HANDS up, how many reading this are old enough to remember the punk revolution that hit the UK a staggering 40 years ago in 1977?

Through all the rage and fury bands came along in quick succession, many folded as quickly as they started but The Clash became one of the mainstays and grew to become one of the more respected

London Calling was the iconic album that saw the Clash merge the arty, daring and political sincerity of the 1960s with the rage and trashy nihilism of the 1970s.

And London Calling — the tribute band — return to The Wharf on Saturday night (June 10).

Ellie Hudson talks to guitarist David Devonald about the band.

To those that don’t know, tell us about London Calling, who you are, when you formed and where you’re from?

London Calling are a four piece Clash tribute from sunny Bristol. The band was formed initially in 2003 for a one off show in Bristol — 14 years later, we are still here.

Its members are Reg Shaw, aka Joe Strummer and founder member of London Calling, David Devonald, aka Mick Jones, member since 2008, Joe Guatieri, aka Paul Simonen, member since 2008 and Shane Tremlin, aka Topper Headon, member since 2016.

Not all tribute bands are actually fans of the band they ‘tribute’, what’s the situation with you?

We all love The Clash and think that this comes through in our performances

Have you met any of The Clash?

Reg has met Mick Jones, they even have a picture together!

Years ago you made it into The Sun and were questioned about terrorist activity over some misconstrued text messages going back and forth. That must have been scary for you, what was the story?

This involved a past member of the band and Reg who were texting about lyrics to Tommygun, The line ….and make it one jet airliner for ten prisoner was picked up by Special Branch as certain words were being monitored at the time and they got pulled in for questioning. It proved to be fantastic publicity for the band!

Aside from London Calling, are you part of other bands or involved in song writing for your own material?

We all have other musical outlets outside the band, either playing locally or writing projects, both myself and Reg have been writing original music recently and Shane is part of Brunelle who are really making a name for themselves

Politically speaking it feels as though the music scene is in dire need of a band like The Clash to highlight social problems. In your opinion has any other band come close to being the mouthpiece in the same way?

The Clash were quite outspoken on their views and opinions on the subject, but aren’t most artists when given a mouthpiece to speak out on the issues they believe in?