Bonds Residency, Three weeks & 17 gigs that shook up New York and America. List of support acts
last updated 20 May 2006
updated 22 May 2015 - added great soundboard audio
page updated - started May 2020
Theer have been several sources for the same material but recenlty Wolfgangs Vault released a master copy.
Audio 4
Sound 4.5 - 1hr 14mins - soundboard - 18 tracks
Audio 5 - Wolfgangs Vault
Sound 5 - !hr 40 mins - 24 tracks
Broadway
Audio 6 - DAT master
Sound 3.5 - 1hr 37mins - 24 tracks
Broadway
FHTE II
Bankrobber only - CBS/Epic Mobile - Pro Recording - Sound 5
Sources
From audience DAT master.
From the audience DAT master from the guy who recorded almost all the Bonds shows! The sound quality is therefore very similar to the others although it is perhaps a little less distant; there is a lot more chat near taper this time so perhaps the taper was nearer the stage. The sound then is of a very decent audience recording let down somewhat by the usual distance and flatness that characterise this taper’s Bonds recordings.
Recent Soundboard
A soundboard tape has surfaced (May 2015) with great sound quality and slightly longer. On par with the 9th sounboard.
8 plus minute Magnificent Seven
Having enjoyed their only day’s break at Bonds from performing the day before, the show on the 8th might have been expected to have been one of the best. In fact the band sound at times tired and uninspired; perhaps they over indulged in their R & R as Mick especially sounds somewhat out of it at times! Joe unusually is not so fired up and at times Mick sounds stoned, getting lyrics mixed up and playing out of sync with the band.
It does though make for some fascinating performances for example Magnificent Seven gets an 8 plus minute meandering treatment with Mick and Joe both adlibbing at length! The concert in contrast is one of their shortest at Bonds; with only one encore, which ends with the band charging through a great, I’m So Bored With The USA.
We now know that CBS/Epic recorded two Bonds shows. One was the 9th June (3 tracks appear on FHTE and 1 on Clash On Broadway). Thanks to the circulation of audience recordings from all 17 Bonds shows and the performance of Bankrobber on FHTE II (the tracks short listed for FHTE but not used) we now know that the 8th June concert was also recorded. All the songs from the 8th were passed over for FHTE and you would have to agree with Mick and the compilers of FHTE that the 9th June performances are better, although the Bankrobber performance on the 8th is very good. Its possible of course that the band acknowledged that their performance tonight was below par and asked for the 9th June show to be recorded too, anyone know? We can only hope that all the official live recordings from The Clash circulate one day.
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BONDS CASINO, NEW YORK Following their appearance at the Palladium in 1980 The Clash had refused to play in New York unless they could play in a venue they thought suitable, i.e. an unseated dance hall. In February, Bernie and Kosmo had come to New York to seek out a suitable venue and agreed on Bonds which seemed ideal; it could hold 4000 with minimal discomfort (fire exits would prove the problem) but it was comparatively intimate and had character (art deco interior.
History Of Bonds - includes write up and old photos It was a former men’s department store with a lino floor and beams and a makeshift stage. Local promoters could not understand why The Clash did not play a couple of nights at Madison Square Garden (16,000 capacity) like everyone else. Indeed Chris Salewicz was asked to write a piece for Soho News “to find the story behind the story!”
an excellent description of the interior of Bonds J. Blocher writing in a fanzine gives an excellent description of the interior of Bonds and the experience of seeing The Clash there: “The doors opened at 8pm, we went up a carpeted spiral staircase surrounded by barbed wire and Mooseheads. We went into a large lobby and bar, with Clash concession stands. Through a large bank of double doors we located the dance floor, strobing lights - stunning glow in the dark things, half inflated silver spacemen hanging through trap doors in the ceiling. The dance floor itself was huge with recessed balconies at 2 sides to handle the large number of techies apparently required to keep all the lights flashing and the mikes feeding back. The facilities at Bonds were dance or drop! There was absolutely no seating anywhere.”
In the photo below Bonds is the low building on the right.
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“Play the guitar Senor”
The recording starts with a guy near the taper shouting, “Get that car outta that gear yeah” just before London Calling. Thanks to repeated airplay on New York radio Magnificent Seven was no doubt better known in New York than London!
Like most shows the band warm up on London Calling but its on Safe European Home that the gig takes off; Joe and Mick shouting out the words and Mick plays some great guitar over the ending. After The Leader, Joe asks the very lively and appreciative audience, “Have you people got enough room? You must feel like a sardine, this man here”. The set list is again unaltered with Train in Vain followed by White Man in Hammersmith Palais with Joe adlibbing over the extended ending.
Joe’s guitar is very clear on a fine Radio Clash, the vocals just too distant otherwise there is plenty of clarity; an enjoyable sound. Joe’s introduction to Corner Soul is surely a reference to the spliff bunker where Joe wrote the song’s lyrics; “Here we have a roach song written in the roach motel”. Not content to churn out the same performances every night The Clash are again improvising on many of the songs tonight, even on Guns of Brixton with Mick in particular coming up with a new approach to his guitar contribution.
Topper’s drums are very clear on The Call Up; it’s a ‘straight’ run through not as inspired as the previous night’s performance. Bankrobber is fine if unexceptional. There is an edit just before Lightning Strikes, which is now shorter and Mick’s solo does not complement the song; his contribution tonight is increasingly ‘out of it’.
“Play the guitar Senor” and Mick obliges hanging out the opening notes impressively to Complete Control then Topper comes in picking up the pace then Mick’s guitar slams in into surely one of The Clash’s top three best songs. The band sound inspired again, Mick’s solo is biting and Topper drives it along, then suddenly an edit loses the ending.
The second cdr begins with Ivan Meets GI Joe, the usual low point of the shows. Illustrating Mick’s contribution tonight he is brilliant at the start of Charlie Don’t Surf but by the end of the song his playing is increasingly out of sync with his band mates and the song! Mick is very agitated about something during the song presumably having a go at someone in the audience.
Joe acknowledges that tonight’s show is not yet firing he says “Alright then that’s just the overture” and the band kick into Magnificent Seven. It’s a long 8 and a half-minute version, which meanders at times but is nevertheless fascinating as the band improvise both musically and lyrically. Mick and Joe adlib at length somewhat bizarrely with Joe for example coming out with “in Italian arriverderci or gimme some of that fettuccine” and “call me Philippe, anything it’s gonna sell.now fuck me sideways, not me copper..this is Mighty Mouse…is Diana Ross in the house? We have free vodka martinis, yes, Frank Sinatra did not turn up” Ironically its Topper who holds it altogether as Joe and Mick sound increasingly stoned!
On Broadway Mick plays some nice guitar but the band are not quite gelling together tonight. The sound quality improves half a notch halfway through. Mick sounds like he has been listening to some Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock as his one off intro to Somebody Got Murdered has a long feedback Star Spangled Banner type intro which he hangs out before Joe’s rhythm cutter guitar comes in. Mick sounds stoned getting the lyrics mixed up and again its Topper’s excellent drumming that keeps it all together. Police and Thieves gets a fine ‘straight’ run through and again its not clear whether Mick’s playing is inspired or out of it!
Clampdown ends the main set in rousing style. Mick adding to the “take the best years of your life” line “they will if you let them”. Joe adlibs over the final section as Mick repeats, “I won’t work, I don’t wanna work”
The recording fades out then into the only encore, which begins with the first performance of Pressure Drop since the Mont De Marsan Festival in August 1977! Psychedelic Mick plays the intro then Topper picks it up then Mick plays the melody. Mick and Joe are really into it and it’s a fascinating to hear the song played 81 style. Then its back to the usual encore opener, One More Time with Mick again agitated about something at the start. The performance rather loses its way amongst Mick’s effects and Joe sounds tired and uninspired but still trying to push himself. The band though do pick it up through the charge through the final three songs, Brand New Cadillac, Career Opportunities and a particularly strong I'm so Bored with the USA.
Its possible the taper did not capture a second encore but only one was played at the Saturday matinee and on the 9th so the recording is very probably complete. This is one of the weaker Bonds gigs but fascinating and enjoyable nevertheless.
Did you go? What do you remember?
Info, articles, reviews, comments or photos welcome.
Please email blackmarketclash
the best clash show I ever saw
I am a long time fan of the clash - wanted to see the clash log before my first show in 81 - but could never get there or if i got there I could not get into the show.. And it seemed to be bad fate when i went to first see the clash at the BONDS, NY,NY and the show I had tickets to was called off by the fire marshals and we were told to come back a week later.. No ,money and no ride (I live in Boston) I had to hitch a ride on the side of the road... I DID make it and it was the best clash show I ever saw... 7X total after that ..
'I saw the Clash at Bonds' - Facebook page
Popular Facebook group that recounts memories for the Bonds residency. Well worth a read.
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Joe Strummer was obviously annoyed at this, finally kicking the TV in I was lucky enough to see the Clash play twice--a great show at NYC's Palladium and one of their famous shows at Bonds. The latter show was a little lackluster, finally catching fire around halfway in--kicked off by a rousing version of Complete Control as I recall. One moment I remember clearly: a crew member put a small TV onstage so Mick Jones could watch the band perform on the Letterman show, pretaped earlier in the day. Joe Strummer was obviously annoyed at this, finally kicking the TV in. - Marlowe
greatest live band As for greatest live bands well i saw the clash in nyc when they sold too many tickets for bonds in Times Square and were obliged to play something like 2 weeks straight to honour all the tickets sold. This was the sandinista tour but the show covered every period and was quite simply amazing. Strummer got visibly pissed off when the crowd did not sing along with the obvious anthems but then you can’t expect perfection from a rock audience.Support that night was funkapolitain and the slits which blew my mind as i had no idea they were on the bill. Pearl harbour was the dj between sets.
Support acts There were a ton of opening acts at the Bonds shows, and none were memorable.
The New York Nobody Sings - Clash at Bond's reposted from my blog...
Remember When - The Clash Photos at Bonds Casino – 80s Retro Punk Rock So a few years later, when we got to do the printing for the official Clash at the Bonds Casino gig in NY City, we where ecstatic. We printed the shirts, drove them to NY City, sold them in the streets...
They Shoot Actors, Don't They? Bond's Casino
The Clash at Bonds Casino, Times Square, NYC gigs 1-3 of 17.
IT'S ALL THE STREETS YOU CROSSED NOT SO LONG AGO -The Bow-Ties that Bond BOND INTERNATIONAL CASINO--1530 Broadway, on the east side of Broadway between 44th and 45th Streets. (Often referred to as Bond's.) A short-lived discotheque most famous for hosting the "Clash on Broadway" residency in 1981,
Jo Streno Personal memories
RETRO MEMORIES The Clash at Bonds Casino, Times Square, NYC gigs 1-3 of 17.
Did you go? What do you remember? Info, articles, reviews, comments or photos welcome.
Photos
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Setlist
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London Calling |
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There are several sights that provide setlists but most mirror www.blackmarketclash.co.uk. They are worth checking.
from Setlist FM (cannot be relied on)
from Songkick (cannot be relied on)
... both have lists of people who say they went
& from the newer Concert Database and also Concert Archives
Also useful: Ultimate Music database, All Music, Clash books at DISCOGS
Articles, check 'Rocks Back Pages'
The drama of the Bonds residency
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1 2 3
5 6 7 8 9 10
12 |
The Clash arriving in New York and the build up The remainder of the residency |
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1. Background: The Clash at Bond's
Italy to New York
When The Clash landed at JFK airport in New York on the night of the 25th May 1981 they had no idea that their residency at a Broadway nightclub would create such a furore and nationwide media coverage that it became a pivotal event in their assault on America, helping to propel them into the major league Stateside. As Kosmo Vinyl has succinctly put it, “People who didn’t have straight trousers and short hair suddenly knew who we were. It got out - it was big!”. The Bonds concerts became one of the most enduring aspects of the Clash legend. ... more ...
The remainder of the press coverage once the bad had agreed to ensure all ticket holders got in by adding 8 more dates.
A collection of articles covering the bands arrival into New York including previews of the week. Also includes the WNEW preview broacast with Meg Griffin.
4. Bonds News Reports
Audio and video reports covering the ticket fiasco. Fascinating watching / listening that captures those three days well. Includes notes.
5. Ticket Fiasco
Numerous articles and audio and video reports covering the ticket fiasco.
6. The remainder of the residency
8. Longer history of Bonds plus old photos
9. Posters and adverts
Bits and pieces inclduying all adverts and posters.
10. Badges, FSLN handouts, flyers, Clash press releases ...
11. Clash on Broadway Reels
What was filmed and what happened to it?
13. Photos
Random phonts bundled here.
14. Comments
Comments for those who attended one of the gigs
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ARTICLES, POSTERS, CLIPPINGS ... A collection of A collection of articles, interviews, reviews, posters, tour dates from the Clash's residency at Bonds, New York. Articles cover the period from July through to the end of September.
VIDEO AND AUDIO Video and audio footage from the tour including radio interviews.
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Italy to New York
When The Clash landed at JFK airport in New York on the night of the 25th May 1981 they had no idea that their residency at a Broadway nightclub would create such a furore and nationwide media coverage that it became a pivotal event in their assault on America, helping to propel them into the major league Stateside. As Kosmo Vinyl has succinctly put it, “People who didn’t have straight trousers and short hair suddenly knew who we were. It got out - it was big!”. The Bonds concerts became one of the most enduring aspects of the Clash legend.
WNEW Bonds week
Prior to The Clash's arrival WNEW FM ran a Bonds Week with Meg Griffin. It includes an intro to the Clash at Bonds week with a montage of old interviews and Clash tracks
Listen again here:
Bonds News Reports
28 May - 30 May 81 - updated 5 Jan 2009When the probelms started on the 29th at the venue the news media decsended and there s both audio and video circulating that captures those few hectic days.Audio: 30 mins of TV and Radio interviews, news and commentary.
Video: The Clash - News Reports about Bond's Casino Shows - June 1981
Video - Clash on Broadway Reels -
Clash On Broadway - 19:50
The Clash / Sound System box set
It is not clear which of these comes from which night?London Calling (first night?)
This Is Radio Clash (Tom Snyder show)
The Magnificent Seven (Tom Snyder show)
Guns Of Brixton (first night?)
Safe European Home (first night?)
A good listing of the contents of the The Clash's Sound System box set can be found here.
For a full details on video from the opening shows go to the 28th
For information on the Clash on Broadway reels go here
Private Super8mm film footage of the rucus outside Bonds
Someone had a video camera and has more and better footage from outside.
Press Conference - "See out"
Would like the full press conference.
Video from Bonds
There's a lot of material now floating around all mixed up, here's the older offical stuff
1. Essential Clash DVD
cut down version of CoB from Westway but with unseeen angles and clips. Includes an edited London Calling [audio is unmixed pro recording from 9th].
2. Westway to the World BONUS footage DVD
Includes nearly full tracks of - London Calling [Trick of Treat audio] - Guns of Brixton [dubbed partly] Safe European Home [dubbed with studio single] - Charlie Don't Surf [original sound but from mixing desk] - Radio Clash [original sound but from mixing desk]. Also includes a mash up of a lot of footage from New York and outside Bonds such as the riot.
3. Video - press conference, backstage, 16 Tons play on, London Calling nearly full [probably the same length as Westway? but the sound plays on to a montage of NYC/Clash pictures]. The sound is remixed from [Trick or Treat bootleg] radio broadcast from the 9th June as Westway. 5.38min
4. MTV Rockumentary is same as Westway/Clash on TV/Essential DVD but with only very edited clips of the press conference and London Calling. Nothing new except a couple of comments form Mick and Paul.
5. Clash on Broadway Reels
Extensive details here
6. 60minute doc never realeased, various shots
7. Full multi camera shoot of the 13th evening
Never released except two tracks on 6 above.
8. Video shot across various shows
but particulalry full show from the 3rd
9. As 8 above, and Don Letts footage of Mag 7 from the 2nd June
But only partial so patched up with other audio and cut video. Though partial soundboard.
Tom Snyder show NTV
The complete Clash appearance circulates on Clash On TV Vol.1 in very good quality (apart from some ghosting) from a TV rebroadcast (better than the YouTube broadcast below). For many years Clash fans had made do with very poor quality video copies of this important Clash footage.
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