Clashing with Joe Strummer

Probably the most famous independent record shop in The Midlands was Nottingham-based Selectadisc. The shop was originally opened by Brian Selby in 1966 and for 43 years was one of the UK’s top record shops. In 1991 they opened a second branch in the heart of London.



The Nottingham store’s manager is a Notts County fanatic called Jim Cooke whose knowledge of indie music is second to none. I always enjoyed calling on Jim and over the years he has told me some great tales. He has always been a huge fan of The Clash and he is also passionate about politics – his views are certainly left of centre. One evening in 1991 he visited The Garage, a club in Nottingham and noticed that Joe Strummer was drinking at the bar. Jim engaged Joe  in conversation on music where they had plenty of common ground. Soon the chat turned to politics and Jim informed Joe how disappointed he was that The Clash did not support the miners better in their battle against Margaret Thatcher’s government back in 1984. Unlike bands such as The Redskins, The Housemartins and The Three Johns, The Clash did not do any benefit gigs in support of the miners. Joe Strummer was taken aback and slightly embarrassed by Jim’s onslaught. By the end of the conversation Joe suggested that the band call into Jim’s shop the next day and do a gig. The following day, with Joe Strummer standing on the counter, the band rewarded Selectadisc punters with a magnificent performance.




One young man also enjoyed the show but clearly did not realise he had just witnessed a performance by one of rocks greatest ever bands. When the gig had finished he approached Joe Strummer and introduced himself as the social secretary of Clarendon College. He told Joe that he was most impressed with the band’s performance, especially some of the cover versions of Clash songs. He told Joe that he was looking for a good group to play The Colleges ball and was willing to give Joe £100 if they were prepared to play. Jim can’t recall Joe’s exact answer but remembers it did contain the words F*** and Off.




Sadly Selectadisc closed in 2009








The books of Graham Jones are available in record shops or online. The latest book The Vinyl Revival and the Shops That Made it Happen' has been turned in to a film. It is released on 13 April on DVD and is available in record shops. Distributed by Proper Music.
 www.thevinylrevivalfilm.com
@Revival_Vinyl
For film screenings and talks contact Graham at graham@lastshopstanding.co.uk



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