Posted on October 18, 2009 - by Imelda

Anti-Flag Instore – The Clash Covers Set

George Petitt (Alexisonfire) + Justin Sane (A-F) © Imelda Michalczyk

Eastpak Store
Carnaby Street, London.
15 October 2009

Part two of the Anitdote Tour’s London stop off takes place the following night at the Eastpak store, tucked away in Carnaby Street in the heart of the West End.

The front of the shop is transformed into a tiny, make-shift gig venue – has anyone seen Anti-Flag play a show in a smaller space?! It’s a special treat for fans to see the band in such intimate surroundings, even if the glaring shop lights don’t do much to create atmosphere. Packed to capacity inside, the pavement outside is lined with those not early enough to get in.

Chris #2 (A-F) © Imelda Michalczyk

Anti-Flag are doing a handful of such cover sets during this tour, as a tribute to their heroes The Clash. Tonight, it’s short and sweet – belting out about ten songs, including ‘London Calling’, ‘White Riot’, ‘I Fought the Law’ and ‘Safe European Home’. It can’t be easy to choose a setlist when covering a band whose music you know inside out. Beforehand, frontman Justin Sane tells me there were many more Clash songs he’d liked to have included, enthusiastically reeling off a long list of other favourites. Alexisonfire vocalist George Pettit is also invited to join in for two tracks, raising the energy a few notches with his expressive performance.

Alexisonfire's George Petitt © Imelda Michalczyk

Of all bands, it does seem a little odd to have Anti-Flag play in a clothes/luggage shop – the disparity is not lost on them and they are making sure they use some of the exposure and financial benefits to direct attention and give donations to their chosen charity Emmaus, an organisation that works to enable people to move on from homelessness by providing work and accommodation. Justin Sane explained that they wanted to support a charity that worked across several countries, just like the tour itself.

Having paid their respects to Strummer and Co. by storming through a heartfelt set, the show is over and it’s time for happy fans to grab the chance to chat to the band who, as always, are more than willing to stick around and talk.

Clash Cover Setlist © Imelda Michalczyk