Rocking Against Racism

New club night launched, but without anticipated Doherty appearance

08 Feb 2008 - Rumours that Pete Doherty would perform at the inaugural Rock Against Racism London club night were dashed on Friday (8 Feb).

But that didn’t stop an impressive number of club goers, pleasure-seekers and social activists from turning up to support Rebels, Roots & Rockers – the first of a monthly run of music and social awareness nights set up by the Rock Against Racism organisation.

Jerry Dammers delivered a hearty ‘punky reggae’ DJ set in one section of the JAMM venue while live performances from The Krak (featuring, ironically, former Babyshambles drummer Gemma Clarke), The Mentalists, The Thirst and headliners The Others rocked the larger adjoining room.

To be fair, Pete was never officially confirmed on the bill, but hopes of his arrival were fuelled by his association with Brixton four-piece The Thirst.

The quartet met the Babyshambles frontman after working with producer Jake Fior.

That led to some informal sessions that they hope will result in material appearing on their debut album and Pete’s solo set.

"We didn’t know about this until we read about it in the paper yesterday."
Mensah from The Thirst on the Pete rumours

But speaking before they took to the stage, The Thirst’s singer/guitarist Mensah denied that the band had started the rumours for their own benefit: “We didn’t know about this until we read about it in the paper yesterday. We were like, oh, ok! We didn’t even know what was going on.”

Rebels, Roots & Rockers is one of a number of events that will mark the 30 ^th anniversary of Rock Against Racism’s 1978 Victoria Park carnival when 100,000 people marched from Trafalgar Square to Hackney in opposition of the National Front. Marchers then watched performances from The Clash, Tom Robinson and Steel Pulse.

Before welcoming each band to the stage tonight, host Geoff Martin reminded the audience of RAR’s legacy.

He told 6 Music News that 2008’s run of commemorative events were all-important: “Bands really want to be associated with this sort of campaign because they know how important it is.

“We’re trying to rekindle some of that energy and enthusiasm that created Rock Against Racism in the carnival 30 years ago.”

Jacqueline Springer