White Riot Tour with the Buzzcocks, Slits and Subway Sect

updated 5 Sept 2008 - added posters
updated May 2021 added second poster,
updated Jan 2024 added better poster

No known audio or video

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Radio interview

not in circulation, does it still exist?
"After the gig myself and my friend went backstage and he interviewed the Clash for a local radio station in Swansea." See below.

Poster

"I was such a fan back then. I was the first one through the door at the top of the stairs and took the large black poster off the wall as I went in. I rolled it up and guarded it with my life as I braced my knees against the stage and suffered the pogoing punks in my back as Subway Sect played their set."

Swansea University

The Clash performed at Swansea University on May 16, 1977, as part of their historic 'White Riot' tour [4][6].

This tour was a significant moment in punk history, taking the punk movement to areas that were previously unexposed to it [6]. The Clash, known for their rebellious spirit, were joined by other bands such as The Buzzcocks, The Slits, and Subway Sect [9].

Swansea University foundation stone was laid by King George V on July 19, 1920, and it opened its doors to 89 students that same year[2]. By 1960, a large-scale development program was underway, which included the construction of the Maths and Science Tower and College House, later renamed Fulton House [3].

The building, Fulton House, is still standing and continues to serve as a central hub for Swansea University[3].

the place went wild when The Clash came on

[Nigel Drean, Swansea] ... I have a couple of images of Clash Tour Posters from 16th May 1977 when they played Swansea University refectory.

I was such a fan back then. I was the first one through the door at the top of the stairs and took the large black poster off the wall as I went in. I rolled it up and guarded it with my life as I braced my knees against the stage and suffered the pogoing punks in my back as Subway Sect played their set.

As if that wasn't mad enough, the place went wild when The Clash came on. Top gig. I sold the posters when times were tight and would gladly sell my mother to get them back.

I also went to Bristol on 9th July 1978 and watched them in the Locarno. Another superb gig.

The Coventry Specials kicked off the evening with their unique two tone sound and then Joe Strummer had to come on stage to tell the idiots who were throwing glasses and stuff at SUICIDE to stop or the Clash wouldn't play.

I may be a saddo but I really enjoyed Suicide.

As we waited for the Clash, Terry Hall and I sat next to each other on one of the school dining tables beside the stage and chatted about their life on the road. Terry gave me a handful of those black Clash target badges that were floating around on the tour.

After the gig myself and my friend went backstage and he interviewed the Clash for a local radio station in Swansea.

My friends and I were so impressed with Suicide that we told them and they put us on the Guestlist for their headlining gig at the Marquee in London a few days later.

In Wardour Street, we again met Alan Vega and Martin Rev backstage and chatted for ages with them and the Clash lads who were also in that tiny dressing room behind the Marquee's stage. What I would give for a couple of photos backstage that night.

The only other time that I chatted to any of the Clash was Topper at 'The Last Night at the Nashville' in london. I can't remember the date.

I don't know how useful this is but, hey, it's better to tell a story than to simply share it with the inside of your head.

cheers Nigel Drean, Swansea

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Monday, 16th May 1977 - The Clash perform at Swansea University

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