updated xmas 2013 with full review
Audio 1 -
Sound 3.5 - 1hr 26min - unknown gen?- tracks 23 - slight distortion -
Complete Control
The only recording in circulation is an analogue copy or two off what must be a fine master recording. The assumption is this is an analogue recording but presumably the taper was not the same one as recorded the night before or both would have been posted on Dime. Chris Knowles posted a speed corrected mp3 source on IMCT and believes it to be a soundboard source citing monitor feedback between songs and no ambient crowd noise between songs. On further listening the clarity of instrumentation particularly the bass means it could well be a soundboard with the seeming audience lack “of in your face” sound a result not of distance from taper to stage but too many analogue copies off the master. Either way Chris’ speed corrected and audio software treated version is a very welcome upgrade although it seems to come from the same generation as the previously circulated lossless source. The speed correction knocks 2minutes off the previously circulating source which is audibly running too fast.
If the effects of copying; flatness, loss of clarity and definition are ignored this is still an enjoyable listen for the quality and energy of the performance; the band if not exactly on fire are certainly in fine form. All the instrumentation and vocals are present and correct. An upgrade to the master would indeed be very welcome but until then this is still worth seeking out.
The second of 2 nights in “Clash city” San Francisco in front of 8,000 (according to Joe onstage) is performance wise at least as good as the first night and the recording was another high quality one although sadly the source in circulation is a copy or two off the master. Upgrade needed.
There were serious sound problems at the start with London Calling being repeated and the night is certainly unique for Joe adlibbing the chorus to Old Man River in Magnificent Seven! A Strummer admiration and knowledge of the late great Paul Robeson is for those of us for whom the 2 men are inspirational, entirely plausible (although apparently not documented) this recording then is perhaps proof enough for the converted.
According to the account below Pearl Harbor came on and sung Fujiyama Mama with the band. The recording ends with the usual Garageland, but maybe there was a final unrecorded encore with this performance, can anyone confirm?
‘I would have to say this was my favorite. It was the second night of a two night stint at the Civic Center Auditorium. The police were out in full force while we lined up. The English Beat opened and they were absolutely brilliant!!!! The Clash came on and I don't think I have been the same since. From the opening of London Calling to the final note of the final encore, they delivered a powerful show. I will never forget Pearl Harbour coming out in her gold lamee and roaring through Fujiama Rocker and another number or Rankin Roger joining them for Armagideon Time. It should have been the live cd instead of Shea Stadium. Of course that would have to be a double cd to go out unedited’.
The recording starts without the usual intro nor as it turns out a first go at London Calling abandoned due to sound problems and then Joe announces ”We’re gonna do the same song again for good measure” London Calling sounds good; the quality of the recording coming through despite it being a copy or too off the master. Then after a fast tight Career Opportunities, Joe explains in Strummer style “You at the fuc’in back there who can’t understand what we’re saying that one was called Career Opportunities and anybody else who can’t hear what we’re saying which I expect is most of you ask the bloke at the sound desk just what it is I’m going on about!”
The band then kick into an energetic Clash City Rockers followed by Guns of Brixton; Mick’s effective lead guitar clear and impressive. On Train In Vain Mick’s guitar has a different sound over the ending and Wrong Em Boyo again is very enjoyable, the band injecting plenty of light and shade after the “ breaks”.
Certainly a highlight tonight is Junco Partner; somewhat of a rarity in 82. “Hey down that road come a Junco Pardeneeeer” Joe sings acapella before the band come in and he proceeds to work through his repertoire of vocal chops, screams, and cries!
“This is a public service announcement -hopefully!” shouts Joe before an OK Know Your Rights followed by a fine Police On My Back. After an edit Joe says, “Anybody speak a bit of Arabic? As-Salaam-Alaikum. You with the binoculars you must have been a boy scout! OK we’re gonna try and Rock The Casbah” After a good if unexceptional performance we get an exceptional Magnificent Seven. Beginning unusually with just chopped guitar rhythms then Joe shouts “Don’t you ever stop...” the band deliver a tight enjoyable performance the song allowing the band to stretch out. Dropping down to drum and bass Joe adlibs “spotlight down here, anybody on that light? Now where was I, I just can’t remember, I’m standing in front of 8,000 people and my mind’s gone completely blank! yes I must recommend this to you, to do this one day, a fascinating feeling! not that it matters now we’ve found the groove, yeah I got it now, really depressing verse!” going into the back to work verse. There’s a second adlib after the “guitar city” bridge “Old Man River he don’t say nothing but they say he must know something, Old Man River - let’s go!” Unlikely the inspiration was a love of Oscar Hammerstein’s music or Jerome Kern’s lyrics! Its proof hopefully of Strummer’s knowledge of Paul Robeson; multi-talented for sure but inspirational for Joe and many others because he sacrificed wealth and fame to stand up and fight for what he believed in whatever the personal risk and cost. Robeson changed the lyrics to Old Man River in later performances from a song of resignation to one of defiance “You show’s a little grit and you lands in jail. I get’s weary and sick of trying I must fighting until I’m dying and Old Man River he just keeps rolling along”
Joe introduces Terry Chimes who launches into I Fought The Law with Mick’s backing vocals to the fore. Joe lets out a scream and the band slam into a great Complete Control; another highlight Mick plays a different little guitar figure at the “I don’t trust you” drop down section. The band maybe not evolving musical changes as before but still in the Chimes era were breathing new life into punk era standards.
Joe intro’s Radio Clash in Strum-Spanish; a strong band performance. Mick in inventive guitar form adding great fresh licks near the end. A charge through to the end of the set with a fiery Brand New Cadillac, then equally effective Somebody Got Murdered (although Mick’s guitar going out of tune). Clampdown, as usual ending the set, Joe adlibbing but most unclear.
The second CD restarts into first bars of Police & Thieves seguing into Armagideon Time as was now the norm on the tour (alternating with Ghetto Defendant as the first song). Also the norm now was the appearance of Rankin’ Roger whose’ toasting name checks “the drummer & Joe Strummer” Joe is clearly enjoying Roger’s presence; the two boucing off each other. After Roger leaves the stage to cheers Joe sings in a high pitched voice “Daffy Duck and Mickey Mouse”. Next a crowd pleasing if rarely exceptional on this tour Safe European Home.”Muchos gracias” says Joe at the end; if the band leave the stage at this point the edit is seamless more likely they played only one encore and it continued with a strong Straight To Hell. Both Mick and Joe are very energetic on Should I Stay the recording ending (if possibly not the gig) with a great sounding, pumped up Garageland.
Getty Images
Courtey of Mike Murphy / Flickr
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From: Patrick Kack-Brice <
>
Hello, I am writing on behalf of Robert Mailer Anderson in regards to the Jun. 22nd Clash show at the SF CIvic Audotorium. That is the first rock concert my Robert ever attended. It is truly meaningful for him to have a copy of the performance. Thanks for your time. Best Patrick
The San Francisco Civic Auditorium was renamed in 1992 after (in)famous promoter Bill Graham. The arena holds 7,000 people and was built in 1915 in the Beaux-Arts style. It is part of San Francisco Civic Center; a national landmark made up by large plazas and classic architecture with other notable buildings including the Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco Public Library, War Memorial Opera House and Veterans Building.
The Auditorium alone occupies an entire city block, is four stories tall and is one of San Francisco's major convention venues and has and continues to host numerous concerts and public events throughout the year.
The fact that The Clash played two sold out nights there in 1982 (returning in 1984) was further confirmation of their break through into mainstream major league status in the US and San Francisco had been a “Clash City” since their first visit in 79.
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
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London Calling |
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There are several sights that provide setlists but most mirror www.blackmarketclash.co.uk. They are worth checking.
from Setlist FM (cannot be relied on)
from Songkick (cannot be relied on)
... both have lists of people who say they went
& from the newer Concert Database
Also useful: Ultimate Music datbase, All Music, Clash books at DISCOGS
A colection of articles, interviews, reviews, posters, tour dates from May and June around the West Coast and south of the USA.
Dozens of newclippings
capturing the whole saga...
Tour dates, runaways, cancellations, reshedules, sackings .... 33 pages so far..
.
North Amercian Tour t-shirt
If you know of any articles or references for this particular gig, anything that is missing, please do let us know.
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Interview Video - Top quality - 3 mins approx -
all 4 band members on a railway station at Lochem Festival -
broadcast in New Zealand which causes some confusion
Asbury Park - 30 May - cable colour TV - widely circulated - 8 tracks
Spanish Bombs, Radio Clash, Garageland, Armagideon Time, Somebody Got Murdered (cut), Straight to Hell, Should I Stay or Should I Go, I Fought the Law.
Asbury Park - 30 May Video 1 - cable colour TV - rarely seen - 4 tracks - (can't find online but circulates amongst collectors)
Mostly interviews withh Mick, Don Letts, then Paul, then Kosmo. Interview with the fans outside. Cuts into ending of Know Your Rights. Clampdown. Clash City Rockers, Brand New Cadilac
Radio interview - Joe Strummer Interviewed by Lisa Robinson around June 1982
Radio interview BBC R1 Kid Jensen Joe interviewed after being found
BBC Radio 1 - Joe before his disapearance + interview- with the band after including BAD interview
BBC Radio 1 Kid Jensen 1982
BBC Radio 1 Rock On Mick interview on Sandinista & the realese of Combat Rock
BBC Radio 1 Interview with Kid Jensen May 1982
BBC Radio 1 Interview with Kid Jensen Mick, Paul & Kosmo talking about Joe Strummer disappearing 2 May1982
BBC Radio 1 Interview with the band, -part 2 Mick, Combat Rock Interview
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Go here for uploads and downloads. It's not a massive space so its on an as and when basis.
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Trove - Australia National Library Link (free)
The Official Clash
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Clash City Collectors - excellent
Facebook Page - for Clash Collectors to share unusual & interesting items like..Vinyl. Badges, Posters, etc anything by the Clash. Search Clash City Collectors & enter search in search box. Place, venue, etc
Clash on Parole - excellent
Facebook page - The only page that matters
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Clash City Snappers
Anything to do with The Clash. Photos inspired by lyrics, song titles, music, artwork, members, attitude, rhetoric,haunts,locations etc, of the greatest and coolest rock 'n' roll band ever.Tributes to Joe especially wanted. Pictures of graffitti, murals, music collections, memorabilia all welcome. No limit to postings. Don't wait to be invited, just join and upload.
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I saw The Clash at Bonds - excellent
Facebook page - The Clash played a series of 17 concerts at Bond's Casino in New York City in May and June of 1981 in support of their album Sandinista!. Due to their wide publicity, the concerts became an important moment in the history of the Clash. Search I Saw The Clash at Bonds & enter search in red box. Place, venue, etc
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