British band urged to play in Chch

Press, 15 January 1982, Page 4

British band urged to play in Chch

One of the original British "punk" bands. The Clash, which is recording an album in New York, had a cablegram from Christchurch yesterdav.

The message was sent by Radio U. the Canterbury University students’ radio station. It asked the band to reconsider a decision not to play in Christchurch as part of a New Zealand tour next month.

A Radio U spokesman, Mr Michael Higgins said that the station was circulating a petition in Christchurch which would be sent to the tour's promoter Mr Stuart McPherson in Wellington, also asking that The Clash play in Christchurch.

“Too many bands miss out the South Island. I am sure that a full house at the Town Hall would cover the cost of crossing Cook Strait,” Mr Higgins said. Mr McPherson said from Wellington yesterday that the likelihood of a Christchurch concert by The

Clash, ,'hich is regarded as one of the leading alternative musical groups in the world, was remote. The band would play in Auckland on February 5 and in Wellington on February 7. Australian concerts were scheduled immediately after that, leaving little time for a Christchurch performance. Mr McPherson said that concerts in Christchurch by > Ultravox. Devo, and Cold Chisel in the days preceding The Clash's New Zealand visit would put the viability of a special Christchurch show in doubt. “We had preliminary discussions in Christchurch, but the Town Hall was not available on the date we had hoped." he said. The Clash became known about the same time as the most controversial band of its genre, the Sex Pistols. ’ The Clash's early songs such as “White Riot,” and “London’s Burning,” have given way to what is said to be one of the most diverse repetoires including reggae, of any pop group.