Two defining bands. One unrelenting night. Atomic: The Songs of Blondie and Black Market Clash take the stage for a double-header that doesn’t merely revisit history but interrogates it, tracing the collision of punk, new wave, and the restless energy that shaped an era.
Atomic explores Blondie’s evolution from the underground clubs of New York to global prominence, balancing their razor-sharp pop instincts with the raw urgency that propelled them forward. Led by Anthea Palmer, the ensemble includes Stu Thomas (The Stu Thomas Paradox, Dave Graney & The MistLY, Kim Salmon & The Surrealists), Mike Dupp (The Methinks, The Futurists), Victor Stranges (The Methinks, The Futurists), and Garry Allen (Crossbones Boogie, Kahuna Daddies), delivering a performance that is both sonically meticulous and brimming with the unfiltered spirit of Blondie’s artistry.
Black Market Clash approaches The Clash’s vast and complex catalogue with a studied intensity, tracing their trajectory from incendiary punk provocateurs to one of the most adventurous bands of their time. Victor Stranges and Garry Allen lead with the instinctive interplay of Strummer and Jones, while Stu Thomas, anchors the rhythm section with precision and force, stepping forward for occasional vocals, including a searing take on The Guns of Brixton. Mike Dupp brings a nuanced approach to organ and keys, capturing the lush textures of the London Calling album and beyond. Gian Cannizzaro (Chloe Booth) on drums channels the precision and dexterity that made Topper Headon the secret weapon of The Clash.
A rigorous, unflinching celebration of two bands that refused to be defined by convention, played with the conviction and intelligence their legacies demand.
