The Clash Tribute Band ‘London Calling’ are coming to Rock The Parrot

With Trudi Goldsmith

This Friday 24th February Carmarthen’s ‘The Parrot’ plays host to premier The Clash Tribute band ‘London Calling’. The band will be playing the entire seminal debut album by The Clash plus a selection of classics.

Hailing from Bristol/London, over some ten years London Calling have gigged all over the UK, Europe and the USA. After a brief two year hiatus the band reformed in 2014 and this Friday they will be bringing their White Riot tour to Carmarthen town. Earlier this week the band took some time to answer my questions ahead of the gig.

What's the story about how London Calling came together ?

We came together for a one-off charity gig in 2004 for Strummerville, although we only had 12 songs worked out. It went so well it was decided to carry on, and after a few line up changes we are now full on!

How's 2017 going gig wise so far?

Massive. Best year so far-we are gigging all over the UK, and have been offered shows in Madrid and Vienna. Working on Japan later in the year/next year. On May 19th we are playing the historic 100 Club in London to celebrate 40 years since the release of the first album. We are now playing really well, and are doing justice to these amazing songs.

You've been together for over ten years are there any stand out shows for the band?

Actually, the last 10 shows since our new drummer Shane came on board have been great. It’s a hard ask to duplicate Topper Headon and Terry Chimes, but he does an amazing job. Joe on the bass and Dave on the guitar are also awesome players too. Probably the Joe Strummer Tribute Night in Bristol last December and The Redhouse in Merthyr would be standouts. Played in the USA a few years back, and that was fun too.

Have you played West Wales before?

Nope, first time.

Why did you pick Carmarthen to play ?

I work in West Wales occasionally, and I knew The Parrot, so when they asked if we fancied it I was totally there! The owner I’ve met several times-he’s a good guy, knows his music. It’s important to us that the venue we play understand what we are about. We aren’t a cabaret version of The Clash, so don’t ask us to turn the music down!!

What Clash songs do you particularly like playing live?

They are all sounding great at the moment-I particularly like doing London Calling (of course!), Clampdown, Police On My Back and Complete Control. But they all have their moments. Bankrobber is sounding better than it ever used to.

Are there any crowd favourites ?

Everyone loves White Man In Hammersmith Palais, Should I Stay, I Fought The Law, and Clash City Rockers! Bankrobber is a bit of a sing-along, and White Riot does get everyone going.

You are being supported by Mellt in The Parrot have you heard them before?

They’re a three piece indie band that sing in Welsh I think? Got some good tunes, and I like what I’ve heard. We normally have a punk covers band or similar playing with us so this will be a nice change.

What plans have the band got for the year?

Well, we are totally busy with gigs, so just play as well as we can, and enjoy ourselves. We’ve been selling out venues recently, so the shows have been getting better and better. Looking forward to whatever comes our way this year-the 100 Club date is going to be a cracker..

We do put on a full-on show, so come on down!

Catch London Calling at The Parrot Friday 24th February, support comes from Mellt with a Dj set from Panter.

Entry is £10/12 entry and doors are 8pm.