“I wanted to put class politics back on the agenda.”
Joe Strummer’s 1988 Rock Against The Rich tour was a direct response to social inequality in Thatcher’s Britain. The tour supported the anarchist group Class War, with proceeds aimed at working-class projects and raising awareness about gentrification and the so-called “yuppie invasion” of traditional neighbourhoods. The tour’s run-up to National Anti-Yuppie Day in September 1988 underscored its anti-establishment message. Strummer explained his motives simply: “I wanted to put class politics back on the agenda.”
Strummer was joined by The Latino Rockabilly War, a new backing band featuring members of The Untouchables and The Circle Jerks. Sets included raw versions of The Clash classics and material from the soundtrack of Permanent Record. Support acts like World Domination Enterprises, Chelsea, and local bands appeared at many shows. Venues ranged from clubs to city halls—including The Tower, Hull and the planned but cancelled Confettis, Derby—highlighting the tour’s grassroots spirit. Tickets were often affordable to encourage young and working-class fans.
The tour faced frequent controversy and resistance. Some local councils and venue owners refused bookings, as in Dundee’s Caird Hall, citing the tour’s political stance and security concerns. One council official noted, “The Caird Hall has a certain status… this particular booking did not fall within one of those categories.” In Derby, promoters cancelled a show nine days before due to slow ticket sales and Class War’s reputation for endorsing “direct action” and publishing provocative headlines. The press was divided: some celebrated Strummer’s return to activism, while others called the tour dangerously radical. For period coverage, see this NME feature.
The tour’s impact went beyond attendance figures. Strummer later reflected, “I hadn’t realised how feeble everything else had become until we started again. There’s a limit to what you can learn in four days so we just go in there, bash hell out of it and try to rock it up.”Rock Against The Rich reestablished Strummer as a politically committed artist, inspiring future generations of musicians to mix activism with performance. The tour remains a key moment in the legacy of The Clash and British punk’s social conscience. See JoeStrummer.com and The Guardian’s Clash archives for retrospectives.
Telegraph and Argus, News, NMA for Milton, 15 April 1988, p.12
NMA for Milton
AMNESTY International's Festival Of Youth at Milton Keynes Bowl on June 18 and 19 now features New Model Army. Other acts confirmed to appear include Big Audio Dynamite, Midge Ure, Joe Strummer and The Men They Couldn't Hang. There is an Amnesty pledgeline, telephone number 0898 400500, and contributions can be rung in between 9am and 9pm seven days a week.
The Northern Echo (Yorkshire edition), News, Strummer and The Clash, 22 April 1988, p.23
Strummer and The Clash
Photo: Strummer and The Clash
★ Joe Strummer, ex of The Clash, has announced a series of summer tour dates under the banner Rock Against the Rich. He’ll be at Newcastle Mayfair on August 10 with backing group Latino-Rockabilly War Band.
★ Continuing on the same theme, The Clash have re-released another of their early singles. This time it’s the 1979 anthem London Calling, with Brand New Cadillac and Rudie Can’t Fail on the B side.
Peter Holt, Evening Standard, Entertainment, Ad Lib, 26 April 1988, p.41
Joe Strummer returns to live action
Joe Strummer, formerly of The Clash, returns to live action with his Latino Rockabilly War band. Their first London date will be on Thursday at The Town & Country Club in Kentish Town. Strummer’s band includes ex Big Audio Dynamite members Greg Roberts and Dan Donovan plus Zulu guitarist Leo Williams and Stevie Nieve of Elvis Costello’s Attractions on keyboards.
The band’s set features old Clash favourites as well as new material and songs from the soundtrack of the Alex Cox film Walker in which Strummer appeared. Also scheduled for the club are Spear of Destiny tomorrow and 10,000 Maniacs on Saturday.
The Daily Telegraph, Entertainment, Gigs Guide, 14 May 1988, p.46
Gig Guide: Joe Strummer and the Latino Rockabilly War
Joe Strummer, the ex-leader of The Clash, appears with his new band, The Latino Rockabilly War, at The Town and Country Club in Kentish Town tonight. Strummer and his band will be performing songs from the soundtrack of Walker, as well as Clash classics and new material.
The Town and Country Club, Kentish Town Road, NW5. 7.30pm. Tickets £5.50 in advance, £6.50 on the door.
Liverpool Echo, Entertainment, Gig Listings, 2 June 1988, p.28
Joe Strummer in Liverpool
Joe Strummer, former frontman of The Clash, brings his new group, The Latino Rockabilly War, to Liverpool Royal Court next week. The band, whose line-up includes Zulu and ex-Big Audio Dynamite musicians, will perform tracks from Walker and new material, plus Clash classics. Liverpool Royal Court, Friday, June 10. Tickets £5.50 in advance, £6.50 at the door.
Hull Daily Mail, Entertainment, Live Music, 11 June 1988, p.12
Joe Strummer: Clash of the Past, Band of the Future
Joe Strummer, ex-The Clash frontman, appears at Hull City Hall on Wednesday with his new group, The Latino Rockabilly War. The band’s set features music from the soundtrack of Walker, along with several Clash numbers and brand new material. Hull City Hall, Wednesday, June 15. Tickets £5.50 in advance, £6.50 on the door.
The Guardian, Arts, Joe Strummer's tour, 21 June 1988, p.3
Joe Strummer's tour
Joe Strummer, formerly of The Clash, appears at Town & Country Club, London NW5, tonight with his band, Latino Rockabilly War. The group, including former members of Big Audio Dynamite, will perform material from Walker as well as classic Clash tracks and new songs. Town & Country Club, London, tonight. Tickets £6.50 at the door.
Daily Echo, What's On, Strummer at the Gaumont, 22 June 1988, p.33
Strummer at the Gaumont
Joe Strummer, who made his name with The Clash, brings his band, The Latino Rockabilly War, to the Southampton Gaumont tonight. The band, whose line-up includes ex-Big Audio Dynamite and Zulu musicians, will play songs from Walker as well as Clash classics and new material. Southampton Gaumont, tonight. Tickets £6.50 at the door.
Dorset Echo, What's On, Strummer plays Weymouth, 23 June 1988, p.8
Strummer plays Weymouth
Joe Strummer, former lead singer with The Clash, appears with his band, Latino Rockabilly War, at Weymouth Pavilion tomorrow night. The band will perform songs from the film Walker as well as Clash classics and new material. Weymouth Pavilion, tomorrow, 8pm. Tickets £6.50 on the door.
Rhondda Leader, News, "STRUMMER IN TUNE: Joe Strummer in South Wales", 23 June 1988, p.7
STRUMMER IN TUNE: Joe Strummer in South Wales
STRUMMER IN TUNE: Joe Strummer comes to South Wales on July 28 with an appearance at the Swansea Marina Nightspot. He will be joined by the Latino Rockabilly War.
The Guardian, News, "JOE STRUMMER AND THE LATINO ROCKABILLY WAR", 23 June 1988, p.22
JOE STRUMMER AND THE LATINO ROCKABILLY WAR
JOE STRUMMER AND THE LATINO ROCKABILLY WAR
New gutsy band blending Latin with urban rock starring former Clash frontman and his new band. The Fridge Town Hall Parade, Brixton Hill SW2 (01-326 5100) 8.00, £5, concs £4. Tube/BR: Brixton.
The Northern Echo (Yorkshire edition), News, "Joe Strummer brings tour to Newcastle", 24 June 1988, p.31
Joe Strummer brings tour to Newcastle
★Joe Strummer brings his Rock Against the Rich tour to Newcastle Mayfair on August 10, supported by The Latino Rockabilly War, who also play on his new single, Trash City.
No byline, Southern Daily Echo, Singles, Trash City – Joe Strummer, 9 July 1988, p.19
SINGLES
Trash City – Joe Strummer (Epic)
SINGLES
Trash City – Joe Strummer (Epic):
1988 looks set to be Strummer’s year. As his former Clashmate Mick Jones slips into BAD dull pop music old Joe proves here he can still cut it. A great comeback single. Catch him at Southampton Mayfair on July 24.
No byline, [Source/Periodical Unknown], Green Wedge Benefit with Joe Strummer and Guests, [Date Unknown], [page unknown]
GREEN WEDGE BENEFIT WITH JOE STRUMMER AND GUESTS
GREEN WEDGE BENEFIT WITH JOE STRUMMER AND GUESTS
More consciousness-raising from the ecological awareness organisation featuring the ex-Clash lynch-pin plus flamenco duo Eduardo and Antonio, folkies The Wise Monkeys and stand-ups Tony Allen and Mark Thomas.
Fountain Leisure Centre 658 Chiswick High Rd TW8 (01-994 9506) Today 8.00. £5. Tube: Gunnersbury.
STAR GIG:JOE Strummer plays The Bierkeller on Monday as part of the anarchist group Class War’s Rock Against The Rich tour to raise money for "anti-yuppie activities in the East End of London."
The former Clash frontman has taken a fair bit of stick in the national press over his association with Class War, so expect some pent up frustration to let loose in what promises to be a blistering performance.
Liverpool Echo, Feature, Promise of a great future, 21 July 1988, p.28
Promise of a great future, support band Western Promise
Photo: Western Promise performing live
Promise of a great future
NOW FOR the good news. Western Promise have reformed!
"It just seemed the right thing to do," John McGlone told me.
"We are now stronger than ever. I think going off in different directions has benefited us. We are a lot more experienced now and the band’s line-up is stronger than before."
The group took over two coachloads to Sheffield recently to appear on the Joe Strummer tour — and the night was an inspirational success.
MORE GIGS BEING PLANNED
"Honestly, I don’t think any of us really knew how good it was going to be. It was brilliant. We really brought the show to a standstill."
More Strummer gigs are now being planned and the band are hoping to have vinyl out shortly.
In the meantime, you can check out just what John is raving about at a special benefit gig at the Red Triangle Club in Croxteth’s Altcross Road.
Solent Advertiser, News Brief, Rock Against the Rich tour Southampton, 22 July 1988, p.4
THE controversial Rock Against the Rich tour hits Southampton this week
THE controversial Rock Against the Rich tour hits Southampton this week when Class War brings Joe Strummer (ex frontman with The Clash) to the Mayfair, Court Road on Sunday evening. He'll be backed by local band Flik Spatula and reggae act One Style.
The Kilmarnock Standard, Blam Blam in Glasgow, 22 July 1988, p.10
Blam Blam in Glasgow
BLAM BLAM Y.C. have secured a smashin' supporting role at the Joe Strummer gig at Glasgow Barrowland on Sunday, 7th August.
The Ayrshire band now have the ideal opportunity to promote their debut single, released last week. It's Roller Coasting Barbie and the Dumb Angels.
The Blams are: Alan 'Stoker' Barry; Graham 'Mayhem' Sanderson; Ewan 'Mole' Grant; Isobel Climie and Debbie Hutcheson. Trash Records in Ayr are organising a bus to the Strummer concert.
South Wales Evening Post, Concert cancelled, 28 July 1988, p.24
Concert cancelled
TONIGHT’S ‘Rock Against the Rich’ concert at the Marina Nitespot, Swansea, has been cancelled at the last minute. Organisers apologised to the 800 people they were expecting to travel to see Joe Strummer, formerly of the Clash, perform at the Adelaide Street venue.
“The nightclub pulled out of the gig yesterday, so there is nothing we can do. We are hoping to rearrange the concert for later in the year,” said a spokesman. No one was available for comment at the Marina.
Birmingham Evening Mail, Gig preview, Joe Strummer at Powerhouse, 29 July 1988, p.32
TUESDAY: Joe Strummer (Powerhouse)
TUESDAY: Joe Strummer (Powerhouse): No clash of interests here as Strummer heads the Rock Against The Rich tour with a return to his rock'n'roll basics — mostly from the bitterly angry Permanent Record album.
The taster Trash City single almost lived up to its name, but expect more action and energy in live performance, along with a couple of Clash oldies like London Calling and I Fought The Law. Strictly no yuppies.
The Independent, Listings, Joe Strummer & The Latino Rockabilly War, 30 July 1988, p.32
Joe Strummer & The Latino Rockabilly War
Joe Strummer & The Latino Rockabilly War Spurious 'Rock Against The Rich' crusade fronted by ex-Clash frontman Joe Strummer. Tue Birmingham Powerhouse.
The Guardian, Listings, Nottingham Joe Strummer, 3 August 1988, p.37
NOTTINGHAM JOE STRUMMER
Ex-Clash lynch-pin plays this Rock Against The Rich benefit with his new band Latino Rockabilly War and a local supporting cast. Rock City Talbot Street (0602-412544) 8.00, £4.
The Journal, Listings, Enjoy a politically sound evening, 5 August 1988, p.5
Enjoy a politically sound evening
● ENJOY a politically sound evening with ex-Clash frontman Joe Strummer appearing with his new band at the Newcastle Mayfair on their Rock Against The Rich tour, on Wednesday, August 10. Money raised will go to numerous left wing organisations.
No byline, The Independent, Listings, 6 August 1988, p.30
Joe Strummer & The Latino Rockabilly War
Joe Strummer & The Latino Rockabilly War Former Clash guitarist continues on his self-styled Rock Against The Rich tour (from a chap who can't be short of a bob or two, Strummer's anti-yuppie crusade seems strangely flawed). Tonight Bradford Queens Hall; Sun Glasgow Barrowlands Ballroom.
● Pounding out his message . . . ex-Clash man Joe Strummer.
★ Politics and pop have been uneasy bedfellows since the heady days of Rock Against Racism in the late seventies.
Punk was the driving force behind that movement and it's hardly surprising that ex-Clash frontman Joe Strummer is spearheading this year's Rock Against The Rich.
In between, there's been no change in Government, a watering down of opinions through music and the emergence of multi-band mega-gigs.
Rock Against The Rich is a very different kind of beast, backed by the openly controversial Class War magazine, which advocates anything from anarchy to a rejection of the Yuppie ideal.
Where your admission money for tomorrow night's stop at The Tower goes is anyone's guess.
Strummer's band, Latino Rockabilly War, are reportedly a return to the form of The Clash in their heyday, while local support Death By Milkfloat have enough punch to make Mike Tyson dizzy.
Completing the bill are Hackney reggae outfit One Style.
Middleton and North Manchester Guardian, 12 August 1988, p.23
Strummer in town
EX-Clash frontman Joe Strummer puts some very forgettable film performances behind him tonight when he returns to Manchester to play at The International.
Also appearing at the club, on the 13 August, are Irish band In Tua Nua.
Joe Strummer packed the place on his Rock Against The Rich tour last year. The Seers, Onslaught and The Coltraines all filled The Bierkeller in an outstanding pre-Christmas week of local gigs.
The Searching have been signed for a special deal - all thanks to the Godfather of punk Joe Strummer.
The local boys contacted Strummer to try and get a slot on the Rock Against The Rich tour and although he couldn't help he was so impressed with their tape that he passed it on to the WWV label who have signed them for a short deal.
It will mean they are featured on a special compilation out now called 'Yup In Flames' and it also means that the band will be releasing a special four-track single early next year. The band are delighted with the news and are now looking forward to promoting their part on the new collection at the Rock Garden and Dingwalls and at their home base of Tamworth Arts Centre later this year.
Joe Strummer, International Two, Plymouth Grove, Longsight, Manchester
Joe Strummer, International Two, Plymouth Grove, Longsight, Manchester. Saturday, £6. Mick Jones, his former partner in The Clash, played recently with BAD. Now Clash fans can compare and contrast, but the famous Strummer passion for all forms of straight-from-the-hip music is sure not to have faded.
Gilles Smith, The Independent, Features, Concert Review, 12 October 1989, p.36
JOE STRUMMER
JOE STRUMMER
Last summer the former Clash singer set out on the fairly unequivocal "Rock Against The Rich" tour, where he sounded pretty fed up about everything. This time he is promoting a solo album. And he still sounds pretty fed up about everything.
Tonight,Fri London Town & Country; Sat Liverpool Royal Court; Mon Brighton Top Rank; Tue Cardiff University.
There is the chance to check out ex-Clash members at Liverpool’s Royal Court soon.
For Joe Strummer appears on July 15 and three nights later Big Audio Dynamite (above) will be on stage.
The Strummer gig oozes street cred’ as Rocking Against The Rich is the cause and The La’s are support, while the BAD bash is ‘just for the hell of it.’
Bristol Evening Post, 16 July 1988, page 14. By Richard Jones.
Popstyle - Star Gig
JOE Strummer plays The Bierkeller on Monday as part of the anarchist group Class War’s Rock Against The Rich tour to raise money for “anti-yuppie activities in the East End of London.”
The former Clash frontman has taken a fair bit of stick in the national press over his association with Class War, so expect some pent up frustration to let loose in what promises to be a blistering performance.
Dundee, The Courier and Advertiser, Thursday, April 21, 1988, page 12
Strummer’s post-Clash soundtrack path
JOE STRUMMER, the punk rock hero or villain depending on your viewpoint, is to be the main man in a national tour which hits Dundee later this year.
Joe's distinctive vocal talents—similar to a bull with bronchitis—have recently been back in the charts with the re-issue of the Clash classic "I Fought the Law," taken from "The Story of The Clash Volume One" compilation.
He's also worked on the soundtrack for Alex Cox's film "Walker," but his latest move is far closer to the original Clash dictum of music-and-politics-can-mix.
The subtly-named Rock Against The Rich Tour visits the Caird Hall on August 12, continuing a string of dates which have been launched to help communities in Britain's inner cities.
Alongside Joe will be London band World Domination Enterprises, who recently released a very noisy debut L.P., and Chelsea.
Local bands have also been invited to join in—those interested should ring 01-981-8351 or 01-229-8541.
Daily Record [Glasgow], 16 Apr. 1988, p. 20. Billy Sloan. "The big nights for Joe to rock the rich."
The big nights for Joe to rock the rich
VOCALS BY BILLY SLOAN
The big nights for Joe to rock the rich
YUPPIES look out . . . Joe Strummer, the ex-Clash singer, is coming to get you.
Joe has just confirmed a string of concert dates on his Rock Against The Rich tour, launched to help working class communities in Britain's inner-cities.
And his tour schedule includes two Scottish gigs – at Glasgow Barrowland on August 7 and Dundee Caird Hall on August 12.
LIMITS
Joe says: "I believe in rock 'n' roll because it speaks beyond commercial limits.
And I believe that something should be done about these property developers who are driving real people out of the city centre.
Somebody's got to protect the folk who can't afford to pay these ridiculous house prices. There's gotta be a stop to it."
On the tour, Joe will be joined by different bands and local acts at each venue.
Among the groups who have already pledged their support to the 'Rock Against The Rich' cause are World Domination Enterprises and Chelsea.
The tour climaxes with a London concert on September 10, which has been named 'Anti-Yuppie Day'.
It will be the first time Joe has performed live since he popped up playing guitar on The Pogues recent British tour.
He's also written the musical score for Alex Cox's new movie Walker, and is scheduled to pen the soundtrack for the American film Permanent Record.
SMASH
And with renewed interest in his career, thanks to the incredible success of the greatest hits compilation The Story Of The Clash Volume 1 – which spawned the Top 40 smash I Fought The Law – there's bound to be a rush for tickets for the gigs in Glasgow and Dundee.
See you there – and remember, leave your Filofax at home.
Shields Gazette (Durham), Saturday, May 28, 1988, page 12
This is war on class
An extreme-left political group, aiming to force Yuppies out of prestige housing developments, is to bring a concert tour to Tyneside.
Class War, which wants to “eject the rich parasites from our cities and communities,” has organised the gig at Newcastle’s Mayfair on July 10.
And fronting the show will be ex-Clash singer, Joe Strummer, recently back in the charts with I Fought the Law.
The tour, called Rock Against the Rich, will send money raised to Doncaster sacked miners, P&O strikers, and the Association of Island Communities, who are fighting housing developments on London’s Isle of Dogs.
Strummer can hardly be the poorest of pop stars, having seen a Clash compilation album go top ten earlier this year.
Class War admitted he had money, but said reports of his own Yuppie lifestyle, including a nanny for his child, were “a fallacy.”
There is the chance to check out ex-Clash members at Liverpool’s Royal Court soon.
For Joe Strummer appears on July 15 and three nights later Big Audio Dynamite (above) will be on stage.
The Strummer gig oozes street cred’ as Rocking Against The Rich is the cause and The La’s are support, while the BAD bash is ‘just for the hell of it.’
Bristol Evening Post, 16 July 1988, page 14. By Richard Jones.
Popstyle - Star Gig
JOE Strummer plays The Bierkeller on Monday as part of the anarchist group Class War’s Rock Against The Rich tour to raise money for “anti-yuppie activities in the East End of London.”
The former Clash frontman has taken a fair bit of stick in the national press over his association with Class War, so expect some pent up frustration to let loose in what promises to be a blistering performance.
Derby Express, No. 107, July 7, 1988, page 1. Exclusive by Neil Brookes.
'CLASS WAR' SHOW AXED
LEISURE giant Mecca has scrapped a gig in aid of an anarchist group at its glitzy Derby nightspot Confettis.
The entertainments empire this week pulled the plug on the Rock Against The Rich concert, saying that with nine days to go to advance, ticket sales were "not 200".
Profits from the rock—former Clash member Joe Strummer—go to the Class War group for distribution to working-class communities who are engaged in the class struggle.
Fledgling
The Confettis gig on July 14 was set to be the first major overt show for the fledgling Derby Class War group, which started about three months ago.
Class War's charter of aims and principles includes:
1) The destruction of capitalism & the oppression of all states including communist ones, through political action.
2) Supporting working class violence, to seize control of the world from the ruling class.
A chief activity of Class War is selling its newspaper of the same name.
The latest issues has a story on fire bomb attacks on police with "Nice One!" printed below, and another on the "bothered blue line".
It reads: "More good news... a remarkable 17,000 coppers got a good hiding last year, that's a magnificent increase of 20 per cent on the year before."
A Derby Class War spokesman said: "Looking back in history, struggles have been violent. We don't say we wouldn't support violence in that situation."
But Mecca insisted the concert was scrapped on purely economic grounds.
Their entertainments spokesman said: "It's unlikely they are going to meet the guarantee of 200 tickets sold. The concert will now not take place."
Dundee, The Courier and Advertiser, 5 July 1988, p. 4.
Rock concert was deemed unsuitable for Caird Hall
A PLANNED appearance by a rock tour currently going round the country called, "Rock Against the Rich" has been deemed as unsuitable for the Caird Hall and was refused permission to play there.
The tour is sponsored by the political group Class War, dedicated to preventing "yuppies" from encroaching into traditional working class areas of London, the Docklands and the East End, being prime examples.
Headlining the tour is former Clash frontman Joe Strummer, and his new band, with 30-plus dates planned around the country.
They were to be supported by Wilderness Children.
Miss Patricia McIlquham, director of administration with Dundee District Council, explaining the decision not to allow the tour to play the Caird Hall said, "The Caird Hall has a certain status where certain things are allowed to appear and certain things are not."
"It is not a case of it being banned. Several other factors came into play.
"This particular booking did not fall within one of those categories—that is all there is to it. There was nothing discriminatory about it.
"If they want to pursue it, it would be put up to the council for their decision."
Leader of the administration, Mrs Mary Ward said yesterday there was nothing political about the decision.
"It was taken at officer level and was made on the basis of the Caird Hall being appropriate for the type of performance.
Former Clash member Joe Strummer and new chart sensation Transvision Vamp have joined the star-studded cast for Scotland's biggest-ever outdoor rock and pop show later this month.
Strummer was confirmed by charity promoters Fife Aid earlier today, along with Transvision Vamp, now at No. 15 in the singles chart with "I Want Your Love".
Although timings of artistes appearing at David Bellamy's Festival for the Future at Craigtoun Country Park, near St Andrews, on July 23 and 24 have still to be finalised, Transvision Vamp will be performing during the early part of Saturday, as will Icelandic band the Sugarcubes.
Other acts on the mainstage rostra include Marillion, Go West, Rick Wakeman, Runrig, Rose Royce, Jack Bruce, John Martyn, Osibisa, Captain Sensible, Phil Manzanera and Orquestra Luna, Andy McKay, John Whetton, Michelle Shocked, Blues 'N' Trouble, Jim Diamond, Champion Jack Dupree, Michael Chapman, Jesse Rae, Judy Carne, Julie Felix, Robin Williamson and Love And Money, who will be included in a blues jam set.
M.C.s include David Bellamy, Janice Long, Andy Kershaw, Robbie the Pict and Nick Roberts.
Tickets, priced between £8 and £15, are on sale now from normal agencies across Scotland or by mail order. Details from St Andrews (0334) 72766/72486.
FORMER Clash stalwart Joe Strummer and new chart sensation Transvision Vamp are the latest acts to join the Fife Aid extravaganza at Craigtoun Country Park at the end of next week.
Both Strummer—currently organising the Rock Against The Rich Tour—and Transvision Vamp, No. 15 in the charts with I Want Your Love, were confirmed on Wednesday by the St Andrews-based charity.
Schedules for the overall line-up have yet to be finalised, but Icelandic indie band, The Sugarcubes, will be performing during the opening hours of Saturday's show, who fly off later that day to begin their first US tour.
The addition of yet more top names has done nothing to halt the rumours circulating of who could be next. According to a Fife Aid spokesman, several mainstage slots have yet to be filled although he remained tightlipped over who was likely to fill them.
Strummer and Transvision Vamp join a host of other top acts for the two-day festival—now being labelled as the biggest charity show in Scotland's history—an announced earlier by Fife Aid.
The Stage 1 artistes roster includes Marillion, Go West, Rick Wakeman, Runrig, Rose Royce, Sugarcubes, John Martyn, Jack Bruce, Phil Manzanera and Orquestra Luna, Andy McKay, John Whetton, Michelle Shocked, Osibisa, Blues 'N' Trouble, Champion Jack Dupree, Robin Williamson, Captain Sensible, Michael Chapman, Judy Carne, Jesse Rae, Jim Diamond, Love and Money, Julie Felix, The Incurable Tam White, Lights In Fat City and Dick Heckstall Smith.
Newly onboard in the MC line-up is Radio Clyde DJ Jay Crawford. He joins Fife Aid patron David Bellamy, Janice Long, Andy Kershaw, Nick Roberts and the inimitable Robbie the Pict
Stage 2—the venue for a host of Indies acts—now boasts the Primitives. They will line up alongside the likes of Wee Free Kings, Jesse Heights Cajun Aces, Jesse Garson and the Desperadoes, The Crows and St Andrews-based Joule.
Stage 3, offering family, folk and theatrical entertainment, has now been joined by a fourth stage in the tent.
"The energy within Fife Aid is now reaching such a level," commented the charity, "by 10 p.m., everyone will just collapse in a heap," said the spokesman.
Tickets for the festival, priced between £8 and £15, are now on sale from the Tourist Information Caravan and Luvians, Cupar; The Music Shop and the Fife Aid Shop, St Andrews; Virgin, Dundee; Concorde, Perth; Sleeves, Kirkcaldy; Virgin, Dunfermline; as well as normal retail outlets across Britain.
They can also be obtained by mail order or by telephone credit card sales. Details from St Andrews 72766 / 72486.
Meanwhile, a disco is being held tonight in support of Fife Aid at the Balmullo Inn. Tickets cost £1. Steve Hackett, formerly a guitarist with supergroup Genesis, will make his first public appearance for years when he fronts his own band at Craigtoun.
Steve will be one of the first artistes on-stage on the Sunday along with Transvision Vamp and the "Supergroup", incorporating most of the performers. The first performance on the Sunday has been brought forward one hour to 11 a.m.
Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Gazette, "News File", 1 July 1988, p. 17.
News File
A FORMER punk rocker will be topping the bill at a concert to raise money for conservation groups. Joe Strummer, former member of The Clash, will be heading the benefit gig for Green Wedge, a new organisation fighting to save the environment. The concert will be at the Fountain Leisure Centre next Saturday. Tickets at £5 are available from the centre on 994 9596.
Sandwell Evening Mail, Friday 29 July 1988, p. 32. “Gig Guide.” (No author credited.)
"Viva", Gig Guide
TUESDAY: Joe Strummer (Powerhouse): No clash of interests here as Strummer heads the Rock Against The Rich tour with a return to his rock'n'roll basics — mostly from the bitterly angry Permanent Record album.
The taster Trash City single almost lived up to its name, but expect more action and energy in live performance, along with a couple of Clash oldies like London Calling and I Fought The Law. Strictly no yuppies.
South Shields Daily Gazette, Saturday 06 August 1988, page 3
Leaflet campaign
AN EXTREME left wing political group, which is soon to campaign in South Tyneside, says redevelop-ment along the Tyne is bad.
The anti-yuppie group Class War is to leaflet shoppers in South Shields during the next week.
Class War has organised a nationwide Rock Against The Rich tour with ex-Clash member Joe Strummer heading it. It comes to the Newcastle Mayfair on August 10.
The climax of the tour will be an anti yuppie day on September 10.
HULL DAILY MAIL, "Sending out a message", Monday 8 August 1988, p.18
Rock Against The Rich Comes to Hull
Politics and pop have been uneasy bedfellows since the heady days of Rock Against Racism in the late seventies.
Punk was the driving force behind that movement and it's hardly surprising that ex-Clash frontman Joe Strummer is spearheading this year's Rock Against The Rich.
In between, there's been no change in Government, a watering down of opinions through music and the emergence of multi-band mega-gigs.
Rock Against The Rich is a very different kind of beast, backed by the openly controversial Class War magazine, which advocates anything from anarchy to a rejection of the Yuppie ideal.
Where your admission money for tomorrow night's stop at The Tower goes is anyone's guessStrummer's band, Latino Rockabilly War, are reportedly a return to the form of The Clash in their heyday, while local support Death By Milkfloat have enough punch to make Mike Tyson dizzy.
Completing the bill are Hackney reggae outfit One Style.
NEWCASTLE JOURNAL, "Enjoy a politically sound evening", Friday 5 August 1988, p.5
Rock Against The Rich Tour Announcement
ENJOY a politically sound evening with ex-Clash frontman Joe Strummer appearing with his new band at the Newcastle Mayfair on their Rock Against The Rich tour, on Wednesday, August 10. Money raised will go to numerous left wing organisations.