Two of the hottest bands from the UK's DIY punk scene have come together on a joint single to celebrate the music of THE CLASH and to raise money for the Joe Strummer Foundation.
Representing the South, St Albans punkabillies THE ZIPHEADS have put their own stamp on the 1980 stand-alone single 'Bankrobber'. From the North, meanwhile, come Leeds garage trio NOSEBLEED, with their rendition of 'Train In Vain', originally the third single from the classic London Calling album.
“The Clash have always been my favourite band," says Zipheads guitarist Ray. "All the different styles and influences that shape our sound - rockabilly, reggae, punk - we discovered all of that through the Clash. We recorded this as an Albert Lee-style upbeat country number, it seemed to work!! We’re all so proud to be working with Joe Strummer Foundation and hopefully this single can help them with the all good work that they do.”
“Since I was small, I've always had the Clash in my life 'coz my dad has been into punk since it started," adds Nosebleed bassist Ben. "We're really proud to be helping the Joe Strummer Foundation and contributing to them bring music into the lives of future generations. Joe Strummer and The Clash are so important to so many people - the diversity of the sounds and influences they brought into their music is inspirational.”
All profits from the single will go to The Joe Strummer Foundation, which was set up following Joe's death in 2002 to raise money to provide opportunities to musicians and support projects around the world that create empowerment through music.
Released through Bomber music, the single is available to download from today through Bandcamp.