Good Morning, hope all is well in your corner of the world?? We get daily visitors from on average 35 different countries so I do mean that literally. I’ve not had an opportunity to do my typical search for “Clash” related news for a few days so I thought I’d try that this evening (I wrote this last night). I must say that after a very busy August and September for stories both old and new about The Clash it’s been much quieter this month. In a sense that’s been handy as I’ve not had as much time for the blog as previous but that’s alright, I’ve got to work too!! CIA updated and Global A Go-Go will be overnight…so please have a gander.

I was made aware of this video below a few days ago which it seems hasn’t been seen by many. It features a very extended interview with The Clash backstage in Toronto in the later part of 1979, it’s a really interesting and at times hilarious view of the lads when they were just about to explode in North America. The interview is just over 30 years old (Sep 26 1979) and within 3 months London Calling would be released and all the potential would suddenly be heralded as the band began a 3 year spell of amazing popularity. Have a look -- also worth looking for is a snippet of The Undertones.

Now onto the Daily Mail. Never my favourite paper due to the politics and the demeaning pandering to the Royal Family and celebrity culture (but not even in a subtle or funny way). This article (which I only found due to the Mick Jones connection) essentially sums up the aimless style of both the subject matter and the journalism itself. The topic is ‘being the wife of a Rock Star’ and it’s written in true 1964 (barefoot in the kitchen/where’s my dinner?) style where the celebrity wife plays to a peculiar audience unique to the Mail. She being Rosie Mortimer who herself has famous lineage and her marriage to Groove Armada’s George Vjestica. The interview is full of her waxing about the ‘West London Scene’ and the fame and fortune of her husband. Regardless there is some Mick Jones interest and this fantastic quote *which contradicts the whole article that proceeds it:

Living with a musician can be difficult. They are often self-obsessed and inconsiderate, and I’ve heard horrible stories of them screaming at their wives in furious rages, being unfaithful and refusing to show any sort of emotion.Thankfully, George has been nothing like this. He is generous, fun to be around and has always done everything to make me feel comfortable and included in what he does for a living.

Hard to explain but please read the article and be glad that’s not your life! Right onward we go….25 years ago Mark II of The Clash went on a lengthy US tour without Mick or Topper. The ‘Out of Control‘ tour never had a running support act in contrast to prior jaunts to the State. In Milwaukee on May 14 E*I*E*I*O opened for The Clash back in 1984. The band were one the earliest proponents of a scene that grew rapidly in the following 10 years of alternative country which has since meshed into an indie country scene this decade. Anyway I write as the band are playing this Friday in Milwaukee which locals should get along to. The diversity of acts that supported The Clash remains mind boggling.

The Specials

Finally a short interview with Jerry Dammers on clashmusic (they need to change their name) who recalls the earliest days of The Specials. References of course to The Clash and Bernard Rhodes. The importance of The Specials to The Clash and vice versa in 78-79 is often overlooked, there was some definite synergy there. I was too young to even realise they toured together but find it ironic that as a 13 year old playing London Calling daily the other album I reached for each afternoon was The Specials debut. If you have any memories of The Specials let me know. An overdue feature on them and the Clash ties is something I’ll get together soon.

More soon…cheers -- Tim