Good morning and welcome to the weekend again. Any readers this week in Greece? Hope all is well with you, please check in and watch out for the Guns of Brixton. I won’t keep you waiting by blathering on but instead launch right into part 2 of Pete’s marvelous account of his trip down to Bournemouth to see Big Audio Dynamite, part one would be worth a read first if you ask me and it’s immediately prior to this post. Pete left us hanging with B.A.D. about to reach the stage….

Although this is the third time I’d seen B.A.D. in as many months, there is still that sense of anticipation minutes before the opening. With my ‘Photo Pass’ I was only going to get three songs in the ‘pit’ this time. The pit was cramped and difficult to move around in and the size of the stage meant not great angles due to the microphone stands. I was going to have to work quickly and hope the lighting engineer was going to be on the ball from the off…..

Opening the set was ‘Medicine Show’ Mick playing a brief harmonica intro and straight in to that great riff, so much heavier live than on the original record. Immediately there was a noticeable difference in sound with Davo adding additional guitar to the sound with the same old Gretsch which had almost removed my front teeth at Carbon Casino VII….For the first three songs I concentrated on getting the shots as quickly as possible and as always wishing there was slightly more light on Don and Davo….At the back Greg was in almost complete darkness for the first two numbers.  (editor’s note Carbon Casino Davo is on page 117 with Tony James doing an insane version of ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’, photos by Pete)

Davo with requisite BAD badge, image courtesy Pete Stevens

Like all great gigs the time flies past so quickly and I actually was given four songs into the set before being ejected, in the nicest possible manner, from the pit. This actually lead me to shoot from some other angles entirely – long lens from the back of the room, behind the mixing desk and also from the side of the room, standing with The Clash archivist and Night Of Treason drummer Steve Kirk and Don’s brother Desmond Coy. So, in very good company I enjoyed another tremendous performance from Mick Jones and B.A.D.

The set list probably can be found online somewhere. It was punctuated by a great new tune titled ‘Rob Peter, Pay Paul’…..obviously I’m very disturbed by this. Who the f**k is Paul, taking all my money ! My suggestion would be to re-title it as ‘Rob Peter, Pay George (Osborne)’ ! I’m struggling to remember the end of the set. I do remember taking some photographs of Gary (Stonadge) of the Rotten Hill Gang and B.A.D. II with his Mum and his daughter. Apparently the bar ran out of lager, which caused a little consternation within the room. Pino Coladas all round boys ? The set virtually duplicated those great nights at the Shepherds Bush Empire and in a much smaller venue it was more intense and personal than back in April.

 

Seems that Mick is enjoying these gigs, image courtesy Pete Stevens

In that tradition of great clichés ‘A wonderful night was had by all’ and near the end of the set Mick did recount a slightly longer story about personal dentistry, ably demonstrating on Don Letts, who sat almost motionless on a flightcase, centre stage ! Mick has now developed an extremely personal and personable rapport with the audience. He recounted a dreadful confrontation with some discarded orange boxes as a young boy and after the accident how all his front teeth were removed by an over-zealous dentist. By way of compensation he was bought a scooter apparently. Not a Vespa or Lambretta though. When his new teeth came in he likened himself to Bugs Bunny, with that lovely self-deprecating goofy smile and the band then launched into a blistering version of ‘The Bottom Line’. As you would expect, the crowd went completely beserk. Another encore soon followed. Suddenly it was all over and the house lights went up (always the worst moment of the evening) and it was suddenly head planning for negotiating the roundabouts back to the hotel on the other side of town. Through clarity of pre-planning and sheer good luck this was achieved without an unexpected late-night visit to a neighbouring town.

The Don by the sea, image courtesy Pete Stevens

 

My ears were still ringing as I downloaded the images from the evening and by this time I was regretting the combination of cider plus a 9 frames per second motordrive camera !! Fortunately here, the images (link to B.A.D. images that evening) have been edited down to a manageable number and hope they give you a good flavour of a tremendous evening on the south coast of England. If you do get a chance to see B.A.D. this summer (and it could possibly be your final opportunity) then I urge you to do so. I watched the bands broadcast from Glastonbury this year and cannot understand why they didn’t show the B.A.D. set, unless they would’ve shown up many of these young pretenders as inadequate imposters. Elbow ? Coldplay ? Nice boys, but hardly breaking new ground !!

Cheers, Pete

You lucky devil Pete, that sounded like a simply brilliant night. You also did a wonderful job in recreating the events of the entire gig and buildup too, thanks so much for the guest post as I said before it was the next best thing to being there. I’ll see you in the comments and be sure and thank Pete so he decides to come back and write again on the blog. Thanks – I’ll be back soon. Tim

Good evening everyone and how is your week panning out? I do hope well….here we’re still besieged by stupidly warm weather and I’ve been buried in work so I feel like I’m in work/sleep mode, something I must try and remedy at the weekend. You’ve picked a great night to visit the blog as we are lucky enough to have a guest post tonight from someone who is not only very handy with a camera but is showing some added flair on the keyboard too. It is of course a new contribution from our friend Pete in London and I really appreciate him taking the time and giving my fingers a rest. He’ll be taking over this blog at this rate which might be very good news for all of you! This is a long post but very enjoyable so I’m going to split it up into two parts, I guarantee you’ll be back for the sequel. The topic – Big Audio Dynamite in Bournemouth at The Old Fire Station last week which served as their warm up gig for Glastonbury, from what I’ve seen and heard the warm up show was the one to be at. Over to Pete:

“Aren’t there a lot of similar looking roundabouts in Bournemouth ? This was my first problem arriving down in Dorset for the B.A.D. Glastonbury warm-up gig at The Old Fire Station – yes, it really is an old fire station. The confusing geography meant a short trip to nearby Poole, very picturesque even in the rain, especially some of the beautiful Art-Deco buildings, but was little help in securing a photo pass for the gig. I’d texted The Don (Letts) before leaving London and received a quick reply saying “Cool, no problem” in reply to my request for said pass.

When we eventually found the venue, after at least fifty more roundabouts, it was deserted, even after investigating the rear entrance. Checking into the hotel seemed like the best option, which is what we did…Cider and a gin and tonic or two.

Two hours later, preparation complete, partially inebriated and armed with the necessary kit – my photographic ‘suicide bomber’ outfit, harness replete with four large lens pouches, camera bodies and flash gun we returned to the venue where the front doors and widows were still bolted and curtained. Ever resourceful, I decided to walk round to the back of the building again, whereupon we found the ‘stage door’ open – a fire exit actually, but stage door sounds so much more exciting !

The brilliant Rotten Hill Gang were in the process of soundchecking and I was surprised to see Cole Salewicz filling in on guitar for Andre Shapps ,who has recently become a father. His father Chris Salewicz is a writer of great renown and was a close friend and confidente of The Clash. After a quick exploration of the building during the soundcheck, I ascertained that there were no members of  B.A.D present. It was suggested that we tried the tour bus……What, just climb aboard ?

Mick Jones in Bournemouth, image courtesy Peter Stevens Photography

With nothing to lose I knocked on the door of the large coach/tour bus parked out back to be greeted by a driver who took us to the ‘main entrance’ at the other side. Armed with only four CD-ROMS containing my photos from the B.A.D. performance at The Shepherds Bush Empire on 2^nd April 2011, I climbed the up steps into the semi-darkness to be greeted by a smiling Leo ‘EezyKill’ Williams, relaxed and seated at a small table. After exchanging greetings, handing over a CD-ROM I walked down the centre aisle, whereupon I heard Don’s voice from one of the lower bunks. A hand appeared, the curtain was partially pulled back and there was Don Letts lying, very relaxed on his bunk bed. I was extremely apologetic, but he seemed completely unfazed by my presence and reassured me that my name was on the guest list and photography was ‘cool’. I gave him the remainder of the CD-ROMs – for him, Mick and Greg. Whether they will ever look at them I don’t know, but they’ve got them anyway. I thanked him again and left him to enjoy a little essential pre-gig relaxation.

I’ll now fast forward to the gig itself. Entry was no problem of course and the venue is of a really good size, not too big, but large enough to hold perhaps four or five hundred. Imagine The Garage on Highbury Corner and it’s that type of venue. The Rotten Hill Gang were just coming on stage as we arrived and they launched energetically into their half hour set. I was extremely relieved to see their ‘new’ guitarist Cole Salewicz had survived his quick evening meal, which he’d just minutes earlier had been sharing with us – an incredibly spicy hot ‘Vesuvius’ pizza from an establishment just down the road…..Thankfully he wasn’t required to sing !

The Rotten Hill Gang finished their set with ‘Gotta Pick A Pocket Or Two’ and were gone. Next up were B.A.D. and whilst awaiting their imminent arrival I occupied my time by chatting to a few of the familiar faces pressed up against the barrier at the front, many of whom were B.A.D. veterans – hope I’m not being unfair, but mainly gentleman of a particular vintage – MINE actually ! What did reveal itself to me at least before the gig, was Dan Donovan’s replacement – non other than long term friend and tech ‘Davo’ who I’d first encountered at the Carbon/Silicon Carbon Casino events three years ago. He is the man who has rescued many of the old samples to enable the recent shows to go ahead according to my sources.

Back to me now….that’s a sensational story so far Pete, just brilliant and thank you for spending so much time composing it, you must have scribbled notes when you got back to your hotel seeing as I can’t even remember last night without being prompted. It’s truly the next best thing to being there. I think I speak for many of us scattered around the world who can’t attend these gigs that first-hand accounts like this are really meaningful to us. I love Bournemouth as it happens, wonder if they still talk about me there….

Part two will follow soon, please please join me in the comments in thanking Pete for his writing, photography and facing those roundabouts with such commendable spirit.

Don and Mick in full song, Bournemouth. Image courtesy Peter Stevens

Thursday then everyone, we’ve nearly made it….well done you. I was just watching some clips of Suede from Coachella and beside B.A.D. playing last month I’m now regretting missing them. I’m also a bit pissed off the Brett Anderson being the same age as me doesn’t look more than a few years older than he did when the band were making some of the best records (in my humble opinion) of the 1990′s – at least certainly the first three albums. Makes me feel a need to get far more skinny, I’m guessing he doesn’t sit on his arse typing all day. Bastard.

I have a special guest post this evening from none other than our resident London photographer and budding scribe Pete that I think you’ll enjoy. If you live in London it will be a bit more poignant as its far from being good news but is news nonetheless. I feel remiss that I wasn’t a few steps ahead and promoting this event in advance which reiterates to me how busy we’ve been of late with ‘that tour’ and other sundry items. If you’re familiar with Carbon Silicon’s run at the ‘Carbon Casino’, or a London resident well versed in the pubs and clubs of West London you’re already surely aware of The Inn on The Green and the sad news that the venue was forced to close on April 30th. A preposterous increase in rates caused the venue to take stock and wind up operations bringing an end to a near six year run as a focal point in the Ladbroke Grove area. Mick Jones had more than a modest affinity with the venue and in the best of Clash traditions it was situated right underneath The Westway. You can find out more and sign an online petition via this link as this sad loss continues a far too aggressive tradition of closing down music venues, even ones that are newer and had established themselves in the local community. Fortunately Pete was able to make it along for (most) of the final night at The Inn and composed a fantastic report for us and took some great photos so I’ll hand it over to him.

The Final Curtain

Just over three years ago I spent a number of amazing Friday evenings photographing at a most unusual music venue, tucked directly under concrete platform which forms The Westway, halfway between Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road. Mick Jones had chosen the venue, The Inn On The Green, for Carbon/Silicon to play seven consecutive Friday nights with a whole host of special guests.  I was so inspired by shooting these events and the unique atmosphere of the venue that I produced a photographic book, so it is with a really heavy heart that I have now to report that rumours about the imminent demise of The Inn On The Green are sadly true.

The final night was on Saturday 30^th April and I arrived early, as it would probably be a busy night. The stall holders of the world famous Portobello market were noisily clearing up in the warm evening sunshine as I made my way past the green to the El Camino on Portobello Road for a quick pre-gig chicken burrito.

Rat Scabies - image courtesy Peter Stevens Photography

Returning to The Inn On The Green and meeting Michelle, cartoonist/artist Stu Warwick and his lovely other half Esty (Estelle) we were then joined by a certain Mr Rat Scabies and his friend. Rat is more famously known as the drummer of The Damned and Stu had taken this opportunity to have some of his excellent cartoons personally signed.  Rat also came down to do a short(ish) set with The Members and proved, if proof were required, what a great drummer he is, with some very subtle snare work, worthy of Topper who has also graced the stage here. Nicky Tesco sung a brilliant version of their biggest hit ‘Sound Of The Suburbs’….and the gathered crowd danced and cheered. It was at this moment I thought that it would’ve been a great idea to get my Members clear vinyl 7” single signed by Nicky…if only I’d brought it !

Set concluded, landlady Tina was up next to explain to the assembled friends why they were having to close – money and rent basically. Their annual rent on the building, before any other costs was over £45,000 and was about to go up dramatically. Unfortunately, their wonderful community based business cannot now be sustained financially and time’s up. Tina and Dave had tried for many years to create something unique in a very multicultural area, where everyone was welcome and they succeeded in that sense. The ‘Inn’ had a real vibrancy about it and there was always something happening.

Nicky Tesco & The Members - image courtesy Peter Stevens Photography

Tina then proudly introduced the truly brilliant ‘Ramonas’ an all female Ramones tribute band who rocked their socks off (and mine) I was shooting, but singing along with everything. By the time their set had finished, just after midnight, the previous night’s activities had caught up with both Michelle and I we decided to cut out slightly earlier than planned….It must be an age thing I guess !!

The marvellous Taurus Trakker were up next as we slipped out back into the bar area ….God only knows what time the other bands, then finally the Rotten Hill Gang took to the stage !  Rather formally, I shook hands with Rat and Nicky Tesco and departed with The Ramonas version of ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’ still ringing in my ears. A fabulous band to remember my last night at The Inn On The Green. Another small music venue has gone, one which truly was at the heart of it’s community. No doubt it will become a gym or part of a big coffee or pub chain who can afford to pay the astronomic rents demanded these days.

The area will be culturally poorer for its passing and in my humble opinion this does not represent progress. Local businesses in Portobello are being slowing strangled and squeezed out. One can only truly appreciate our loss once these venues have gone forever. The list of small London venues which have disappeared in the last two decades is truly appalling.

I don’t want that bland corporate experience. I want something different, something unique. Three years ago events at The Inn On The Green inspired my photography and even got me to do some writing. Believe me, this would not have happened at yet another branch of Starbucks or All-Bar-One. The Inn On The Green is not quite as internationally well-known as The 100 Club in Oxford Street which was recently rescued from closure, but has served an equally valuable role in its community, giving young bands a chance to perform in front of an audience and many others a rehearsal, meeting or art exhibition space.

Cloey Ramona - image courtesy Peter Stevens Photography

Three years ago I rediscovered a feeling that I thought had been lost forever with the near-total corporatisation of the music business. I didn’t want to see my favourite band in a ten thousand seat concrete barn or a park ‘brought to me by a multinational soft drink, mobile phone or beer company…’ The thought of paying hugely inflated ticket prices to fund the hugely inflated egos, with untold numbers of middle men creaming off excess profits, actually stopped me from going out and enjoying real live music. Big venues and even bigger prices – it’s just not rock‘n’roll !

I just want to publicly says thanks to Tina, Dave and all their staff for their vision and amazing hard work over the years. It’s always been about the people and they are good people. This venue has given me some incredible memories and it’s so sad to reluctantly bid adieu.

Me again, my sincere thanks for that Pete as I feel like I was there now. I don’t know exactly when we’ll see the tide turn toward independent venues once again but it will happen. Even here two new venues (small, indie, gritty) have opened in the last six months and both seem to be prospering. As ever thank you for the photography which was simply stunning, I’ve not seen The Members in about thirty years I’d assume so the photos were great to see. Please join me in the comments to thank Pete for a great piece. Cheers – Tim.