tribute to Joe Strummer, and The Responsibles will be playing it, for the ninth time. Started by local Strummer/ Clash fanatic, Glen "The Hamilton Kid" Faulman as a way to pay tribute to the departed (too early) Strummer, I have had the opportunity to watch this event grow in popularity, numbers, and above all, fun. In fact, it's now stretched over two alcohol-soaked nights, in order to accommodate the amount of bands who want to participate--their time, effort, gear, etc, for free. Otherwise snarky, bitter, grumpy musicians actually getting along with the, let's face it, "competition" for the sake of charity, and, admittedly a sense of community. Speaking of charities, Glen has wisely spread the love and lolly over the years--from buying instruments for music classes in poor schools, to the Tim Horton's children's camp fund, to the Tivoli restoration fund, the focus of this year's tribute (although, in light of recent events, I would have gone for another 1005 Steelworker's benefit)....but equally, and perhaps more so, this event is arguably one of the most fun of the year. I'm sure many would agree that their "Easter Saturdays" have been lessened in power and thought by the previous night--woe to those who have to play on the second night! Generally, the idea of playing a bunch of covers leaves me cold, but to see and feel the way an audience of like-minded individuals reacts to Clash tunes (regardless of how sloppily played) is utterly amazing, and has made me look more closely at the song writing talents of the band. There is much more under the seemingly simple surface--these fellows had/ have chops and above all, energy. Sometimes, I wish that people would convey even an eighth of their enthusiasm for our originals, but at the same time, I do enjoy "playing" (in my mind at least) Mick Jones...I even have a hat...
..so, if you are in/ near Hamilton on the nights of the 22nd and 23rd, drop into This Ain't Hollywood, on James St. North, to have a bloody good time...chase away the winter cobwebs, and remember Joe Strummer in a way (I would imagine) he would like to me recalled...
...on a side note, Big Audio Dynamite (B.A.D.) have just done a mini-tour of the States, and are now back in the UK for the Festival season. I've watched some YouTube clips of them, and they are in good form--I just wish they would come to Canada...ah well, there's always Carbon/ Silicon...
