Burning Spear opened?

updated 7 Jul 2008 - new recording came into circulation
updated 25 December - punters comments added
updated 28 March 2016 - full review
updated June 2024 added review

Audio 1 - extended upgraded vers.

cdr - muddy/very poor - Sound 1+ - 91min - low? - tracks 25

Audio to follow

Sound quality

The only circulating recording of this gig came into circulation only in 2008 but unfortunately has very poor sound quality. It is at least an analogue copy off the master which must have been from inferior sound quality equipment. Not awful but it has a muddy, distant, with little range or top end. Bass and drums are largely a blur but there is some clarity on vocals and guitars.

Philadelphia for 2 nights

The Clash were next in action in Philadelphia for 2 nights at The Class of 1923 Arena; the skating rink of the University of Pennsylvania.

White Riot back on the setlist

The set lists for both nights differ a lot, this night the audience were treated unusually to White Riot. On the usual assumption the band played this to close a memorable show and to reward the audience we can conclude this was quite a night.  The audience sound very enthusiastic and singing along to the songs. Joe is certainly more voluble (reaching out to the audience at the start) than the last circulating gig at the Stanley Theater where he barely uttered a word to the audience. Similarly though tonight the band bang out the songs fast and with great energy; Joe sounds to be in good vocal form so it’s a shame the recording is so poor.   

Tonight the Clash Played the first of two nights at the Penn Rink in Philadelphia PA on the 26th of August 1982 as part of the Clashís Combat Rock US Tour ( Burning Spear were the Support band on both of these nights)

'The Clash' : Unredeemed punk rock

82 08 27 The Philadelphia Inquirer Fri (26th rev)

Did you go? Comments, info welcome...

Info, articles, reviews, comments or photos welcome.
Please email blackmarketclash

Completely blown away!

Jeff Dove : … back then, the Class of 23 Ice Rink was occasionally used for concerts as well as ice skating, and the Clash had outgrown the Tower but was not ready for the Spectrum.  My friend Jim Martini, his brother Chris and I went not knowing what to expect, and were completely blown away!  … they tore through selected hits from Combat Rock, with the core being the best of London Calling and Sandinista...a great show and just sorry we waited so long to see them. http://jeffconcerts.blogspot.co.uk/1982/08/the-clash-at-univ-of-pennsylvania-class.html

One of the highlights of my life

Mike in PA : … Hi, I came across your sight by accident, but I do have a little input. I was at the Aug.26 1982 show at Penn Rink in Philadelphia.

I remember two things. Burning Spear was very late in arriving in Philly. The Clash decided to wait for them. It resulted in the Clash starting about 2 hours late. Also, the sound was very poor. We were unable to tell one song from another for the most part. Having said all this, I can still say, even being one month away from my 50th birthday, that I did see the Clash and it is still one of the highlights of my life. Mike in PA

A recording of the show only circulated in 2008 but unfortunately it has a poor sound and is only for those who were there or collectors only.

Setlist

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

For a Few Dollars More London Calling The Leader Know Your Rights Spanish Bombs Guns of Brixton Train in Vain Rock the Casbah White Man in Hammersmith Palais This is Radio Clash Police on My Back Call Up I'm So Bored with the USA Magnificent 7 Career Opportunities Somebody Got Murdered Brand New Cadilac Clampdown Armagideon Time Should I Stay or Should I Go Janie Jones Straight to Hell Jimmy Jazz I Fought the Law White Riot