Gig Reviews - July 7, 2002 Embarcadero Park - San Diego, CA

Embarcadero Park is located right on the San Diego harbor going out to the Pacific Ocean. This made for a brilliant sunny day which got darker and colder as the evening moved in which was in the middle of the Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros set. The park was a little penninsula with a boardwalk on the outside of a green fence erected for the show. Some onlookers were not deterred however and sat in trees outside the fence, watching the show for free. With sail boats in the crystal water and a light warm breeze blowing in Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros took the stage for their final performance of the west coast shows.

"Shaktar Donetsk" was the opener and was not a bad performance. This was followed by "Rudie Can't Fail" and a very rocking version of "Mega Bottle Ride". The use of tambourines and shakers throughout the set really enhances their on-stage performance. We were then treated to a surprise number from "Global A Go-Go" - "Bhindi Bhagee". This was an excellent performance with Joe counting on his fingers, naming off the different types of food. Tymon's fiddle makes this song what it is and his performance was impressive.

The middle of the set was similar with a great version of "Quarter Pound of I'cense" which unfortunately lost it's intensity when the sound crew for another band began banging on a bass drum (on the stage right next to theirs) the minute Joe was down on his knees whispering the chorus. "White Man in Hammersmith Palais" was followed by "London's Burning", a tune which hadn't been seen in the Hootenanny performances.

Two more Clash songs followed, "I Fought the Law" and "Police on my Back". Apparently "Walk on the Wild Side" had to be taken off due to a broken sax. Because of this, we were treated to the excellent closer of "Yalla Yalla". The day was perfect for a song like this which seemed to capture the mood of the surrounding scenery. This moving number captured the imagination of the crowd who refused to leave for a while and continued to chant "Joe! Joe! Joe!" for another ten minutes. Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros left the stage but not before he turned to the mic saying "See you South California in the fall!" which is good news for everyone who went and everyone who didn't. Those who can should go check out one of their shows. It's more than just a gig, it's an experience.

- The Web Princess

For pictures of this show go to my Pics page!