Clash Tank Top - Does anyone really wear tank tops anymore? Did they ever? Apart from stereotypical generalities about a certain type of male I’ve never seen anyone outside of a gym or boxing club wear tank tops. Just about redeemed by the fact that it has a simple Clash font and a big…black….spot. (?) What does the spot symbolise? Why is this first item of Clash shopping leaving me with more questions than answers? We’re not off to a great start but the tank top is yours for just $13.99 and will be shipped anywhere you like from Bangkok…scene of the album cover shoot for Combat Rock….hmmmmm.

Clash 1979 Concert Handbill (original) – I just realised it has been over a month since we did Clash shopping and I started you off with a tank top with a spot on it! What was I thinking and how soon can I redeem myself? This item goes a long way to doing so I think, yes its very pricey but it is exceptionally cool. It is rather beautiful and I would suggest extremely rare – here is the official blurb:  “This is a near mint condition original concert handbill measuring approx. 8.5″ x 11″ advertising a show at the Masonic in Detroit, MI on 09/17/79 by THE CLASH, David Johansen, more…. Designed by legendary Grande Ballroom and MC5 poster artist, Gary Grimshaw. Grimshaw has been at the forefront of rock poster artistry since the beginning, and this unique piece is no exception. Far better in person, photos do this one little justice. Signed in pencil by Grimshaw” Check out the really details photos on ebay, this is really sweet but at $275 you would expect it to be, please note they have another one with a ’slight crease’ for $195. To save you asking yes this would be the perfect Christmas gift for your blogger….

The Clash neon pub light/sign - I know, I know you probably already have one but if you don’t now might provide the opportunity to finally get one. Neon pub lights are a staple of kitsch culture lets be honest but still lovable to a degree. A couple of rules before you even consider purchasing a neon sign for your home, this will save you any trouble later on. 1) Are you a male that lives alone? 2) Do you live in a flat or an apartment 3) Do you think a neon sign makes for suitable ‘mood lighting’? 4) Do you consider cooking to be reheating pizza from an earlier delivery and/or the need to boil a kettle to complete a meal? If you answered yes to all four questions you probably already have a neon pub light, in fact you may already be the proud owner of a Clash one. Details…its the semi-official Clash font, just $9.97 to grab a copy, wired to work in North America only as far as I can tell. Yes it comes with a chain to hang it on the nail you’ll eagerly bash into your wall. Perfect.

Ticket stub for the Clash in Brixton - Funny what time does to us collectors eh? You could have seen The Clash at the Brixton Academy December 1984 for 5 quid (including VAT!) and now just getting a ticket stub auctioned on ebay will cost you more than double that. It is a nice memento though, it was round about 1983 when tickets gradually went from being very generic in London to having a bit of colour, for some reason that is also when I started saving tickets more often. I’ve a handful of things from 80-82 but 1983 is when I seemed to start keeping everything. The gig was for striking miners of course and the stub will take you back to those heady days when I remember thinking it was all going to go off…and often did. Bidding ends in 12 hours and just went over 10 so hurry and decide on this one!

Joe Strummer tour poster 1988 – Rock against the Rich tour poster on a lovely vibrant orange background. Joe Strummer and the Latino Rockabilly war with all dates on the footer of the poster. I’ve not seen this one before and it makes a change from the steady flow of Clash/BAD and Mescaleros posters that hit the market. If this doesn’t sell soon someone should tell Mick Jones it would make a nice addition to his rock and roll public library exhibition. The poster isn’t in perfect condition but the starting bid of £29.99 looks like it would be worth a punt in my opinion. Make sure you click on the image (and others) for a better look.

Clash buttons/badges as previously featured for just $4 – get some now as they are back in stock !!!!

Clash Singles box set – ebay auction starting at $35 which is a good price for a pretty tasty collectors piece. Especially those  mini reproduced sleeves.

That was good fun and I can see from the amount of choice on the market I need to do this more often, would every ten days or so drive you mental or does that work for you. Get those badges and if you need my address for the gift I mentioned earlier email me..or twitter…or leave a comment. Have a splendid evening – Tim

Right on the back of Joe’s birthday celebrations that were held in support of Strummerville and the Carnival events this past weekend (news to follow I hope) Strummerville have announced a tour featuring three Strummerville bands around the UK for a crazy week in October. The tour is being dubbed “Strummerville Westway round the UK” and will feature Rum Shebeen, The Supernovas and Beans on Toast. Better still unlike so many concerts this won’t cost you too much either with tickets fixed at around five quid it will make for a night out that is affordable and right at the core of what Strummerville are doing. Full details via the Strummerville site in the weeks ahead I’m sure and also on the groovy artwork I’ve enclosed – so if you are in Sheffield, Bristol, Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and for those living the high life in London entry is free at The Flowerpot in Kentish Town for the final night. Three bands all touring together makes it sound a bit like one of the old Motown revues or perhaps something the Sex Pistols, Richard Hell and The Clash attempted many moons ago, hopefully not as many concerts will be canceled this time round!

I will be back a bit later with new words from Don Letts and some other stuff. Thanks for dropping in – Tim.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Supernovas – City of Smoke

I’m really excited to welcome back to the blog Pete in London who as you may know has been kind enough to provide some of his fantastic photography from various concerts and events in London since the early days of the blog. Strangely enough Pete lives but a few hundred yards away from where I once lived in West London and we met via the blog. He was lucky enough to get up to Islington for The Chords show, plus in addition to his wonderful photography he has even contributed a review of the evening. So let me hand it over to him:

“I’ve waited thirty years to see The Chords, arriving as I did in London just a few short months after the original band split up. The original members were Billy Hassett – Vocals/Guitar, Chris Pope – Guitar/Vocals Martin Mason – Bass/Vocals and Brett ‘Buddy’ Ascott – Drums.

Now occasionally reunions prove to be a little disappointing, an anti-climax or just plain sad for everyone involved. Saturday night in London proved to be anything but that. In short, The Chords were absolutely magnificent. Billy introduced the band, first acknowledging that the 21st August was a special day and making a dedication to the late, great Joe Strummer. On a personal note I went with Chris and Buddy to see The Clash in the mid-eighties play at Brixton Fairdeal and I know they are both huge fans of The Clash.

History may write off The Chords as ‘just’ a mod revival band. I think they may just have broken during that period in British music culture where the press were very keen on labelling everything. The only label I would attach is ‘a great pop/rock band’. Like many of the greatest bands, they – and I can say now with experience – are better live than on record, although their records were also damn good too.

The Chords, Islington, London 21/8/10 (image courtesy Pete Stevens)

The years rolled away and the packed house at The Garage in Islington witnessed one great song after another, guitarist Chris Pope looking like a man possessed, sweat-drenched and bleeding; Buddy manic on the drums and Martin holding it all steady on bass. Billy, suited and booted, with a beautiful electric blue Rickenbacker happily chatted to the crowd between songs as if to a room full of friends, which a lot of them probably were !

Maybe vague memories of sweat-drenched nights at the old Marquee in Wardour Street were re-kindled in older members of the audience. There were certainly many younger members in the audience who couldn’t have been more than a twinkle in their parent’s eyes when The Chords last played. The temperature in The Garage rose steadily until the explosive climax of ‘Maybe Tomorrow’, probably one of the finest 45’s of all time….

The final night of this tour will be in Brighton at the weekend and if you live any where in South East England I’d urge you buy a ticket.

Worth the thirty year wait for me ? You bet !!”

Pete,

Billy Hassett of The Chords, Islington, London 21/8/10 (image courtesy Pete Stevens)

Thanks again for that excellent summary Pete, I also know you wrote that in atypical location (a ferry in the middle of the Irish Sea) so even greater appreciation for your diligence. The photographs once again are excellent and I’m glad to share them on the blog. You may also recall if you’ve been reading the blog since the early days that Buddy from the chords played a special show with Mick Jones last summer at the 100 Club. It’s back in the archives but here’s a link for a great account Buddy wrote for us at the time. Still waiting on one other Joe Strummer birthday event summary which I hope to cover in the days ahead. Finally as mentioned, if you’re in London this weekend please don’t forget to head into the real center of London (West London) and enjoy the Notting Hill Carnival and of course the Strummerville carnival night on Sunday at ‘The Inn on the Green’. Six(!) Strummerville bands and a low admission cost really means you have no excuses to drop in if you are nearby. Here’s the link for further information, that’s about it for now I’ll be back over the weekend with more so please drop in.

Lastly, if you get the chance to vote at the bottom of the post by clicking on the Wikio button (if you don’t see it click on the title of the post and it will appear at the foot of the story) each time you visit. Wikio is a hugely popular blog and news portal service in the UK and we entered the rankings at number 108 for music blogs and also in the top 300 for popular culture blogs, any help you can give will be greatly appreciated and helps to spread awareness of The Clash Blog. Cheers for now – Tim.

Nick Sheppard (2nd right) with The Clash - image courtesy corbisimages.com

Hello again, normally for an interview I’d just link you out to the site but the navigation for this online magazine is really strange on this one and might not work with all browsers. To coincide with the Revolution Rock event this weekend in Sydney.

Both images are need to be clicked which should then make it large enough to read unless you are reading this on your phone. It’s a great interview and Nick seems overall really grateful for the time he had in The Clash and offers some really good insight. It’s also a measure of the man that he is performing on Saturday in honour of Joe.

In unrelated news – George (TheClashBlog Cat) George is back at home after being in cat hospital overnight ~ tired of pills and being prodded and injected and a little worse for wear but hopefully what they are pinpointing  is correct so we should see a full recovery. Fingers remaining crossed ~  your blogger is not happy at all in a house lacking felines. I’ll be back soon – enjoy the interview. Please visit the source website (and our sincere thanks to) Drum Media – if you have the right browser plug-in it is on page 27 of the online edition of the magazine.

Ensure you click image to make it legible!

Nick Sheppard interview part one

Nick Sheppard interview part two

“Revolution Rock – a Joe Strummer Tribute” is being sponsored by Bombshellzine.com, Drum Media and Renegades Empire. The event in supported and in tandem with Strummerville. Bands paying homage for 2010 are: The Domnicks (WA) featuring Nick Sheppard from The Clash, The Rumjacks, The City Lights, Madonna (VIC) and The Tearaways (VIC)

This marks the fourth annual occurrence of the Joe Strummer tribute night which has grown in popularity year-over-year and has become Australia’s premier opportunity to recognize the work of Joe Strummer. Better still the expansion of the project now includes a second city in Australia with a special night being held in Melbourne which will cover on the blog also. I believe Evan will be forwarding photographs and video from the night in Sydney to expect those early next week, by which time I hope I’ll have finished covering each of the Joe Strummer events that took place last weekend. Naturally enough there will be some interest with Nick Sheppard appearing on Saturday as a result of his time spent with The Clash during their last years.

Evan and Baz were interviewed about the event by Renegades Empire which is an independent Australian punk music magazine. Evan has kindly allowed me to reproduce the interview below but do check out the Renegades Empire website (as a thank you for sharing this).

1. What brought about the decision to put on Revolution Rock originally?

Basil: As a massive fan of both The Clash and Joe Strummer it made perfect sense to do such an event…I guess the catalyst was a few years after his death I was seeing lots of tribute nights and simply couldn’t believe no-one in Sydney had done one for Joe.

Evan: Baz had mentioned the idea of doing something in Sydney. A lot of people world wide were affected by Joe and his music. So when he passed away people felt compelled to do something. At a rather enthusiastic Bronx concert we started getting serious about the idea. The next day we started putting it together and the rest is history.

2. Are you both fans of Strummer? How has his life and legacy impacted your life?

Evan: Joe Strummer was always making new music as he went on. He never lost his passion or faded away and if anything got better with age. Also, there was also a very human side to Joe in which you saw the highs and low and you could see a real person behind the performer. I always liked his honesty and rather a musician who can be honest and somewhat real than one merely writing a polished bio about how honest and real they are.

Basil: Sure are! The way the guy lived his life everybody should aspire too, he would talk to anybody about anything anytime. He stuck up for the little guy, he had a heart of gold and made amazing music to boot! It is truly amazing to see his legacy live on all over the world and it truly is a testament to what he did when he was alive to impact people’s lives.

Evan: Also in terms his influence in doing these events, I think his DIY approach helped push a couple of guys who were a bit new to putting on shows to pull their resources together and give it a go.

Also his world music sensibilities helped make us look at different styles of bands for these shows. It was important to make it inclusive to all people and musics and not just be about mohawks and three chords.

3. How has previous Revolution Rock’s gone, and what have been some of the highlights for you over the years?

Basil: Every year we are amazed and every year is a highlight…in 2009 we took a gamble and put a completely unknown band on to headline the event (King Cannons) and the gig sold out within half an hour of doors opening! Which goes to show, it is not just the substance of the bands but the idea of the night that brings the punters in.

Evan: Whilst the bands and the music are always amazing, it’s a highlight to meet people from different places, ages and walks of life and see how passionate they are for Joe Strummer. Meeting a guy who’s twice your age who can tell you about seeing the Clash and how it affected him, hits home. I think over time these events have become about the people at the shows and the thing that binds them and that has formed a community in itself.

4. What is the selection process for the bands you choose to play Revolution Rock? Who is playing this year and any insights into what Strummer tributes they will be playing?

Basil: We just want bands that “get” Joe Strummer and The Clash. Not bands that want to be there for fame or money (after all it is a charity event), but bands that genuinely love to play music and genuinely want to pay their own tribute to the great Joe Strummer.

Evan: It’s usually the bands who have that genuine love and excitement for Joe always make the best bands. The bands who are watching the first band till last or who will talk about how stoked they are to play the show are the ones who always give the music the proper respect and connect with the crowd.

Basil: This year we have playing The Domnicks from WA which features Nick Sheppard who at one point in his life was actually a member of The Clash! We also have The Rumjacks, The City Lights, Madonna and The Tearaways, couldn’t hope for a better line-up! I hear one band is doing White Riot this year, which is a first for Revolution Rock, believe it or not!

5. Tell us about Strummerville and why should people support the charity? How can people support it if they can’t get to the gig?

Basil: Strummerville is an amazing charity which was set up by Joe’s family and friends following his passing in 2002. It provides facilities and resources to young bands that perhaps otherwise wouldn’t have access to these facilities. It also provides mentoring for the bands, and who knows maybe one day the next big thing could come straight out of Strummerville!

Evan: I think people who are into Joe’s music are also into new music’s and diverse forms of creativity. So getting behind Strummerville is essentially helping support the very music and ideas we all care about. Back in the 70’s Joe Strummer had Tymon Dogg to help him learn his chops and get his start and now in 2010 kids now haves Strummerville to help them out.

Also Strummerville have always backed this event 100% and have given it great support.

Basil + Evan: If people cant get to the show on Saturday at the Annandale or the Birmy on the 4th of September in Melbourne they can donate online or buy some merch at www.strummerville.com You can also do things like organize a benefit and spread the word and let people know of their work.

6. The night has only been held in Sydney the last couple of year, what influenced your choice to take it to Melbourne as well this year?

Basil: Every year we get bigger and bigger and we always wanted to expand to other states as there is a lot of interest from bands and fans in those states. One guy and his wife flew over last year to Sydney from Adelaide just for our Sydney show! So we really want to take this to the other states and spread the love so-to-speak. Next year – Perth!

7. What can we expect for this weekend’s Revolution Rock in Sydney?

Basil: You can expect 5 of the best bands in this country all playing dedications to Joe Strummer and The Clash in their own way and style…it really is something for all ages (over 18 of course!) as we have young punks every year and then old rockers, and people that attend the events love getting together with like-minded fans and dancing their arses off!

Evan: Five great bands, a lot of good vibes and Baz’s long awaited return to the stage (the sleeping giant has awoken)

8. What’s next for you guys?

Basil + Evan: After the post show nap, we’re launching a small music label called Paperbag Music which will be a host to bands, shows and a distro for a variety of great bands and hope to continue helping up and coming bands get out there for all the world to see. Also bunch of new shows on the boil and the sad realization that we’ve gotta wait till 2011 to do another Strummer show.

9. Last words?

We just wanted to give a quick thanks to everyone who has made the pilgrimage from near and far every year to this event. Also to all the bands who give their time and do great performances each year. Finally everyone who’s supported us over the years by posting something online, telling a friend about the show or just letting us know how much they enjoyed the gig.

The show just isn’t about bands or hearing Clash songs but a community of people coming together and sharing their enthusiasm and love for music and for Joe. They’re the heart of this event.

I do have something else about the event planned for you tomorrow evening so check back then, and if you happen to be in or around Sydney really hope you make it along on the night. I’ll be back more with some more new stuff – Tim.

1. I should not speak in general terms (unless it concerns The Stranglers)

2. There is no such thing as an unpleasant Clash fan – it seems to bring out the cool in people

At this rate I’m going to book some time away for SXSW in Austin next Spring to give Texas a third try and hopefully complete my change of heart. Needless to say the blog gets good support from Texas and the fact that they had a Joe Strummer night in Austin says much about the city when other larger cities did no such thing.

The Joe Strummer Tribute in Austin, TX 21/8/10

With that said – I’ll hand you over to our guest contributor Kara and her summary of events:

Joe’ birthday celebration was center stage at Red 7 in Austin, TX last Saturday night, with a Clash tribute band, Clampdown, headlining the evening.  I know I was looking forward to being in the same room with so many Clash fans, and Austin did not disappoint.  Numerous bands took to the stage before Clampdown for a thin crowd, who eventually erupted when Scott Reynolds and the Steaming Beast ended their set with a rendition of ‘Julie’s Been Working for the Drug Squad’  Then Clampdown opened their show with ‘Complete Control,’ which of course sent the audience into a celebratory frenzy.  I would say their performance of ‘White Man (in Hammersmith Palais)’ would be the other most notable moment at which the crowd seemed to really get into the spirit of the evening.  It was an energetic performance, however the best part about the night was the presence of about two hundred people that love Joe and The Clash, celebrating a great man’s life together by singing (ok, screaming) and dancing (more like jumping) along to some of our favorite songs, performed by Clampdown.  The crowd was as diverse as they come (this is Austin, you know…), but there was great unity in our enthusiasm for celebrating Joe’s day.  Glasses were raised, and beer was spilled (on my head), in remembrance of Joe.  I think we are all looking forward to next year’s gathering!

Thanks a lot for taking the time to scribe that review Kara (although it’s centre & favourite) and also for the photographs you took (above and below) which feature photos from the night with a prerequisite Strummer themed backdrop which I have such a weakness for. I’d also be remiss if I failed to tell you more about Clampdown – A Joe Strummer Tribute so please visit their myspace page and certainly look out for them playing the pubs and clubs of Texas and beyond, perhaps I can get them to ride the wagon train to Phoenix for the December Strummer event? Their official blurb is beneath

Clampdown was conceived in 2009 with the sole intent of paying tribute to the legendary Joe Strummer and his band, The Clash. Strummer’s untimely death on December 22, 2002 was the catalyst that got the wheels of Clampdown turning. Members of Clampdown include Paul Lopez on vocals, Mark Martinez on guitar and vocals, J.G. on bass, Shawn Terry on lead guitar and Ruben Todd on drums along with Dan Carney on guitar. These men have been paying their dues in the San Antonio and Austin music scenes for nearly twenty years. Collectively, they have participated in bands such as De Los Muertos and The Bent Gents, Stretford, The Dispicables, Molotov Cocks, The Mechanical Walking Robot Boy, Rings of Saturn, and War Rocket Ajax just to name a few. The short ten year career of The Clash laid the foundation for every punk rock band ever since and the mere existence of a band like Clampdown today, twenty three years after The Clash ceased to be, is proof of this fact. Clampdown knows this only too well. Each member has been greatly influenced by this incendiary musical force and each jumped at the chance to pay tribute to Strummer and “The Only Band That Matters.” Clampdown’s tribute is honest and straightforward with no frills. It’s pure… it’s powerful… it’s Clampdown.

Clampdown playing live at the Joe Strummer Tribute in Austin, TX 21/8/10

As you can see we’re talking about some gents with serious musical pedigrees turning their attention to The Clash – that can only be a good thing! I’ve got more over the next few days from the other cities I mentioned and we’ll also march on with the other matters at hand. Thanks for dropping in and please share the blog with your Clash friendly acquaintances.

What is it with tattoos and the blog at the moment? I came across this story today which once again combined tattoos and The Clash, I think they must have put something in the water. Anyway, do click your mouse on this link about Josh 86 which appeared in the Honolulu Star. As you can see from the photograph Josh Hancock from the band has a fair amount of ink on his arms. I may be perhaps the world’s least informed person when it comes to tattoos so please don’t use anything I say as any sort of barometer on the subject. Somewhere in that melee of colours is either a Joe Strummer image or the London Calling album cover, I’ve looked but can’t quite see it yet. Seems like the man of ink plays with the 86 List in addition to his own solo venture. It’s also one of the rare times that I get to mention Hawaii on the blog, I’ve wondered before what sort of local music scene they might have. It’s not as if you can go on much of a tour are smallish island. I know, somebody from England really shouldn’t have such an opinion. Almost makes me want to ramble on about New Zealand and some of the great bands that appeared on the flying nun label over the years such as The Chills who are absolutely brilliant in my mind.

Just time for two quick reminders which I’ll delve into in more detail in the next day or two: first of all the Strummerville event at the Inn on the Green in London this weekend to coincide of course with the Notting Hill Carnival. In addition don’t forget if you happen to be in that corner of Australia the Joe Strummer tribute night “Revolution Rock” in Sydney this Saturday. Details will follow.

Finally on the last post I spoke a bit (too much) about Mick Jones and his time immediately after leaving the band, some of his time as we know was spent working with Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger in General Public. As Joani pointed out in the comments it’s one of those periods in Clash history remains a little bit gray, as to exactly how long Mick worked with them and if the intention was to become a fully fledged band member. Some brief research last night was added to the bottom of the post via that newspaper story which interestingly pointed out that all three were sort of commiserating each other about the fallout from the prior bands, which was something they had in common when they worked together. Apart from that and knowing the recording took place in South Wales, I am lacking in much other pertinent information. If that is your area of expertise, feel free to write in – I actually don’t recall him interviewing in the UK press as a member of General Public, so I remain quite sure that it was a very brief period. Don’t forget you still have time until Thursday morning to vote for the best Joe Strummer tattoo on that post from Sunday, it’s quite a close run thing at the moment so your vote could be decisive!

Right then, that’s your lot for now and I’ll be back with something or other later this evening. Cheers-Tim. Oh…also, thanks for your continued votes via the Wikio polling (at the bottom of this and every post) we are just outside the top 100 music blogs already…so thank you!

I don’t have much to add to my post from earlier except to express that it has been an emotional and touching day to see how many people are remembering Joe in equally strong and sincere fashion. I can’t help but think Joe would grin if he saw how much he was missed and yet feel honoured that his commitment to what he cared about is still being felt by so many people.

You may have seen this video today – although I hope not – I’m extremely excited to share it via the blog. My sincere thanks to Steve Kirk who is allowing the blog to share the video below just for Joe’s Birthday celebrations. I can’t write words to do this justice. Joe’s final two songs on stage in Liverpool exactly one month before we lost him. It made me cry a lot, without regret – and then grin at how he inspired and really did seem to say goodbye even as that final line ‘A riot of my own’ was still echoing around the hall.

Happy Birthday Joe – from all of us. You made such a difference and still do.

Please note the access to the video beneath will end on Aug 22 at noon GMT. I’ll beg and borrow to try and include it again in December!

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros – encore of final concert in Liverpool:  Nov 22, 2oo2

Also tomorrow – don’t forget to change your facebook status to a Joe Strummer lyric or quote for the day. I will be checking!!

Round up of Joe Strummer Birthday Events Aug 21, 2010

Sydney, Australia:

Apologies first and foremost, I’d assumed this was on the 21st but it turns out it takes place next Saturday, August 28th. No worries – more time for you to plan ahead. 5 bands on the bill, tickets available via the Annandale Hotel – here is the official blurb:

Revolution Rock – A Joe Strummer Tribute Night 2010

From front man of The Clash to his work with The Mescalero’s, Joe Strummer was, and still is a massive influence to so many bands and people’s lives worldwide. Joe sadly passed away at his home in December 2002.  To pay respects to the great man a night of homage happens annually in Sydney and this year the night is taking place at The Annandale Hotel, Sydney on Saturday 28th August. Year on year this show has been a great success and 2010 sees the fourth annual event for Revolution Rock.

In 2009 it took only half an hour from doors opening for the event to be sold-out and was one of the very last shows to be held at the iconic Hopetoun Hotel. Bands paying homage for 2010 are: The Domnicks (WA) featuring Nick Sheppard from The Clash, The Rumjacks, The City Lights, Madonna (VIC) and The Tearaways (VIC)Revolution Rock – A Joe Strummer tribute night is now an annual event for Sydney and is in its 4th successful year in bringing alive Joe’s music and spirit amongst his fans. 2010 will also see Revolution Rock expand into Melbourne with a Revolution Rock tribute night happening at The Birmingham Hotel on Saturday 4th September. (*Clashblog note, we’ll preview that soon)

All proceeds from the event every year go to Strummerville, The Joe Strummer Foundation for New Music. Strummerville are not involved in the organisation of this event.  Strummerville is a registered charity (Registered Charity Number – 1104165) that aims to create new opportunities for aspiring young musicians.

London, England:

The (now relentless) Garage in Islington hosts The Chords who will be knocking out a Strummer song it seems. Not an unofficial Strummer tribute night but I think a good option for tomorrow night if you happen to be in London. More information is on my earlier post.

Austin, TX

Red 7 in Austin, Texas hosts its own Joe Strummer tribute night to put bigger cities to shame. Good on you Austin! We’ve kept in touch with Clampdown who will be playing but it looks like a great evening is in store. More information is available on the Red 7 website

Orlando, FL

Not a concert but an art exhibit (with deejay and beer though) to celebrate Joe and an auction to boot. This event looks very cool and I hope we’ll get some photos after the event from the man in charge. I covered this in depth on Aug 9, but here is the official blurb:

We will be celebrating the birthday of Joe Strummer. The night will consist of artwork created in honor of the influential Punk Rock hero! Video’s and music related to all things Joe and The Clash will be set to full throughout the night. Joe Strummer was the frontman of The Vultures, The 101er’s, The CLASH, The Mescaleros, and The Pogues (for a brief tour) and collaborated with many great musicians such as Jimmy Cliff and Johnny Cash. He was a huge influence, a hero, and mentor for hundreds of bands that followed and a countless number of us that grew up listening to his music. Artwork will be on display and silently auctioned.
And of course there will be the best beer selection around! Provided by REDLIGHT REDLIGHT!

Admission is free, all ages are welcome!

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco continues its long term affair with The Clash by supporting the annual Joe Birthday bash at The Bottom of The Hill. The official information follows:

Saturday, Aug 21 8:30p

at Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco, CA

The annual San Francisco Joe Strummer Tribute and Benefit for Strummerville with The Armagideons, The Hooks, Monkey, Sistas in the Pit, Stigma 13 and Interchords. Tix $10, Doors 8:30, show at 9. Raffles & Prizes. Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco. All proceeds go to Strummerville, a foundation for new music.

I’ve also got an another preview of this event for you here.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with information for these events, if I missed any I will add them later today.

This just in – another special Joe Strummer radio tribute, this one out of the Phillippines – tomorrow at 9pm (his time, you will need to do the maths)

The only Southeast Asian rock & roll radio show that matters commemorates JOE STRUMMER 58th Birthday. Featuring rarities from The Clash never before heard on Philippine and Asia-Pacific airwaves with passing comments from Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon and the late great Joe Strummer.  It will also feature London Calling tracks from the Dub-inspired compilation Shatter The Hotel and selected covers off The Sandinist…a Project album

If you are near enough to attend any of these events please send photos, beer mats, or drunken memories in to the blog. Best- Happy Birthday Joe

The Highbury Garage, before it was so Relentless

I wish we had a local Joe Strummer event of some sort to head out to this Saturday (Aug 21) to celebrate his birthday, but wisely due to the heat our annual Joe Strummer tribute night in association with Strummerville takes place in December. I’d have to fly to San Francisco or drive to Austin Texas to be witness to a tribute but neither time nor currency will make that practical for this weekend coming. I’ll do a final reminder of all the events later this week but wanted to bring something to your attention in London – not an official Strummer night per se but a good place to be this Saturday if you are a Clash fan and want to be with like minded people.

Buddy Ascott of The Chords (played at 100 Club last year in July with Mick, Glen & Steve Diggle) emailed our key man Pete in London – and as part of a reunion tour they will be playing The Garage at Highbury Corner – now renamed the ‘Relentless Garage’ – on 21st August this month. Buddy inferred (don’t hold me to this) that the band will include a Clash song in their set. Above all else they are big fans of the band and definitely influenced by The Clash and this is as fitting a location as any that night. I’ve had many a good night at The Garage back in the 90’s and would very much like to be part of this so hopefully some of you reading will be able to make it along. Much more info about The Chords is available via their myspace page – Pete also suggested the track below as a reminder – I confess I’d forgotten how good this sounds! Yes it might remind you of The Jam but that’s no bad thing in my book – besides which the mod revival label doesn’t capture the whole range of the band. Incidentally last year’s album by Pope ‘Tall Tales and Cheap Thrills’ is definitely worth getting hold of.  More details about The Garage via this link – I don’t think I can add ‘relentless’ to the name. Why does a venue need to be ‘relentless’ or even ’sporadic’ for that matter? Come to think of it Arsenal are at home earlier that afternoon so you could spend your entire Saturday in one very special corner of London!

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Chords ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ (1980)

Would chat more but something I ate earlier is not falling for my brain’s idea that extra spicy Thai food sits well with this Anglo/Celtic man’s stomach. Bah!