo, everything and then played Johnny Winter Rock & Roll Hoochie Coo again stunning..his accuracy and technique not tomention his tone and touch was exhausting to watch and his concentration amazing..I was humbled but learnt a lot from that meeting..Went to see him live with Mahatma at The Marquee shortly thereafter and he and the band were just so way ahead of their time..real pro's..unbelievable show..really sad to hear he passed away so young..such a waste.

[@irishplucker]

Incredible Alan Murphy.....as a guitarist myself i think what touch and tone....shoes that will never be filled.

[@a_pedro2612]

RIP Alan Murphy (+1989) and Jim Copley (+2017), fantastic musicians.

[@Hellrun]

Good god, what a rhythm section!

[@og_sane]

Sometimes I wish I had been born earlier, like 20 years or something.. I was born in 1991 which is an ok time to start living, but it would've been amazing to see Go West live, in their prime. RIP Alan Murphy.

[@63Baggies]

You're so lucky to be able to see this now...these guys were great...

[@Minxster97]

God Peter Cox's voice is sensational!

[@PROGNUT777]

love watching this.... goosebumps !! Rip Al....beautiful style

[@scottbarrie1303]

Peter Cox, without doubt one of the best live vocalists Britain has ever produced. Alan Murphy on guitar was amazing also. Shame he died at the end of the 80s,

[@andrew13758]

Alan Murphy was another unsung hero, his playing hit me for musicality and taste, not just technique

[@chrisaston4793]

What a voice

[@davecoalwood9487]

Should of been THE BIGGEST BAND OF THE MID 80S .THEY WERE FUCKING BLINDING.

[@michaelrawson6261]

Jeez aloo! I had quite forgotten just how genuinely brilliant Al Murphy really was! Just stunnin!!!

[@Fabio_Enne]

Jaz Lochrie is amazing here and Alan Murphy is GOD! (RIP)

[@yagamei]

God, what the hell ever happened to this kind of music? Outstanding vocals, amazing backing musicians who have and are fully given the chance to demonstrate their prowess ... I mean, Alan is amazing as always, but Jaz is an absolute groovemeister on that bass! Imagine if Lady Gaga had a band this badass to augment her songs? ... Oh wait, she'd be Missing Persons, ANOTHER 80's band. LOL.

[@seankelly7274]

Alan was a great player, nobody like him today either, such a great sound and touch 🎸

[@Spartanm333]

Alan Murphy kicked up the 80's - kind of a British Steve Lukather and God bless them, Peter and Richard let him have his steam on stage and in the studio - made a sound all of their own in the 80's. Missed but happy to relive it here - thanks for posting Much love

[@musiclover3928]

Interesting to compare Alan Murphy to Steve Lukather from "Toto". Two of the best for sure. So sad we lost Alan so young. He had so much talent with the guitar. RIP.

[@iestynrogers5621]

Spartanm333 totally agree!!!

[@PROGNUT777]

Alan was so gifted !! His playing still makes my hair stand up on end

[@wrightguyz]

This band was killing it back then...first 2 go west albums and this tour are absolute classics

[@MbdslEst1964]

Alan Murphy... Legend and much missed.

[@Richard3414]

I just wish I could have seen Go West with this line up. Watched this video hundreds of times and I literally can't fault any member, even the backup singers are incredible! My favourite album is the self-titled "Go West" and I've been listening to it since I was a boy. Always thought that it was a typical heavy produced 80's album with somebody in the studio overdubbing the band with keyboards and effects. Well, to see this performance live and it sounding identical to the record is nothing short of spectacular. I'll never get bored of this.

[@davecoalwood9487]

Agreed.

[@gemarodrigo9309]

rip alan murphy, one of the best´s for me aways seeing these videos of him

[@davecoalwood9487]

Now THIS IS AN UNDER APPRECIATED BAND!

[@evanjazzista]

OK mate, THIS is why I think internet is bloody great! I still have this vhs myself but it has become nearly unwatchable due to the tons of times I've cried on Jaz Lochrie's out-of-this-world groove and Alan Murphy's stellar solos! I've transfered this to dvd but the quality sucks like hell. Thank you SO much for uploading this gem. Why they didn't make an official dvd of this, let alone a live album, is totally beyond me. This vhs changed my way to "feel" the music, definitely in my Top 5 List!

[@smashmash]

I actually now have the very rare laserdisc of this concert complete with stereo digital audio but just haven't got round to ripping it yet. Watch this space ...

[@evanjazzista]

@@smashmash Duuude, that's some serious news! Cool! Here we are, more than a decade later! Thanks for the update!

[@lhair02]

We are getting this and the cd of the live show in the dancing on the couch deluxe set next year!

[@jonsilence]

Alan's last solo in SOS, from 4:11 to the end, is sheer brilliance. Master of the whammy!

[@verdurenoire]

Wait........sublime blue eyed soul, slap bass AND Alan Murphy...............and someone gave this a Thumbs Down? Dude........do you have a pulse?

[@PROGNUT777]

Always come back to watch this. I love that intro.....Alan's playing sets me on fire !! Miss you man

[@chrisclarke7828]

This concert was possibly the very best they did in this format, The Doctor's demise was very sad and it was painful to see him on the Princes Trust with Level 42, not that it matters to him now but he was one of the brightest sparks in modern music.

[@wattage2007]

Taken far too soon. RIP, Alan Murphy.

[@Rodrigo.Acosta]

RIP Jimmy Copley

[@smashmash]

Very sad. Two monster players gone

[@wrightguyz]

damn just learned this...sorry to hear that...he was on fire on this show...working his butt off

[@regaltip8A]

Thanks for posting. An underrated guitarist in Alan Murphy but those in the know realise how superb he really was.

[@Edmouk]

Great musicians and extraordinaire Alan Murphy !

[@andymitchellmusic]

Brilliant to see this stuff - having an 80s binge right now. Alan was incredible... And Peter Cox - outstanding singer!

[@yunoyuluvit]

I've gone through all four parts three times already! I live the live arrangements on these tracks. Peter is such a great vocal talent. Alan's guitar work is superb. It's such a shame that he is no longer with us I wonder if he'd still be touring with Go West, if he was.

[@davecoalwood9487]

What a Fucking Band!!!!

[@gbaren]

Just incredible..and I forgot that my friend Donna McDaniels singing backup. They are SO on point..band on fire. Alan Murphy beautiful lyrical playing. RIP sir.

[@jennyn5692]

Glenn Baren She sang backup and toured with Motley Crue as well around this time, correct?

[@j2112c]

Thanks for posting God Bless Alan Murphy! I was looking for a video clip that captured the essence of his style...this is it! Cheers! Liked - check. Favourited - check. Please never take down!

[@euanelliott3613]

Google: Go West - The Tube 1985. Another amazing gig featuring Alan on guitar.

[@jjthomas2297]

Level 42 had Mark King and Phil Gould(And Murphy for awhile..RIP), Go West Had Al Murphy and Peter Cox. What the hell happened to musicians that could actually PLAY?

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

given that Alan Murphy died so tragically young, any video of him playing is a absoloute gem

[@charlotteforbes4614]

Peter's voice live was unreal. And I love his dancing 😄

[@iestynrogers5621]

I was at St David's hall watching this tour, I almost forgot how good Alan Murphy was on guitar rip. Great band great tour!!!

[@stevefrost3484]

I saw them on this tour in Manchester - brilliant gig, I am glad to find this video on You Tube (where else).

[@christopherhowe4947]

love you alan, peter and all the guys, great concert

[@stonepolismusic]

I just found this and am on the fifth time in a row watching it! This is by far one of the greatest live performances next to Level 42 I have witnessed. This band was a monumental influence on me, especially during a (get this) marching band tour I did in the 80's in Europe and if this is any inclination of how they were live it's by far the one bad I regret never seeing live! The fact that I can watch it here on KZbin though has given me a taste of how awesome they were live! Go Fucking West!

[@randyfatthumb]

I have just been spooked,,I came here after watching the Kate bush tribute with the guitar on the chair,out of curiosity to see who the guitarist was being paid a tribute,I soon realised I was at this show it was the the first gig i ever went to my cousin took me I was 14 and I remember being amazed at the bass player.my surname is murphy,i subsequently became a pro bass player.

[@drdzida2517]

perfect sound, perfect show, timeless, Alan Murphy my number 1 guitarist

[@musiclover3928]

Hell yeah! Go West rules!!!

[@iansnyder274]

Alan Murphy was wonderful......it's like i just have to keep replaying his solos because they are so intoxicating...also Nik Kershaw is no joke either....both he and Alan were clearly fans of Holdsworth, but were also so much more than just that. ...check out Nik Kershaw's solo on Elton John's song Old Friend....killer.

[@NigelFortune]

R.I.P Alan Murphy. What a great guitarist he was...

[@steveb1301]

yes i remember seeing this on the tube absolutely brilliant alan murphy got me into go west saw them live if i remember they cut it off short at the end brill

[@therantingboy]

What a stunning live performance. Agree - this is on a par with Level 42.

[@cjeast617]

I typed : Died 19 October 1989(D.O.B) trying to find who I was in my past life. Alan's learning his lessons in this life 🙃

[@cocoablossom5201]

I saw them on this tour. Loved them ever since!

[@euanelliott3613]

I've been a fan of Go West since 1986 when I heard the Bangs & Crashes album. I like Alan's guitar playing and Peters voice. And those synths. Google: Murphy's Breeze WMV to hear sublime playing from Al with Paperazzi. Beautiful guitar playing.

[@SGReeder2000]

I can't thank folks like you, smithyal, et al enough: sincere thanks for all Go West and the late + great Alan M. THE most lyrical UK guitarist for me, huge influence on me and lamentedly underheard...his playing converted me to strats: Stonking! Till recently I hardly saw any mention of him; so grateful for your work in getting these seen and heard.

[@rpm4999]

Alan murphy was a giant ..wish he was still here

[@starchild7278]

Incredible vocals. Can't beat it.

[@scotabot7826]

Alan had such a great feel and vibrato!!! I absolutely love his playing, tone and style. My goodness, what a wonderful top shelf, professional player. I feel the same way about Kevin MacMichael from the Cutting Crew. Both of these wonderful musicians, sadly had to leave us all too soon. We still have all the music though, thankfully!

[@RICHGREENNOW]

I never knew Alan. Makes me so sad. What a monster and I am sure missed badly. Sniff.

[@robertmaroney4373]

He was so freekin good

[@musiclover3928]

"Chinese Whispers" what a rocking tune!!!

[@gideonsikk8733]

So slick n smooth criminal ALan . Lobe the bass sound also . Top musos

[@guitsynthcw]

Gotta give Hugh Padgham some credit for the production on their debut album. Great band, great sound, great songs.

[@smashmash]

Chuck White sorry man it was Gary Stevenson who produced it, nothing to do with Hugh. www.muzines.co.uk/articles/go-west-producer-gary-stevenson/1308

[@vlloyd46]

Fuck. Sorry for the naughty language. But I was 15 when I went to this gig. I'm 50 now!!!!!! The massive crush I had on Pete was my first experience of anything emotional. Plus. He looked so beautiful.

[@davecoalwood9487]

Seriously- how good were this lot?❤

[@bodieprats9688]

Alan murphy is a god!

[@steveburchfield5576]

not really GOD

[@og_sane]

Go West for life!!!

[@jjthomas2297]

And NO AUTO TUNE!!!

[@lawrencedavis5459]

amazing guitarist.

[@macleenrangasamy5745]

alan Murphy was an absolute badass guitarist 🎸 play all kind of music ✌️a real guitarist and musician for me 🙏 wish he were still here 🙏🙏 rest in power guitar master , see you someday in d other side 😎😎✊🏻✊🏻

[@andrewmcgregor9915]

watched these guys on the indian summer tour at hammersmith apollo 1992. Fantastic gig!!! RIP Alan Murphy!!

[@jabojames]

I have been watching them since 1985 and they are still phenomenal live. Alan Murphy was different class and added a different rock edge to the tracks allied to the soulful wonderful voice of Peter Cox and the ever entertaining Richard Drummie you have a band that should have had a lot more success. I took my daughter to her first GW concert at the NEC and she is still going now (we used to go together but she now watches them when they tour Brisbane 😎👍

[@johnny0468]

allan murphy was such an amazing guitarist, his guitar parts made the hits he played on,,,,,,,can u imagine him and pino on the same recording!? legends together,lucky go west! x

[@CusterFlux]

I remember picking up the first GW CD, and freaking out at the production, voice & the guitar player ... nice to know it wasn't just me ;) (Pssssst ... it's an Aria RS Esprit)

[@jjthomas2297]

Peter Cox sounds better than today's singers using auto tune!

[@davecoalwood9487]

Let's not piss about here....they were fucking spot on live.

[@jjthomas2297]

@@davecoalwood9487 Straight Up

[@davecoalwood9487]

@@jjthomas2297 Have a Good Weekend Fella and get to bed You Reprobate!😄

[@jonsilence]

So great to see Alan Murphy, what a solo! Saw both lineups of the band, both were great. I preferred the first because they were a bit more manic and slightly reckless in their daring 'go for it' attitude. Second band is a tad more polished, mannered, and tame. But Alan is the star of both lineups and always shines. Thanks so much for posting this.

[@mattgreen5720]

I agree. Stylistically Jimmy and Tony are chalk and cheese, though both fantastic in their own right. Each drove the band in a different way leading to a manic interpretation with Tony and more controlled and tight with Jimmy.

[@eiffe]

Well said!

[@evagould1963]

Omg what an awesome concert. I have the vhs, but this is a real treat. Alan Murphy simply sublime. Absolutely loved the 80s. Who would have thought 33 years later Go West are still going strong!!

[@NoseyParkerFly]

how all the 'most replayed' section are all Alan's solos :-)

[@steveb1301]

remember it well got me into go west i think they cut it short on the tube as it was going off brill band

[@JesseFSegovia]

Thanks so much for posting this! Awesome concert - I saw this back in the day on MTV when they used to show a really good concert video every Wednesday or Thursday night!

[@okcorrigan]

THANKYOUS SO MUCH FOR UPLOADING. i had this on vhs but i lost it. This is go west and alan murphy at thier best thaankyouououspisiugsouyisgsoyui

[@lesleygibson7476]

This group represents the soundtrack of my life. Chinese Whispers has to be my favorite GW song. #GoWest

[@mikemorrison281]

Slam sounds so great. Miss his playing.

[@jazimuslimited2]

Thanks groovemak! Jaz

[@halholbrookspussy]

Incredible. Thank you so, so much for posting this concert.

[@Istari_01]

I remember when they played on tv show The Tube in the 80’s. I never liked this band, but the guitar playing made me pay attention and think who the f**k is that. Great player, taken too early. 💃🏽🕺🏽🍻🍻

[@planetretroross938]

Very underrated guitarist!

[@andrew13758]

'cause most people value shred and forget musical heart