Good evening and cheers for dropping in to the blog. My internet has been a bit up and down this evening so even as I type I’m not sure if this will find its way onto your screens today, tomorrow or late tomorrow – hopefully the former. Not much to report on from Clashblog towers unless you count the family cat eating a bunch of grass only to make itself sick on said grass a few minutes later worthy of news? No…I thought not too. Just wanted to hand a large Orange congratulations to the Dutch team who coasted into the final 8 at the WC earlier today, one other WC tip – by far the most enjoyable thing about the tournament so far has been the weekly Alan Davies show on the BBC – Armchair World Cup. Have I ever steered you wrong before?  I’ve not (intentionally) so if you happen to like football and need a really good laugh in this unemployment and VAT ravaged world we live in take a quick trip over to the link and listen to the podcast replay online.

Joe looks over Glastonbury hordes

I had hoped I’d have some official reports back from Glastonbury by now specifically about the Strummerville events over the four days as the bill was quite stacked. Things move a bit more slowly in the West Country so perhaps we’ll have some of that for you over the next 24-48 hours. The only video clip I’ve come across so far around Strummer campfire is the soothing sounds of Bombay Bicycle Club playing ‘Always Like This’. It does at least give you some idea of the mellow and intimate setting of the campfire stage if you’re reading this from far afield. I lied, just found another upload from Drunken Balordi who perform ‘Italian Nightmare’. Great fun to see and very easy to imagine Joe joining in on this track! Also returning to Glastonbury this weekend was the LeftField tent which was hosted/curated by Billy Bragg of course. LeftField is in short the political stage/tent at the festival where songwriters talk and play and seek to engage those needing a bit more in their cider than La Roux. The Billy Bragg interview with the NME is right here if you fancy it. More from the tent this week.

Joe Strummer wasn’t just being summoned in the fields of Glastonbury this weekend as it was also the turn for the Hard Rock Calling event in London’s Hyde Park for those who get nervous if they go West of Heathrow Airport. Much like last Summer an American artist paid a big tribute to the ever present influence of Joe. A year ago Bruce Springsteen played London Calling and this year the more recent Arms Aloft was trotted out by Pearl Jam at the huge concert. I’ve always been essentially ambivalent about Pearl Jam to be honest, but I know they are hugely important to many people. As it happens Eddie Vedder is an unabashed fan/friend of The Clash and Joe Strummer and I give him a large nod for discussing with the gathered crowds at the weekend how much he missed Strummer in addition to his other memories. The full story is over at Beehive City if you want to take a look. Below I’ve got a video of Pearl Jam covering Arms Aloft at the weekend. Sadly I don’t have Vedder’s introduction and the recordng ends a little early ~ but it’s a heartfelt cover version to these ears.

Pearl Jam perform Arms Aloft (in Hyde Park)

I’d write more but my computer is testing my patience so it’d probably be better if I save a bit until next time. Thanks for coming as always and remember the Facebook page is a good place to have a chat or throw ideas around (we just passed 800 in our little gang!) ~ or please use the comments section at the foot of each post. Thanks! Tim