I've never been a big fan of punk but Nige's affection for the frenetic and energetic 'couldn't give a shit' attitude of the music has certainly grown on me so I was not too bothered when we were discussing where to go on Saturday and Nige suggested The Three Tuns to catch Clash tribute The Clashed. I always feel very relaxed at the Tuns: the bar service is excellent and landlord Paul is the perfect host, always having time for not only me, but for anyone who wants a word with him. And as Nige is getting hooked on the Pinball then The Tuns is very often the top of the list.
I have heard that the Clashed were good; photographer Rob has raved about them in the past (lo and behold we bumped into him tonight - me literally, but I never heard any complaints!), but I was worried that a lot of the songs would be over my head. I have heard 'Should I Stay' and 'White Riot' but when Nige blurted out a list of their popular songs I felt a bit lacking.

But anyway, off we set, me set to drink and Nige the driver.

Within seconds of setting foot in the busy Tuns we had two JDs thrust into our hands - no complaints of course and before I had taken my second sip Nige was on the Pinball trying to get a little silver ball to make lotsa noise and set off stax of flashing lights. Although when he hit a special flap and got two balls in play it seemed to arouse a little more interest in me......

Any road up, before too long it was time for the Clashed to take to the stage and me and Nige headed to the other room to find the place heaving - but we still managed to get pretty near the front.

The first thing I noticed was the superb sound - nice and tight, meaty but crystal clear - superbly crafted by the soundman Joe who back in the 80's NWBHM band Saxon  influenced his career

The Clashed are - Mick (Lead Vocals/Guitar) Ozz (Lead Vocals/Guitar) Paul (Vocals/Drums) Dave (Vocals/Bass) (Vocals/Drums) Dave (Vocals/Bass), but tonight that didn't matter to me as the lads were astoundingly and refreshingly full of energy and passion. I have seen a couple of punk tributes before but they had left me feeling a trifle let down, but these lads, probably because of their boundless and electrifying performance, really made me feel like I was seeing someone who lived and breathed the Clash and would rather die than not give a show that was first class.

To say I was impressed is rather an understatement. These lads deserve a medal for that performance. It was really brilliant.

Don't expect me to list any songs cos I can't but I know good music when I hear it and I certainly heard it tonight.
White Riot? Sounded so good I want one of my own.....

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