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 Legendary Clash members Mick Jones and Topper Headon were reunited in the studio for the first time in 27 years when they joined Billy Bragg for a recording aimed at promoting the folk singer’s Jail Guitar Doors campaign.
Started two years ago, the Jail Guitar Doors initiative helps to supply musical instruments to prison inmates, to aid with their rehabilitation, and has so far seen several ‘graduates’ of the scheme pursue careers as performers after their release from jail. Bragg, Jones and Headon were backed by a band comprising former inmates Leon Walker, Jonny Neesom, Kevin Hawkins and Jon Smillie on a spirited re-recording of the 1978 Clash song Jail Guitar Doors, from which the campaign takes its name.
“The guys were telling us how much this scheme had helped them move on from their previous lives before prison,” said Clash guitarist Mick Jones, who in 2007 donated the money for the first ever JGD acoustic guitars to be delivered to a jail. “It was really touching to think we’ve helped, even if it’s in a small way.”
Drummer Nick ‘Topper’ Headon added: “To see it all come to fruition is absolutely beautiful. It was great to meet these guys. 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.” Billy Bragg, who says his life was changed after seeing The Clash play live at Victoria Park in 1978, inspiring him to write about social and political issues, explained: “Prison has to be about much more than just locking people up. 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 Alan Miles’ ‘Breaking Rocks’, a gritty and uplifting documentary about the Jail Guitar Doors initiative, which will be premiered as part of the Raindance film festival at Proud Gallery, Camden Town on 1 October. The film will be followed by performances from Billy Bragg, Mick Jones, the MC5’s Wayne Kramer, Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Jail Guitar Doors graduates Leon Walker, Jonny Neesom, Louise Wells and Theone Coleman, plus Night of Treason.
You can see a clip of the recording session at www.breakingrocks.co.ukAllthis took place at Mescaleros Smiley's studio. Smiley told us earlier today:
Well yesterday was a unforgettable day for many reasons.. I was asked to produce a track for the Jail Guitar Doors charity.. pioneered by Billy Bragg.. So the track was recorded at my Sunshine Corner Studio.. The first major moment for me was when the legendary Topper Headon walked in the door with the also legendary Mr Johnny Green.. Now I had never met Topper in all the years of drumming for Joe.. and kind of figured I never would.. So in he walked.. and within 20 minutes he was on my kit showing me how HE played London Calling, what he played on Rock the Casbah and was taking my number to keep in touch!! Time for a lay down.. But no.. In came Mr Mick Jones & Mr Billy Bragg.. So there I was recording them playing guitar at the same time and then talking them through the vocal tracks.. climaxing in the two of them singing the chorus together.. Amazing.. I am still pinching myself today.. There are a handful of real MOMENTS in life... and I believe yesterday was one of mine.
Further pics can be seen on the photo page
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