Punk icons The Clash have re-united with Mick Jones and Topper Headon playing on a special recording session.
The Clash are one of Britain’s most iconic groups. Formed in the white heat of punk the group evolved and changed without losing their passion for music.
Allowing reggae, world music, jazz, dub, hip hop and more to creep into their music The Clash produced a body of work almost unrivalled by any other group from the period. No wonder we named the magazine after them…
Now it seems that the band have reformed to re-record one of their lost classics. Mick Jones and Topper Headon have united to blast through ‘Jail Guitar Doors’ in aid of the charity of the same name.
Joined on the recording by Billy Bragg and four prison inmates, the new recording is one of the most unusual of their career. An old 101ers number, ‘Jail Guitar Doors’ is a salute to the departed guitar heroes of the 60s, and was given a radical overhaul by The Clash.
The charity Jail Guitar Doors was founded in 2007 by Billy Bragg, and aims to help prisoner rehabilitation through the use of music. The recording sessions were filmed for a forthcoming documentary, with Mick Jones claiming the prisoners were extremely thankful for the work the charity does.
“The guys were telling us how much this scheme had helped them move on from their previous lives before prison,” he explained. “It was really touching to think we’ve helped, even if it’s in a small way.”
Topper Headon has previously done time in prison for intent to supply drugs charges, and claimed that music helped him get through his prison. “To see it all come to fruition is absolutely beautiful. It was great to meet these guys,” he said.
“When I was in prison myself, many years ago, I was lucky enough to have access to a guitar, which belonged to the prison vicar! I know how much it helped me get through it.”
The new Jail Guitar Doors documentary ‘Breaking Rocks’ is set to premiere as part of the Raindance film festival at Proud Gallery in Camden on October 1st. In addition to the premiere the show will contain music from Billy Bragg, Mick Jones and one time MC5 member Wayne Kramer – name checked in the song ‘Jail Guitar Doors’.
