Clash trivia

[pbass2]

I recently caught a live clip (some sort of live TV broadcast or what-have-you) of the Clash doing "Guns of Brixton". Paul was singing lead and playing guitar, and Joe was on bass. Is this how that song was tracked? Regardless, it was a great performance(and Paul made quite the front man!).

[zongeek]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that the song was tracked with Paul doing the lead vocals and bass, just not at the same time, and Joe playing the guitar.

Though live, because Paul couldn't play and sing at the sime time (the part), he would play guitar as it was easier for him. And also, they thought it would be cool to switch instruments because it might make the audience get into it more.

[iamthebassman]

An old band of mine play that tune as our only cover, I played bass and sang.

[Sneckumhaw]

It's neat to see, but Strummer is not a strong bassist!

[pbass2]

Yeah, I couldn't really tell how well Joe was holding it down in this clip.
Seemed fine--the whole performance was skanking and rocking well enough!

[pbass2]

Originally Posted by zongeek

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that the song was tracked with Paul doing the lead vocals and bass, just not at the same time, and Joe playing the guitar.

Though live, because Paul couldn't play and sing at the sime time (the part), he would play guitar as it was easier for him. And also, they thought it would be cool to switch instruments because it might make the audience get into it more.

I did find it cool that they simply switched instruments, rather than have other axes set aside all nice and slick. Paul's P was riding pretty low on the somewhat shorter Strummer!

[The Lurker]

pity he couldn't have borrowed Joe's teeth as well as his telecaster.....