Hello Clash friends, decent weekend? I hope so, mine was alright but filled with obligations so it felt like it passed at an even quicker rate than usual. Therefore any chance I had at writing a post last night was snuffed out. In fact it’s 10pm as I write this without much of a story in mind so I’ll see what I can shake out of the trees and/or finish the post tomorrow if needed. Have you ever considered how many great bands have hailed from Scotland over the last 30-35 years and when you consider the population is just over 5 million it is quite a testament. One of these days I’ll put together a list of my favourite Scottish bands, I’d have to say the vast majority would be post 1980 but that really covers my (relative) area of expertise. It was a thought that never occurred to me when The Clash were active but you almost have to consider that Joe was half Scottish or at least inspired by that to some extent, I’m English born but with my Mum being Irish I’ve only ever really considered my ‘half-Irishness’ more as an adult. I know that Joe was more drawn to that part of his heritage in his later years. I always felt like a mutt really. Who were the original/better Scottish punk bands anyway, nothing is springing to mind from 1977 (ish). I think the post-punk period was more favourable North of that border, but go ahead and prove me wrong.

Vince White is still going update. For those in the minority that still think The Clash MKII were full of good ideas you might enjoy this link to a new song by Vince White. Even if you don’t like the song you might enjoy his hair. Even if you don’t like his hair you might remember the 4:03 you spent as time you’ll never get back. —update — Good news, this is another Vince White, apologies to the real Vince White, that one is still busy plotting the overthrow of government in London. I was misled by the video being tweeted hashtag The Clash!! —- Actually I’m being unfair, it would be a poor  retelling of history to suggest that the stand in members of The Clash over those final years were treated well, particularly at the very end. Nor were they on much more than a hiding to nothing once that final album went into to the studio. It’s a piece of Clash history that I feel really unqualified to tell and judge it on the music only, those weren’t good times for Joe or Paul if interviews are anything to go by. I did see that final lineup of the band live and it wasn’t awful. I know many of you have good memories of their live performances at the time even allowing for the lack of Topper and Mick. There seems to be a lot ill-will from that period of time so examining it in much detail doesn’t seem to be very healthy and Joe for obvious reasons and Bernie Rhodes for personal ones aren’t filling in the gaps. As a rule of thumb I’ve somewhat excluded that part of The Clash story on the blog although it hasn’t been a conscious decision, perhaps I need to revisit that?

If you’ve wondered recently whether Mick Jones might get pulled back into another stint as producer of The Libertines (if that reunion was to be permanent) you probably received your answer with the news that Pete Doherty has been sent back to prison for six months. It seems that will be the final straw that closes the book on The Libertines and the patience of Carl Barât with regards to Pete. It seems that based on the last six or seven years that jail is not where Doherty is going to find successful rehabilitation which only underscores the tragic waste of of his talent in my opinions. Not only does that put paid to his UK tour but also I think the hopes of a full reunion of The Libertines. There’s also other unfinished cases of guilt by association over Doherty regarding the deaths of ….you know what I won’t even bother you can look it up in the gutter press which now appears to officially be The Daily Mail. Just type Daily Mail and Pete Doherty into your search engine and ask yourself if that outstanding newspaper just might have a vendetta of sorts? On a slightly more positive note I’m looking forward to the forthcoming Libertines film perhaps getting a US release (or at least a DVD). It has been released in the UK and here’s a link to the interview with director Roger Sargent at the London premier. I think there are some strange parallels to The Clash even beyond the music.

This has hardly been my most positive/focused update ever has it? Ah well, I’ll be back tomorrow with some Strummerville news that is worth knowing about. See you in the comments – Tim. Oh and Ryan Giggs….I guess add me to the list of those to be sued, you had an affair with Imogen (don’t call me Michael) Thomas.

Hello, you’ll be waking up around the world tomorrow to the news that brought flag waving screaming people out on the streets to celebrate the death of you know who this evening. I’ve a lot of thoughts about this but this blog probably won’t be the place they leak out entirely. I can’t scream or get all that giddy about the death of anyone and a trial would have been more revealing. I do think it odd that the house he was in only had 4 people in residence, wouldn’t someone that ‘important’ have been better protected. Nor do I think this changes anything other than how people feel. I hope there’s good news to come from this beyond the blood lust (if you don’t believe me check twitter and comments on news stories), by all means lets hope the world might be safer as a result but I think its far too early to judge. I’m hopeful though that it will secure Obama getting elected again next year, see I’ve done it again when I said I wouldn’t so let’s change topic.

Last night I wrote about that piece in The Sun (I’m sure they’ll have a lovely headline or two this week) and appreciated your comments, it was at best a meandering piece that left me a bit perplexed and in disagreement. The other story I wanted to share was on Spinner which doesn’t merit much analysis in itself but their own website moderation certainly does. The article itself is fine, looking at the later days of The Clash, how the split came about and the eventual release of what turned out to be ‘Cut The Crap’. No real new ground is broken as the vanishing of Joe is covered as are the oustings of Topper and Mick. While I’m left again unsure as to the point of the article it is at least accurate but that’s not my complaint. Every website that allows comments, from blogs to newspapers to news outlets we all have the capacity to moderate the comments of readers. While I don’t think censorship of comments should be an automatic outcome (deletion) it should be considered if the comment itself isn’t rebuked. Spinner do a fair job reporting the music and have a huge readership, tens of thousands of visits per day. It’s not a one man band, they have a writing team and a web team. Yes they are part of AOL but let’s overlook that. What I’m annoyed about is the comment on the post. If it was buried in amongst 150 comments and got overlooked that would be one thing, if it was just a one man blog and he/she hadn’t moderated the comments yet that would be another. However there’s only one comment and it’s completely out of order and reads as follows—: “Why isn’t it mentioned that Strummer DIED? I’m glad he’s gone. When he stayed he was a pain in the ass.One more POINT to my mind, I’d have KILLED him myself!!!” Now I think everyone is entitled to an opinion but Spinner at the foot of their terms say the following:

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Off-topic, promotional or otherwise inappropriate comments will be removed.

I think this falls into the latter category doesn’t it? I’ve refrained from replying as the post obviously hasn’t attracted huge attention but that’s not really the point is it? I know the internet has lots of muppets with keyboard access but how on earth does someone hold that view about Joe Strummer? I’m hoping Spinner will delete the post but it’s already 6 days old so doesn’t look likely. The blogosphere (not that I like that term) has a bad reputation for spewing noxious unresearched commentary but I think the moderation of comments is often more professional that on established sites. Anyway, it’s off my chest…I’ll move on. Here’s the link to the story itself. Jump in there and comment if you fancy.

The later days of The Clash, Saturday Night Live Oct 9, 1982

I’ll be back tomorrow, we’ve got some good news and other stories to come in the days ahead and we’ll also take a look at the closure of yet another music venue in London, this one deep in the heart of Clash territory. Priced out by unrealistic rates and rents, they direction we’re heading is going to kill live music except for summer festivals. Do you think that’s part of the plan. See you in the comments and thanks for sharing the posts via FB, Twitter and such – please try and vote for the blog via Wikio which should be at the bottom of each post. Parting thoughts – Bin Laden officially dead, the same week we learn Obama was officially born & well played Arsenal today a deserved win against the agents of doom even though it won’t change the course of our season. Night – Tim

Good morning and welcome to the weekend. Nice isn’t it? When the season gets paused and Arsenal aren’t playing we are given the tedious fare of international football I must say weekends are a bit less ‘weekendy’ as you eventually wake up on Saturday morning and something is most definitely missing. It would be like meeting a mate for the first time in a pub, getting on splendidly and deciding to head back to his or her place as they say they love music and especially The Clash, you arrive there and open up a nice bottle of red check out his/her record collection only to find its dominated by Coldplay, Rush and The Goo Goo Dolls so you ask to see his/her Clash albums. They turn the lights down low and happily produce a copy of Cut The Crap. Its still The Clash but not what you hoped for, this is how I feel about international football.

Right enough of that, I wanted to make sure everyone in the UK or able to be in the Northwest of England at the end of May is aware of all the details of this years Strummercamp. The lineup has been set and I’ve got the full preview for you below including the chance to win some tickets for the event. The weekend looks to be the best one yet and I think Manchester Rugby Club is going to be packed May 27-29. Thanks to Tim B for getting the information compiled – below in full:

images copyright Chris Carroll Photography http://chriscarrollphoto.com/

The line-up is starting to come together for this years festival, if you have seen the latest flyers you will have noticed that the headliner day splits have been announced. This year see the UK SUBS start the festival with a bang on Friday, along with sets from MIK ARTISTIKS EGO TRIP and REBEL TRUCE. As usual the Friday night bands play on the Rugby club stage and you can only get in if you have a weekend ticket. But you will have to agree it is well worth getting down early.

On the Saturday, GENO WASHINGTON AND THE RAM JAM BAND are headlining the main stage, whilst SONIC BOOM SIX headline the TNSrecords stage. Saturday also sees CAPTAIN SENSIBLE and CHAMELEONS VOX on the main stage with the DOWN & OUTS on the 2nd.

THE SELECTER are going to bring the festival to a skanking close on the Sunday night after sets from THE POPES, SUPAJAMMA and RADIO DEAD ONES. Whilst on the TNSrecords stage CHIEF headline, with support from STAND OUT RIOT.

On top of these two stages this year we have a brand new acoustic stage brought to you by the Hempen Jig from Leeds. They are bringing us the best of the regular Leeds night to Strummercamp alongside great acts from further a field. There are lots of gems to discover on this stage whilst you are recovering from the antics elsewhere.

And if that is not enough after the music has died down on the pitch there will be an after show party back on the Rugby Club stage with live bands and DJs each night, including sets from Roughneck Riot and Faintest idea amongst others. There are already over 40 bands confirmed to play this years festival with more yet to announce, so there is a great chance to catch up with some old favourites or to discover something new. As usual the camping and parking is free with your weekend ticket, there is excellent catering including a vegetarian café, real ale and draught beers at reasonable prices, 5-a-side footy and an amazing atmosphere.

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Main Stage
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GENO WASHINGTON AND THE RAM JAM BAND, THE SELECTER, UK SUBS, CHAMELEONS VOX, THE POPES, CAPTAIN SENSIBLE, SUPAJAMMA, MIK ARTISTIKS EGO TRIP, REBEL TRUCE, BOOTSCAPER, CHINA SHOP BULL, JACKIE O, THE BLACK CAT TRIO, FOREIGN LEGION, FAINTEST IDEA, ROUGHNECK RIOT, RASTA FOUR EYES, more tbc
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TNSrecords Stage
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SONIC BOOM SIX, DOWN & OUTS, CHIEF, ACID DROP, ZAPIAIN, STAND OUT RIOT, FAINTEST IDEA, SOUNDS OF SWAMI, REVENGE OF THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN, DEAD SUBVERTS, PENIS GOES WHERE?, LEAGUES APART, X RAY CAT TRIO, BLACK STAR DUB COLLECTIVE, JOHN PLAYER SPECIALS, JIMMY THE SQUIRREL, ED ACHE, more tbc
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Hempen Jig Acoustic Stage
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SPEED DINOSAURS, TROY FUID, BANDITOS, MATTHEW MCGURTY, FUTURE PRIMATIVES, BILLY LIAR, JASON LOCKETT, THROW ROCKS AT COPS, LEON WALKER, TESSA HUNT, ANDREW CREAM, more tbc

Weekend and day tickets are now available to buy at www.strummercamp.co.uk and www.tnsrecords.co.uk. All children under 10 get in FREE.

Check out the facebook event and the twitter (@Strummercamp11) for the chance to win 2 weekend tickets. Be quick, the competition ends on the 31st March.

I hope some of you are able to make it along this year, I’d do it for the chance to see The Selecter (how I loved that first album), The Popes and The Chameleons Vox which features Mark Burgess and John Lever playing old Chameleons stuff and new songs also. Talk about one the the most criminally ignored bands ever. They also have 5-a-side footy which is where you’ll find me this afternoon. Get along to Strummercamp and if you have any questions as an artist, ticket questions or general inquiries use their contact page which will help.

Finally if you are a budding journalist (says me) and would like  to compile a report of this years event if you are going please get in touch with me at the blog and we can do a special review the week after. Cheers – Tim