This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Artist News
Former Clash members reunite
By CMU Editorial | Published on Friday 18 September 2009
Former members of The Clash, guitarist Mick Jones and drummer Topper Headon, have recorded a new version of their 1978 song, ‘Jail Guitar Doors’, in aid of the campaign of the same name run by Billy Bragg to help rehabilitate prisoners through music. Teaming up with Bragg for the new version of the song, it was the first time the Clash pair had been in the studio together for 30 years.
In a statement, Jones said: “The guys [participants in Bragg’s scheme] were telling us how much this scheme had helped them move on from their previous lives before prison. It was really touching to think we’ve helped, even if it’s in a small way”.
Headon added: “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”.
Explaining the idea behind the campaign, Bragg said: “We want people to be able to move on from their situation and reconnect with the outside world, and my hunch was that playing an instrument – particularly a guitar – could help that”.
The recording session was filmed for a documentary about the scheme, called ‘Breaking Rocks’. The film will premier at the Raindance film festival at Proud Galleries in London on 1 Oct, followed by live performances from Bragg, Jones, MC5’s Wayne Kramer, Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett and more.
