Evening, well times have really changed in Northern Ireland….(a sentence I like writing) as not only do major acts now play there regularly but the ‘risk’ is no longer a factor. Quite different from 30+ years ago when The Clash made their Belfast Trip – a story worth repeating and which generated some amazing photos. I mention Belfast as the Pogues (who were briefly fronted by Joe Strummer) just confirmed a December 2 concert in the city. Shane MacGowan looks worse for wear eh?

Dr. Martens shoes were once about to launch a fairly cool sounding series of television adverts that were to feature Joe Strummer, Joey Ramone amongst others. Unfortunately one of the ‘others’ turns out to be none other than Kurt Cobain and getting commercial approval means running it past the ‘difficult’ Courtney Love. The full story about the situation is here and it sounds like it was never released (the advert) to the best of my knowledge. She’s now furious about the new Guitar Hero game and literally spent a week on twitter saying how much of a victim she is.  I try and not let loose on people via the blog but I’m comfortable saying Courtney Love repulses me for a huge number of reasons. I also realise that might be a voice of contrast as she did have some direct ‘ties’ to Joe Strummer. That said some people with ‘ties’ to me aren’t people I’d want to inflict upon you. It might be unfair to say she’s lost the plot but I’d suggest you check her twitter account before debating the point. She needs to get out of the house more….surely she can squeeze out another Nirvana collection of scraps or somethin’ ?

Courtesy of Nick (I won’t give his address to avoid his Clash memorabilia getting nicked) he sent me another setlist that needs to see the light of day or at least your computer screen. This set from 1978 is undeniably scribed by Joe Strummer and signed by the entire band – what a lovely piece. Thanks Nick!!