Northern Ireland's Musical History: The Clash In Belfast

I'm posting this as today I received my copy of last year's Uncut special magazine devoted solely to The Clash. I had toyed with the idea of getting it at the original time of publication but because I had only just began my investigation of their work at the time I decided against the idea. By the time I had discovered I had gotten really rather into them it was months after the magazine had gone off shelves and I thought it was too late. Thankfully Backstreet Merch rectified that (an excellent and prompt service too, I'd certainly recommend them). Anyhow, I was delighted to see that the magazine included a full article reprinted from a 1977 edition of Melody Maker that saw The Clash roaming the streets of Belfast (where I've lived all my life) following the semi-legendary tale of their gig being cancelled. It's important to remember how different a place Belfast was then and big bands like The Clash playing wouldn't have been commonplace. The pictures taken of the band in Belfast are really rather beautiful - although I am biased, of course - but my favorite is the one I've shared here. You can find more at Urban Images. I just love these images!

Northern Ireland's Musical History: The Stone Roses ticket

I particularly love this, as The Stone Roses are one of my absolute favourite bands. I wasn’t even born when this show took place either, although I do live very near the now defunct Maysfield Leisure Centre. It used to be quite a common venue for concerts before we got the Odyssey Arena in the early 00's. Anyhow, this was their penultimate British/Irish date before a five year hiatus from touring until 1995 (their last one was at Glasgow Green which is regarded as one of their finest shows). Pretty much all the members of the band though would come back to Belfast as part of the various other musical projects they were involved in after The Stone Roses disbanded however. The reunited band were one of last year’s headliners at Tennant’s Vital. I hope they’re back in Belfast soon!