Good evening, welcome back to the blog. It’ll probably already be Christmas Day when you read this (or after) so I hope you had a splendid time, got away from work, saw some friends and family and best of all relaxed and enjoyed the company of those that matter to you. I realise the economy has left many of us with not a lot to cheer about after 2008 and 2009 are done slapping everyone around the face, so I’ll also take this chance to wish each of you a New Year that is full of better events. I’m trying to feel festive despite the lack of snow (looks quite the opposite in England and Chicago to name but two places) we’re tinkering with the idea of driving up North to see snow this weekend but that also involves being very cold which takes away the craving quite a bit.

Few things better sum up how much the music industry has changed in 30 years than the poster below. It’s not a misprint, The Clash really did play a Christmas day show at Acklam Hall (and another on Boxing day!) for the princely sum of 50 pence back in 1979. This wasn’t The Clash that nobody had heard of mind you, this was a band at the peak of their creativity having just released London Calling two weeks prior. An amazing gesture for the fans and used by the band as a warm up prior to the Kampuchea concert on December 27th at the Hammersmith Odeon. Acklam Hall is a tiny little place (capacity 250) so if you were one of the few who made it to either concert you’re a rare breed indeed.

The Clash didn’t let the price reflect the setlist of course as a full 20 song set was offered on both days. I wish I was jumping on the tube at Goldhawk Road on the afternoon of December 25, 1979 right now….oh those were the days. Speaking of London Transport….there’s going to be a new Routemaster Bus.…with TWO staircases? What’s that about? That news, coupled with the healthcare bill passing in the US today are two gifts I’ll happily take this year!!

Have a brilliant Christmas or if you don’t celebrate it have a brilliant something else. If you just hate the holidays….well…get back to doing that I suppose. I’ll be back soon with the usual updates and more.

Tim