Back in 1977, Star Wars was illuminating cinemas, Vagabonds CC were crowned Carnival champions of Bridgwater and The Clash were leading the punk parade.

And 25 years on, Joe Strummer, front man for the punk rock legends, arrived in the town with his band The Mescaleros to perform at a packed Palace gig.

Teenage Nu-Metal fans mingled with those who still look fondly on the days of safety pins and mohican hair to hail the evergreen hero whose music has influenced a procession of bands over the years.

There was a wait before the original Clash hits were banged out though, with two Sedgemoor bands taking centre stage to warm up an expectant crowd.

First up were The Visitors, a three-piece folk rock outfit made unique by six-string bass riffs and vocals demonstrating what Belle and Sebastian would sound like if they drank cider.

Their haunting tunes were still ringing in the minds of the crowd when The Vibra-Kings stomped in with their brand of no-nonsense blues rock.

Roaring, spot-on vocals, right musicianship, and a smattering of slide guitar put a now heaving Palace audience in just the mood for Mr. Strummer's entrance.

As Phil Shepherd - who helped arrange the event in aid of the Engine Room media centre being developed in Bridgwater High Street - introduced the main act, no less than six musicians took the stage.

At first the sheer energy of Joe was in danger of being overshadowed by his band, as members showed their versatility by swapping guitars for keyboard, violin vocals and percussion for the flute.

But as the night drew on, the dance floorturned into a mass of jumping fans having the time of their life and the punk guitars started to take over.

"I Fought the Law and the Law Won" sang Joe, but tonight he certainly looked victorious and dealt with one heckling incident swiftly and comprehensively to the cheers of the crowd. Plenty of Mescaleros numbers also featured during the evening and an Iggy Pop and the Stooges cover version went down especially well, but inevitably nostalgia won the day as Clash songs earned the biggest applause.

"There was no spitting tonight." Joe told me after the gig, admitting he was very tired but had time to sing the praises of the town.

"The tour is going all over the place but it is great to be here as I know Bridgwater well."

"I have experienced two Black Fridays and love the Carnival. It is good to help out with the Engine Room for the town - I am really into films myself."