Big news from Clashblog towers…..It’s raining !! Seriously…it’s raining…and at 6pm the temperature is just 82f. I forgot what it felt like to not be hot. It will be back over 100 degrees in 24 hours so allow me a little joy where I can find it. Oh and no my Clash license plate did not arrive if you’re taking notes.

I think this is a good time to tell you our main story later tonight (I plan at least) is long overdue as it features Terry Chimes. The fifth Clash member if you will as he was there at the beginning of The Clash story and again when they needed him most to fill in for Topper admirably and at very short notice. Terry rarely pops up in the press and it’s always nice when he does. His crucial work on the first album and then carrying the sticks for some of the biggest concerts the band ever played should not be overlooked, perhaps more importantly he’s a very nice chap. We’ve only really had 2 prior chances to shine the blog on Terry in our 13+ months so I’m glad to see something fresh. Before I get to that three short things I’d like to make sure you are aware of.

First up a good article following up on the now traveling (New York and Tokyo still to follow) Ray Lowry London Calling exhibition. Fresh from the stay in London that we covered (video on yesterday’s post) in depth it’s now residing in Ray’s part of the world in Lancashire. The requests for opening night tickets were hugely oversubscribed which speaks volumes to the continued interest to all things Clash related essentially everywhere. The exhibition runs until August 7th at the Sea Gallery in Crawshawbooth outside Manchester. Please follow this link to the Lancashire Telegraph’s feature for more inside information.

I’d like to give huge props to Shannon who has supported the blog since we were still wearing nappies, Shannon in addition to being another Clash nut has also began a one person crusade to see Mick Jones’ Rock and Roll Public Library leave the safety of London and hit other ports near and far. Our shared goal of seeing to leave the UK is still up in the air but I’m sure she’s excited to see Mick’s collection head out to Norwich a while back and now is set for Glasgow. Shannon started a facebook group that now numbers close to 400 members (go on..join to push her over the next summit) in her ‘unofficial campaign to see Mick Jones Rock and Roll Library go mobile’. Her continued commitment to this has enabled many more people to be aware of it and see many images from Mick’s stockpile. I won’t steal her thunder but rather share her happiness that Glasgow is next on the agenda, more details via this link - Aug 13,14,15 if you’re taking notes at home and more linked info here also. Speaking of facebook, our own little page has now edged past 900 Clash devotees – please jump on board if you like…people are rather chatty over there! Thanks for all your support.

One more thing if you’re in the UK or close, this weeks NME has a special pull out mini magazine dedicated to The Clash (nice one) which is free with the music weekly. It looks to be one of the shiny special things with a buyers guide, interviews and such. Might be worth your time. Also you can actually get the NME in a digital format now for just a pound a week….not sure that would include the NME Clash thing but still worth looking at – more details via their subscription page.

We’re doing some painting and decorating on the blog so you’ll be seeing a few changes – At the foot of the post if you like the article please consider the ‘like’ option for facebook, you’ll even get to see your name on there afterward. Also I wanted to make it easier for you to scan through older posts – so at the foot of the home page you’ll find a page counter to allow you to flick through up to 15 pages (30 posts) at a time. Currently it should show 213 pages, so if you’re new to the site get tucked in. Thanks for dropping in….Tim