MIND THE GAP (Ep. 1) (The Sunday Read)

8/2/2026

MIND THE GAP (Ep. 1) (The Sunday Read)

[Ed. Note- If you have ever been on the London Underground you have undoubtedly heard the PA announcements reminding you to “Mind The Gap” as you enter or exit the trains.

This is done because in some instances there is a sizeable space between the carriage and the platform. On some of the older lines, Bakerloo, Northern, Hammersmith & City, for example, these gaps can be quite pronounced. On the newer lines, this problem has mostly been eradicated.

In keeping with the title and theme of this wonky little site (gwilliamrexunderground365.com), rex is starting a new series entitled “Mind The Gap.” The musical focus will be on artists in the rex collection that had extended “gaps” between releases.]

We start with a wonderfully romantic Underground story about the “gap”and then two tunes from a band with a huge gap.

Watch and listen to this:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QExoX4ls9OM&pp=ygUkTWluZCB0aGUgZ2FwIGVtYmFua21lbnQgdHViZSBzdGF0aW9u&ra=m

You may not know the face but the voice in the video from the Embankment Tube Station on the Northern Line is that of British actor OSWALD LAURENCE.

His voice was first utilized by Transport For London in the late 1960’s throughout the system. He passed away in 2007. His widow, Dr. Margaret McCollum used to go to that tube station following his death to hear his voice.

In 2012 they automated the system and replaced the tape of his voice digitally.

Here is a short video that tells this remarkable story:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s_i59j74g3s&pp=ygUfTWluZCB0aGUgZ2FwIGhlYXJ0d2FybWluZyBzdG9yeQ%3D%3D&ra=m

Now for some music minding the gap.

The band TV21 🇬🇧 were formed in England in the late 70’s but moved to Edinburgh. On my birthday in 1981 they reduced their debut LP entitled “A Thin Red Line.”

TV21- “A Thin Red Line” (Deram Records-1981)

This is such an incredible slab of vinyl. Each of the 10 songs over 39 minutes is worthy. Some of it produced by the legendary IAN BROUDIE!

Somehow they managed to land gigs supporting the Rolling Stones. And then they broke up.

I was so disheartened. Years later I found and bought a second copy of this LP for insurance. That was after I bought a turntable that could transfer vinyl onto cd!

And then, out of the comic book that the band was named after, they returned 28 years later with LP2!!!

TV21- “Forever 22” (Powbeat Records 2009)

This is the band MACH II.

Here are two songs that “Mind The Gap.” Let me know your thoughts.

Here is my fave- “Snakes and Ladders” from the debut. I also have the double 7” of this single. It is one of my all time faves. As relevant 45 years later as ever.