The Clash footage April 1980 and September 11
There was only one image I could use for a post on September 11. A photoshoot that I’ve always loved changed in significance in 2001 and yet again the following December. I’d written about New York City and the ‘anniversary’ last night and can’t add much to that. I know a huge ratio of visitors to the Blog are from the city and I do my best to fathom just how much it has impacted my friends there. I can’t say a single thing to reduce that impact. Six people who I indirectly worked with were on the 94th floor of tower one in the WTC that day, just starting a normal day at work. I trust my former work colleagues recollect that this morning. I can’t help but do so.
If you’ve seen these two clips before then consider yourself lucky. I’d like to thank Gail for bringing these to my attention. The video quality is well above average for a 1980 TV clip and the audio is also decent throughout with few drops in the mix. My goodness the band looked and sounded amazing and the energy is just electric even though it was just a television performance.
So you get a white hot London Calling with Strummer mixing up the lines as was his custom. We’ve even got multiple camera angles for a great look at Topper (so a few clips focus on his brilliant drumming). I’m not sure I’ve ever heard Mick’s voice so strong and assured. The confidence of performing songs off of London Calling is palpable. As for Joe thrashing that guitar it’s priceless viewing he’s just so focused. You’ve also got Micky Gallagher on keyboards. Paul seems to be more confident and even comfortable with his vocal duties both backing and lead (though not sure you hear his backing vocals).
Train in Vain is just an assault driven by Headon’s drumming and Mick sings it with more fire than the recorded version. There’s some video bleed and edit issues as the tape joins Guns of Brixton but what’s remaining is still really good. Watching Strummer play bass is always great, like seeing a centre half going on a run into the opposing penalty area. Simply excellent video and it’s made my evening. Strummer with near skinhead is also smashing.
From the same broadcast you also get a sterling rendition of Clampdown to complete the quartet. My only complaints would be Topper’s beret and Mick’s grape zoot suit. Put these boys on the cover of Elle!
The performance was from Apr 25 -- 1980 on ABC TV’s Fridays sketch comedy show recorded in Los Angeles.
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CLASH QUESTION ;This has been doing my head in for years,the message on Joes telecaster does it read I MAY TAKE A HOLIDAY,my original thought,but very un-Joe sounding or after watching this again and considering the date I now think it actually says 1st MAY..TAKE A HOLIDAY.Can’t remember the first time I saw this but it was a long time back now and always remember thinking(as the CLASH constantly made you)wow that’s pretty cool I MAY TAKE A HOLIDAY now though I hear Joes voice in my head screaming it’s 1st MAY you idiot !! Tim or anyone please could you help solve this one,THANKS…DAVE
Hi David,
I’ve always assumed, like most probably have, that it was “I MAY TAKE A HOLIDAY”, but now you’ve cast some doubt in my mind. AAAAARGGHHH!!! Given the date this was recorded on 25th April 1980, it certainly could be “1st MAY….TAKE A HOLIDAY” Our problem is that there are arguments for both !
Firstly, The Clash had been on the road since the beginning of the year…The UK leg of The 16 Tons Tour rolled into Deeside for me a few weeks before. They must’ve needed a break by this time. The setlists for gigs by this time were awesome….
Alternatively, was Joe trying to irritate the American establishment by promoting a ‘Commie/Red’ official holiday and celebration ? You gotta remember at this time Reagan was campaigning to become next President of the United States and there was the ongoing Iranian hostage crisis….This was way before the fall of the USSR and the Eastern block, in fact one of the most dangerous points during the Cold War.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan_presidential_campaign,_1980
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis
I really don’t know now !
Pete,
Acton
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Pete,
I liked your analysis a lot. My thinking was the date of the recording and yes pissing off people. How about the visual evidence, if you pause the video and enlarge the digit/letter in question, the ’1′ has a slight branch top left but not top right. I’m happy that it reads 1 May.
Also, I don’t see Joe broadcasting a message of “I may take a holiday” – he was immersed in US culture by then and would have said ‘vacation’ for better impact. May Day is always called a holiday..even in the US (and is as you mentioned seen as a Russian scourge)
Tim
Did The Clash do anything on May 1st 1980 ?
Nothing documented, but there again apart from activity in Los Angeles they had no gigs/appearances at all from Mar 11 – May 11 when they then started German dates.
Many thanks Pete and Tim,so it does seem that it reads 1st May unless of course somebody comes up with another theory.We could make this a regular feature…solving CLASH mysteries(Scooby Doo eat ya heart out).An idea for the next one…The morse code Mick plays at the end of London Calling just random or anything in it,I’d go for random but you never know !!!Anyway thanks again lads..DAVE
Dave,
I like it….but mystery solved…Mick’s guitar at the end of LC does spell out S-O-S …twice..
I’m game for it being an irregular feature
T
If I’m not mistaken the Fridays performance is included on the extras on the Revolution Rock DVD. A wonderful DVD that encompasses the career of the Clash in live performances quite well. The Sue Simmons/NBC anchor interview w Paul and Joe (with his adorable kiss curl) is worth the price of admission!!! And I remember watching that Fridays episode when it was first aired and being wowed by their explosive set. Very awesome that Mick Joe and Paul all got their turn at the mic.
Just listened to it Tim/Dave and I have to concur that it indeed S-O-S as far as I can tell. Three short, three long, three short…..
dot dot dot dash dash dash dot dot dot
Never felt more like singing the blues……!
I’ve got the DVD and never watched the extras!! Silly me…
Thanks Joannie