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André Paine's rating
Remembering Strummer
By
André Paine
16 Nov 2007
Joe Strummer played an Acton benefit gig for striking firefighters five years ago, which turned out to be one of his final performances. Weeks later he was dead from a heart condition aged 50.
This anniversary tribute to the punk icon had former Clash cohort Mick Jones on the bill, along with younger devotees such as Hard-Fi's Richard Archer. But it wasn't quite the event of 2002, when Jones and Strummer were reunited on stage after nearly 20 years.
Clash tribute band Take the Fifth created some excitement among ageing punks with the rumbling bass to London Calling. But their set was too long and lacked the snarl of the real thing.
At least the town hall seemed to evoke the ideological era of Strummer in his prime, with union speakers addressing us as "comrades" and projections of old gig posters. Was there really an Eighties event at Brixton Academy called Scargill's Christmas Party?
At one point, Archer's contribution appeared to be drawing the raffle. But after midnight, he joined Jones and a couple of dozen others on stage for bellowing versions of Clash songs Jail Guitar Doors and Garageland.
It was a mess but couldn't detract from Billy Bragg's pre-finale set. His political pop and Essex blues hasn't dated, probably because he's committed to ideals not nostalgia. Like Strummer, Bragg is that rare songwriter who is a man of the people, not a celebrity.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (4)
Fantastic night - proper raw occasion that did Joe proud.
- Red Rocker, London, UK, 20/11/2007 16:16
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Yes, The Clash (minus Mick) really did play a benefit for striking miners at Christmas time in 1984!
I think it's fair to say that the people who a bought a ticket for Arms Aloft (the event sold out in 4 days back in April) enjoyed every bit of Take the 5ths reproduction of the Clash's live sound. It should also be mentioned that Tymon Dogg, who played with Joe at the original show in 2002, played a heartfelt set and that former Special, Jerry Dammers, played some great tunes in between. If you were a Joe fan you would have been in Clash heaven the whole evening! It was 'five star rock n roll' (the true fans will get that!).
- Mark Bedford, London, 20/11/2007 16:09
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Take The Fifth's set was excellent and not lacking in passion!
They are probably one of (if not) the foremost Clash Covers bands and I believe them to be very accurate in reproducing the Clash's music.
Tymon Dogg was also superb and broke at least one Violin such was the ferocity of his playing.
I agree that His Braggship was excellent but did not need to save the show!
As for the 21 singers, I was privileged to share the Microphone with Mick Jones.
- Chris Donaghey, Lincoln, UK, 20/11/2007 14:41
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Bang on, Andre.
- Patrick, London, 16/11/2007 16:22
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