Hello again and welcome back to the Clashblog. I realise that last night’s update was one of the briefest things I’ve ever written on the blog but it was late, it had been a long day and I was quite excited about the ‘scoop’ factor involved with confirming that Big Audio Dynamite would indeed be playing Coachella in about three months time. As far as I can tell from the news feeds we were the second website on earth to publish this news – and while it wasn’t earth shattering to some we all know the significance in our particular orbits. It’s now been picked up by most news and music outlets and has created some interest.

The initial rumors about a (4th?) incarnation of B.A.D. I think began as long ago as last summer and while I was a little skeptical about it happening I figured the likelihood of the reunion was that much higher due to the approach from Mick Jones when it comes to collaborations and changing gears over the last few years. After all who would have imagined that you would follow-up appearance on one track with Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz by (literally) throwing your hat in the ring and joining up with the band as a full-time member for the better part of six months; resulting in both a worldwide tour, a chance for Clash fans to see Jones and Simonon together again and even more surprisingly further contributions to new Gorillaz output. At the same time Jones is kept busy with Carbon Silicon who are still rumored to be putting together some live dates in the very near future, how can that possibly leave time for a Big Audio Dynamite reunion? I am less concerned with the how as I am with the actual results, Coachella has a famous track record of announcing appearances in January only for them to never materialise so I hope that jinx doesn’t strike again.

More to the point CBS/Sony are still sitting on archive material which in theory at least will see Legacy reissues with bonus material of the second third and fourth Big Audio Dynamite albums which from the perspective of a Clash fan is potentially going to unearth some treasure, but for the record company the opportunity to have Mick’s post Clash band back in the spotlight is probably more than they could have hoped for in 2011. At the time of writing there is nothing more official to draw upon than the lineup artwork released for Coachella as featured yesterday but I’m sure in the coming days we will see either a new B.A.D. website make an appearance after a long absence or a more detailed interview with Mick Jones about why the band have chosen to reform. My first question would be what lineup will be featured and do you intend to record anything new. Unbelievably it’s about 15 years since the last version of the band ground to a halt with the website still offering an audio file of their last recording and a message that they would have updates soon. Yes I’ve been waiting that long. Tony James must be the most patient man in rock and roll….

As for Coachella, I’ll try and write more about that tonight – there are actually four or five good reasons on the Saturday to drive out to the desert of Southern California but I’m both hoping and assuming that a reformed B.A.D. wouldn’t fly all the way to Los Angeles just for one single appearance though of course I could be wrong. I’d much rather see them in a venue. That’s all for now….back later with Coachella thoughts and how the story broke elsewhere.

Good evening and welcome to 2011 and back to the blog of course, thanks for dropping in. A fairly cool (in fact bloody chilly) start to 2011 last night as the thermometer dropped into the mid 20′s (F) last night here which might not sound too significant except for the fact that it rarely falls below freezing in Phoenix. I had half a mind to buy a decent jacket today but resisted the urge as it won’t be staying this cold for more than another 48 hours or so. Hope you all had a pleasant New Year’s Eve and got home in one piece – start the year off right and listen to more Clash records and more music in general. I need to put my list of 10 best new CDs of 2010 together this week for posterity but I’d venture to say it was the best year for new music in about 5 or 6 years which must be a good thing eh?

Just easing myself back into daily blogging again and I’ll have many of the usual features in the days ahead but as you’d expect it was a bit of a slow time for news over Christmas with the Gorillaz album (online download only) being the most significant development. I’ve only had time to listen to 3 tracks so far but it’d be too early to have much of an impression but I’ll dig into that this week. According to a ‘tweet’ Paul Simonon and Mick Jones were involved but the source is neither notable by being official or replied to my inquiry for additional information. More on that if I can confirm. Second rumour is that Carbon Silicon will be lining up some UK live dates in the next month or two which sounds more likely than the first rumour.

Looking back at 2010 a sad event we experienced late last year did once again catch my eye this afternoon as the first official celebration of the life of Ari Up (of The Slits) who I’m sure you’ll recall passed away dreadfully young in late October of last year (here’s the link to that story). Interestingly the tribute event is taking place not in London but in New York at The Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. It takes place on Jan 16th (her birthday I believe) and features members of The Slits and more. Here’s the link and below is the semi-official blurb

Ari Up Punky Reggae Birthday Party!

Participating artists include original and current members of the Slits, including Tessa Pollitt, Hollie Cook and Neneh Cherry; Bruce Smith of PiL and the Slits, members of the Slackers, Brave New Girl, and Band Droidz, as well as Gary Lucas.

Tickets @ $15 in advance / $20 on the door    -   Doors 7pm Show 8pm    -    Ages 18+

I know there are a lot of readers in New York so I hope some of you might be able to make it along on Sunday the 16th I’ve a feeling it will be a really special night. I’ll get the events calendar updated this week also so if you’ve things to add please contact me via the normal channels – Strummer night in Brighton a week from today -Jan 8- plus another event here in Phoenix one week after that. Keep warm and I’ll be back tomorrow.

Good evening and welcome back to the blog, hope that your Christmas (*insert name of any chosen holiday or none at all here) went well and that you managed to spend some time with people you liked or at least limited the time spent with those you don’t.  Weather wise I’m glad to have spent it here but that’s about the extent of it really…it’s not a terribly good place to try and feel like it’s Christmas and the lack of a Boxing Day football fixture today really was the final straw. I’ll be back to full daily Clash blogging effective tomorrow and will start by finishing  the review of some of the pieces written about Joe Strummer on the 8th anniversary of his death earlier in the week. Incidentally we have had an Joe Strummer tribute night here in Phoenix (of all places) which is always well attended – this year it got deferred to January 15th at the George and Dragon pub in Phoenix if anyone is reading in Arizona (more details to follow).

It’s been an active year for Clash fans with of course the highlights being Mick and Paul on stage across the globe with Gorillaz (rumoured more gigs in 2011) continued growth by Strummerville and more recognition of the band than arguably ever before. 2011 should have plenty in store too with Carbon Silicon back to active ways, the anniversary edition of Sandinista! finally getting a delayed release and at least two Clash related films in the works (and a third is made and scheduled). I just took a few days away from writing this week so regret the lack of new posts.

I wanted to thank you for following the blog all year long – I’m happy to say it’s been lots of fun and has seen loads of growth all year long with over 200,000 visits to the blog in 2010. Thank you for reading, for contributing stories, photos and news and most of all for (hopefully) enjoying the blog. Next year should be good fun and strange as it sounds I think we are just getting started. Have a happy New Year wherever you are and I hope 2011 brings a bit of a smile to your collective faces. I’ve met some great people via the blog this year and your friendships and support are appreciated. Keep on keeping on…I’ll be back tomorrow.