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22/11/2005

Dylan’s London Calling last night

The English leg of Bob Dylan’s current European tour is exceeding expectations: ever-changing, richly varied setlists; committed performances. Excitement all round, for lifelong supporters and the newer, fresher faces increasingly drawn to Dylan’s art.

Perhaps the biggest treat of the current London gigs was last night’s bombshell – Dylan’s performance of London Calling, The Clash anthem. Phil Davis, who’s reporting the five London shows exclusively on The Dylan Daily, wondered whether it was a tribute to London or to the recently departed Clash frontman, Joe Strummer.

Who knows? But listen very carefully to London Calling, the title track on the classic Clash album – a must-have in every decent rock collection – and it’s not difficult to see why Dylan would approve.

Few rock songs follow Dylan’s lead as closely as London Calling. It takes a big theme - post-nuclear Apocalyptic breakdown – and explores a London survivor’s response. And it does it in the context of a powerful rock tune. Remind you of anyone?


Gerry Smith

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