Newport Gig Reviews from 11-16-02 by Rich & Jamesy
Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros
TJ's
Here's one - a bloody great gig, back in one of Joe's adopted hometowns for the first time since The Pogues in (er, '91?), although judging by the truncated set-list, seemingly shorter than the other recent ones. Highlights included 'Get Down Moses', 'Police & Thieves', 'Police On My Back', and I certainly wasn't expecting 'London's Burning' (listed at the end of the setlist as 'You Know What' (!!!), but it was great to see the band up so incredibly close, as, even being front-row at the likes of Cardiff Uni, Colston Hall, Brum NEC etc. you can't beat practically being on-stage in a tiny venue like TJ's, even if like me, you spent half the night moving the monitors back and keeping mike-stands upright. - taken from the Strummer News Message board by reviewer Rich
This was a great gig - It was interesting to see them play in a small venue, even if the bass wasnt in the mix enough. Strummer was on very good form, although Slattery looked totally wasted and wasnt really in the gig as much as he usually is.It would have been nice to have had White Riot at the end as well. For those who havent heard the new material it was very good, and sounded like a big move on from xray and Global. - taken from the Strummer News Message board by reviewer jamesy