Chuck Prophet & the Spanish Bombs to perform The Clash’s London Calling album in its entirety on four UK dates in July – Nottingham, Bristol, London & Gateshead (Summertyne Americana Festival)
Ask American maverick rock and roller Chuck Prophet (ex-Green on Red) about joining with his mates The Spanish Bombs to bring his London Calling show to the UK for the first (and last time) and he laughs only slightly. “It’s our contribution to Guy Fawkes Night. The Gun Powder Plot lives on in our gentle hands.”
Chuck will be performing the full Clash double album, from start to finish, at four exclusive UK shows including the Relentless Garage, less than a mile from where London Calling was recorded at Wessex Studios – or a mere 5 minutes “on the route of the 19 bus” in Highbury. Clash tour manager, Johnny Green, who oversaw the demoing and recording of London Calling, will also be reading from his book A Riot of Our Own (a memoir of his time with the Clash) before each show.
Johnny said of London Calling: “London Calling was conceived & written by The Clash touring the highways, byways ‘n’ freeways of the USA. The tunes were hatched back in a dingy garage, down by the river Thames. The wholeness was polished, with Guy Stevens, in a Highbury, London, studio, plus furious Stateside gigging. It suits here, there and maybe the whole world. Chuck Prophet has perfectly caught the essence in his re-interpretation, like some rockin’ jazz singer while sometimes he rides along true to the originals. I recently toured Spain with Chuck and watched every show from start to finish so I was there too.”
That January Spanish tour sold out 9 of the 12 shows, as well as selling out two shows in San Francisco. The reaction from both Chuck Prophet and Clash fans has been amazing, many citing these as his best shows. “Chuck Prophet is fearless,” began one glowing review. Another said “Once again, Chuck proves he’s got singing chops, goo-gobs of guitar-playing skills, charm to spare, fashion sense, and the instincts of a svelte cheetah.” SF Gate.
Chuck will be releasing a DVD of the Bilbao, Spain show which will be sold on this tour.
Chuck has been on the scene since his days with Americana pioneers Green on Red from 1984 to 1992 with whom he recorded seven albums. Chuck has since gone on to have a successful solo career with over nine albums under his belt as well as writing songs for the likes of Solomon Burke, Heart & Alejandro Escovedo and as a sideman with the likes of Lucinda Williams, Warren Zevon and Cake.
Chuck is known for his incendiary live shows and these Clash shows are some of his best.
Prophet: “Guy Fawkes, Guernica, The Clash. We’ll light the fuse. Plenty of matches, plenty.”
Thursday 21 July Nottingham Glee Club
www.glee.co.uk/nottingham-music £15, 6.45pm
Friday 22 July Bristol The Polish Club
www.crhmusic.com £15, 7.30pm
Saturday 23 July London The Relentless Garage with The Strummerville Band
http://venues.meanfiddler.com/relentless-garage/listings/featured/3825 £15, 6:30pm
Sunday 24 July Gateshead Summertyne Americana Festival – Hall Two, The Sage
www.thesagegateshead.org £15.50 / £17.50, 8:00pm
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