The Boys Of Strummer

The Defects were a punk band from Belfast, active from 1979 until 1984. I saw their first live show, at Clonduff Community Centre (supporting my band since you're asking) and I also witnessed their last gig, backing The Clash at the Ulster Hall. There have been a few reformations, but now it seems that singer Buck and Glen the drummer are giving it a proper run.

On Monday night's show they let me play a live recording of a new song, 'Revelator'. This was a tribute to Joe Strummer, aka John Mellor, singer with The Clash and revelator without equal.

It got me thinking about the many songs Joe appears in. There's 'Strummerville' by Stiff Little Fingers and 'Walk Out To Winter' by Aztec Camera. And indeed 'Constructive Summer' by the Hold Steady and 'Joe Strummer' from New Orleans combo, Cowboy Mouth.



I vaguely recall a cameo role in The TV Personalities song, 'Posing At The Roundhouse' and the lesser known 'Joe Strummer's Wallet' by The Stingrays.

Now there's a great Irish song to add to the tradition. The Vagabonds are young chaps with rumbling intent. They've just released a three track CD that was produced by Morrissey and Blur cohort Stephen Street. Each song is a throwdown, a heap of opportunities. They could go punk or intellectual or they might follow The Whipping Boy into that realm of Celtic regret, friction and brilliance.

For now, I'm just happy to listen to the fierce testimony of 'John Mellor'. Tune.