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Clash reunion???
Posted:
Thu Oct 20, 2005 3:09 pmby Mick Molloy
Look what I found on a Dutch forum. I was surprised I hadn't read about this here
The Clash to reform and tour?
Nearly 23 years since the release of the original group's swan song, Combat Rock, and a scant two years since the death of figurehead Joe Strummer, The Clash are reforming for another go at world domination. When guitarist Mick Jones walked away in late 1982, he knew it wasn't forever.
" I was talking to Paul just the other day, and we were saying how The Clash really defined us as people, not to just the world, but to ourselves as well. I thought we had proven all we had to prove, but when you look at how Joe really kept pushing that rock up the hill, it was really naïve for us to think we could ever stop."
Unofficially dubbed the Lightning Strikes (Not Once But Twice) Tour, The Clash will reform with Rancid front man Tim Armstrong for a series of dates through the United States, Canada, and concluding in the United Kingdom. No details as to when and where it will start, though Jones hinted, "I'd really like to visit New York City again."
Bay area punkers Rancid have been Clash fans for years, and have often seemed to embody the sound and spirit of The Clash. Armstrong's Hellcat label has included Strummer's Mescaleros on many of its budget priced compilations, though Armstrong is reticent to dub Rancid a "Clash tribute".
" There was one historical period when the Clash happened," quipped Armstrong, "and another where Green Day, Rancid, and the Offspring happened. And the people who think we're just copying the old stuff are the guys driving fuckin' BMWs with anarchy stickers on the bumpers."
Armstrong admits, though, that it is a "deep honor" to front the reformed Clash, and pledges to sport Strummer's classic mohawk when the tour gets underway.
"These are the songs I grew up with, and I plan to be as faithful to the spirit of my friend Joe as I can. I think Clash fans will be surprised. We rehearsed "London Calling" the other day, and it was f**cking amazing."
While no details have been released, Mick Jones believes the tour should commence sometime around Christmas 2005, wrapping up in the U.K. by next Spring. No comment was made about any future recording. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it", Jones cryptically advised.
Posted:
Thu Oct 20, 2005 3:27 pmby Heather
A Clash reunion would be really good, but who would sing?
Excellent
Posted:
Thu Oct 20, 2005 3:28 pmby duncan disorderly
Seems a bit hopeful for them to be startting at Christmas ,but i have heard and quite like Rancid.I will go and see them .Keep us posted
Posted:
Thu Oct 20, 2005 3:37 pmby Heather
Sorry wasn't concentrating
Re: Clash reunion???
Posted:
Thu Oct 20, 2005 3:57 pmby Alex
I saw this article many weeks ago on thespecials.com, this article is spread over various band's forums since mid august.
I haven't found the original source anywhere. Only blogs and forums. Any ideas??
Mick Molloy wrote:Look what I found on a Dutch forum. I was surprised I hadn't read about this here
Posted:
Thu Oct 20, 2005 9:45 pmby Caukill
Wow , haven't seen this story anywhere . Great news but tinged with sadness that Joe won't be there to do it .
Paul & Mick have been pictured out and about together a few times but Topper seems to have gone to ground - i wonder if he's going to be part of it? Anyone know what he's up to these days?
I guess the passing of Joe might have given the remaining members renewed impetus to do something , it's really sad that he won't be there in the flesh. Gone but not forgotten.
Posted:
Thu Oct 20, 2005 9:52 pmby Caukill
i also meant to add that Tim Armstrong is a pretty decent shout as vocalist , i reckon he's a good choice.
Posted:
Thu Oct 20, 2005 10:09 pmby DzM
I honestly don't know Rancid and can't comment on Tim's fitness for a fill-in.
Joe filled in for Shane when Shane and the Pogues went their seperate ways. Surely it seems fitting that Shane should fill in for Joe with a The Clash reunion?
Posted:
Fri Oct 21, 2005 5:14 amby Pyro
DzM: Hm, I would be rather worried about Shane with the Clash. First, if he doesn´t appear, it will be very bad. When he misses some lyrics when playing pop/gu-es songs, it isn´t too bad (I mean for example whine falewish, or something like that). But imho lyrics of the Clash are in some way better (at least I like it more than Shane´s work, Jem Finer´s ones are still finer imho:-)), or rather more appealing to me. And I would seriously doubt Shane could feel through it. I think that Clash, when in later stage of their carrier were still going, when 1982, they could play songs from 1977 very well with lots of energy. But in a lot of cases in last 10 years, Shane just went on "th fu***g stage, to sing to those fu***g bastards who are so annoying"...for example live in Montreaux-some of the first tunes are rather boring.
I don´t know...maybe I would like to see someone else there. Is Tom Waits still alive?
Posted:
Fri Oct 21, 2005 10:56 amby Desiderius
I love the Clash, but without Strummer.... That'd be like Dylan without Dylan.
I wouldn't go to a show of such Clash.
Posted:
Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:23 pmby Pyro
To be honest, I loved mr. Strummer´s voice. Mr. Strummer´s lyrics...
Only thing I truly love except his work is bass track on Should I stay or Should I go. I don´t want to say others were bad or something like that, rather opposite of this. But for me is Joe the most important.
Posted:
Fri Oct 21, 2005 1:10 pmby Caukill
Desiderius wrote:I love the Clash, but without Strummer.... That'd be like Dylan without Dylan.
I wouldn't go to a show of such Clash.
I think a lot of people may feel like that and okay
it isn't The Clash - we'll never see 'The Clash' again but this could still be worth seeing . Mick and Paul are in decent shape and i reckon can still deliver a good rock n roll show - maybe they feel it's their last roll of the dice to put on a valid performance . I'd rather see them now than them rolling out in another 15 years time a la Rolling Stones (bring on the defibrillator!).
Posted:
Fri Oct 21, 2005 1:58 pmby Desiderius
Caukill wrote:maybe they feel it's their last roll of the dice to put on a valid performance
or to gather as much cash as they can
Posted:
Fri Oct 21, 2005 4:03 pmby Mick Molloy
Desiderius wrote:Caukill wrote:maybe they feel it's their last roll of the dice to put on a valid performance
or to gather as much cash as they can
Well speaking of that: why are the Pogues doing reunions? It's all about the money and we as fans are grateful enough to pay a lot of money to see bands that played 20 years ago.
Posted:
Fri Oct 21, 2005 5:02 pmby trashcity
I'm pretty sure this is bullshit. Paul is happy painting, Mick has his production and a new band with Tony James he's busy with and Topper is getting on with his life in Dover.
Remember folks, The Clash turned down all those $$$$$$$$$$$$$$'s to reform while Joe was alive so why they'd do it now with Tim Amrstrong(who seems like a good guy, i hasten to add) is way beyond me. I'd put money on it not happening.
I think anyones closest chance to seeing a reformed Clash now is by checking out "The Last Night London Burned" film, which will bring a lump to anyones throat.