For those in need of a pick-me-up, here is one that works for me. A rocking video, courtesy of YouTube, of one of my favorite bands, the Clash, playing an October 1977 show in Manchester, UK, in support of their recently released LP, The Clash.
The Clash were a great band, one of the greatest in the history of punk rock, and very political. I feel privileged to be able to say that I saw them perform twice, once in 1979 and again in 1982.
Here's some proof of how great they were; a video of them performing the songs "What's My Name" and "Garageland" live at a club in the North of England. They play with total intensity. And lead singer Joe Strummer shows what a charismatic star he was.
My favorite moment here: during the second song, "Garageland," Joe leans right up into the crowd and sings the chorus - "We're a garageband/we come from garageland" etc. and guitarist Mick Jones provides the backing vocal "who-ho-ho"s as does the crowd, a number of whom lean in to touch Joe, some patting him on the head as you might affectionately touch a beloved pet. It's a moment of punk communion.
So, let the Clash - and this recorded moment of their history - be, perhaps, a metaphor for the importance of community, the need for positive energy, and the willingness to channel our rage toward something creative. And may the great Joe Strummer rest in peace.
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