Hello all and welcome back to the blog. Two events coming up on both sides of the Atlantic this Saturday (December 19th) there’s some odd parallels to the two Stummerville events honouring the anniversary of the death of Joe back in 2002 for me that I couldn’t help but notice. The first event is in Cambridge, England which is about 15 miles from where I grew up and the second event starts about 7 hours later here in Phoenix about 10 miles from where I currently live. I like that strange coincidence rather a lot (don’t know why…but if it feels right).

So in Cambridge:

It looks like this will be a brilliant event and I’ve borrowed the text beneath from Strummerville as I think the info will help you go if you are from East Anglia or even fancy a trip out from London for the show.

THE YALLA YALLAS are a fantastic punk rock ‘n’ roll band from Leeds. Their name was carefully and deliberately chosen as a rallying call to unify. “So long liberty, lets forget you didn’t show. Not in my time” a sentiment expressed on an early Joe Strummer recording, one which spurned him on to form The Mescaleros, and one which struck a chord with the band and their audience.. Some members have appeared in other Leeds based punk rock bands The Dead Pets, 3milehigh and The Gushers. Others have built up a solid reputation as solo performers. All of them now share a common goal to bring anthemic mayhem to wherever they play.
http://www.myspace.com/theyallayallas

THE TAGNUTS Cambridge “Gimp-Core” ska punkers are back! After almost a year away The Tagnuts are ready to do it again. This is the hometown night of a UK tour for The Tagnuts that sees them playing across the country. Their unique and energetic live shows have been sadly missed! Good to have you back!!
http://www.myspace.com/thetagnuts

THE TEN-O-SEVENS are real punk rock’n’roll! These four lads combine elements of early punk rock with the sound and attitude of the most obnoxious of garage punk bands. Their songs are fast, loud, nasty, snotty, catchy and sweaty simple chord tight style tunes that will stick to your head like cheap superglue!
http://www.myspace.com/krummylanky

THE DEAD BATTERIES return to the Moon as part of their winter tour with local legends the Tagnuts. They are fast, they have a lot to say, and they say it with venom! Great anarcho punx from Ipswich, don’t miss them!
http://www.myspace.com/thedeadbatteries

There are plenty of great Strummer/Clash related Prizes to be won, as well as the usual stalls selling merchandise and maybe even some late Christmas Prezzies!

Expect punky xmas décor, Last Gang In Town DJ’s playing punk and ska, drink promotions and maybe even a mince pie or two, it’s a Strummerville Benefit and Last Gang Xmas Party/ 6th Birthday all rolled into one! What more could you want for Christmas!!!?

Saturday 19th December
@Man on the Moon, 2 Norfolk Street, Cambridge
£5 adv / £6 door
Doors 7:30pm
Ticket reservations email lastgangintownuk@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/thelastgangintownuk

Meanwhile here in Phoenix, my friend Keith Jackson’s band Glass Heroes are headlining a six band lineup that will be paying respect to Joe and The Clash for the 7th consecutive winter here in the desert. This year each band will perform at least three Strummer/Clash compositions and the DJ between acts always adds to a great night. Lots of prizes and giveaways and all proceeds of course benefit Strummerville. See my previous post for full details – or send me an email.

If you manage to get to either event I hope you have a brilliant time (tell us about it!).