I was feeling a bit nostalgic this morning and listened to a lot of live Clash tracks from the famed Bonds appearances in New York back in May and June 1981. Over the years I’ve met a number of people who were at one of those numerous concerts (including matinees!) and I need to get recollections from some people written down as a feature on the blog. Anyway the speeding version of Magnificent Seven left me with a smile on my face and you can find most of the tracks on youtube now – just type The Clash and Bonds and you can while away a good hour or so. Overall the sound quality is decent but not tremendous, however the energy of the recordings tends to make up for that.

I’ve a few loose ends related to both The Clash and other things to zip through and then plan to write part 3 of the story about  The Roxy this weekend, ideally complete a jail guitar doors story (Thanks Stu) that was pending, and if time permits get The Clash Cup round one completed. Prior to that though I wrote earlier this week about the punk art exhibition set to begin in Bangor, Wales this weekend. I contacted the main main for the exhibition (Punk Forever) and learned that currently this is the only gallery confirmed for 2010 though they would like to take it out on tour. So I thought I’d send a message to readers in the UK to see if anyone has any strong contacts who may own or manage or represent a smaller gallery somewhere who might be interested in hosting the exhibition later in the year? If you know anyone and can put them in touch please email me at Tim (at) The Clashblog.com.  Thanks!! I see this as community service also so you don’t have to drive to the deepest reaches of North Wales to see the work. Thanks for joining  the Facebook Clashblog page…enjoying seeing your lovely faces and the banter! Over 70 of you in a week…nice one.

A few other non-Clash things to mention. The Blur film - No Distance Left To Run is set for cinema release next week in the UK. Not sure if it will make it over to the States, but the inside word is that its worth seeing even if you weren’t a fan. I’m a huge advocate of Blur and always saw some parallels to The Clash in the way they ended, Graham Coxon was ousted for his behavour/attitude but as the most talented musician it was never to be the same. Unlike the Clash they did have their final day(s) in the sun playing Hyde Park last summer (oh so close to Clash territory).

Just heard that Elvis Costello is coming to town in April….$58 to see him though….I’m on the fence at present.

I also heard The Big Pink will be here that same month, that one is $16 – so I’ll see you there.

Next, if you are anything like me in 1992-1995 Suede were quite a special band for you. Interesting to see them popping up for a reunion at The Royal Albert Hall (they chose a little club I see) and doing so without Bernard Butler. How is that a reunion? Come on…..

Last but not least…hats off to The Beat (I won’t use their US name…it’s just wrong) who just announced a special concert in San Francisco with proceeds going to help the crisis in Haiti.  However like an arse, I can’t find where I read that. ** Update and thank you Gil and Karl **  – The Beat are playing are playing the Haiti quake benefit @ the Red Devil Lounge on Polk St. in SF this Sunday (1/17). Tickets via this link. Help out Haitians if you can…its horribly grim. I’ll be back at the weekend with more stuff and a very cool piece of Clash memorabilia for you.