Shebeen Calling Ray Lowry for Moore Scratchy sounds
Preparations for our upcoming Ray Lowry: London Calling exhibition are well underway here at Idea Generation Gallery - work has been flooding in from contributing artists. We’ve had a sneaky peak at offerings from the likes of Billy Childish, Nick Hornby and Harry Hill – all of whom offer their own, hugely differing, interpretations of Lowry’s seminal sleeve design for The Clash’s London Calling album. Not yet a glimpse of Tracey Emin’s work – we wait with baited (but very excited) breath!
Alongside these new works will be a collection of original Lowry sketches, personal letters, photos, and paintings, some of which will be shown for the first time; offering a not-to-be-missed insight into the life, inspiration and general musings of one of illustration’s greats. So much to display; so much work on its way to us, can’t wait to get it up on the walls.
All is set for quite possibly our best exhibition yet and its all in aid of Ray’s legacy -The Ray Lowry Foundation - which helps to nurture new artistic talent through funding individual art based projects and providing scholarships to students wishing to continue onto higher educational study in the arts. The launch is now only a couple of weeks away and we’ve just sent invites far and wide – RSVP now here.
Never one to do things simply, we’ve decided to go all out and throw a huge after party at our nearby favourite boozer, The Horse & Groom. Located on the slightly quieter side of curtain road, with quirky décor and a laid back vibe, it’s the kind of place we imagine Ray Lowry may have frequented himself. The best thing is it’s only a few mins amble from us at the gallery, so those who have perhaps enjoyed a few too many Becks at the PV do not have far to swagger.
No stranger to live music and raucous crowds, The Horse & Groom seems to us the perfect fit for an evening of jubilation. We’ve sorted a line up of bands and DJs both old and new – all of whom worked with or knew Ray, or have been heavily influenced by him.
The John Moore Rock and Roll Trio will be kicking things off at 9 with a live performance of some back to basics rock and roll blues.
The band’s made up of John Moore, Phil King and Loz Colbert, who have previously worked with, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Black Box Recorder, Lush, and The Soledad Brothers.
Their music described as “Lascivious, full throttle, hip swivelling invocations to the horned one delivered with maximum power, magnificent shimmer, and an evil growl” is sure to set the evening off with a bang.
The Clash’s legendary tour DJ the free thinking, inimitable Barry ‘Scratchy’ Myers, who’s played with greats, including Blondie, Iggy Pop and The Ramones; and who brought you Scratchy Sounds will be putting in an appearance with a phenomenal DJ set, harking back to the glory days of Punk, Ska and original Dub.
Somewhere in between we’re giving the stage over to newcomers Rum Shebeen, a 7 piece Clash inspired band represented by Strummerville (music charity set up Joe Strummer’s name). We’re expecting some serious skanking on the dance floor with an electric set full of tribal beats, baseline and a kettle drum before the band head off to Glasto and Secret Garden Party.
This line up alone promises for a great after party but we’re still gunning for a few more names…
For starters, the great Jerry Dammers. Famed for so many things including being a prolific anti-apartheid campaigner, playing at Nelson Mandella’s 70th birthday tribute concert and creating the epic ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ record – he of course also founded ‘The Specials’ (!!!) A rather busy man we are hoping he may be able to squeeze in a visit for a guest DJ set.
Not content with that we’re gunning for legendary musician and filmmaker Don Letts, who was actually there that night at The Roxy when The Sex Pistols gave their first ever performance, to come along and join us for one of his rare but amazing performances. Of course, The Clash will be invited – a surprise Mick Jones performance anyone?
Can we pull it off? Who knows…come join us at the Horse & Groom from 8pm on June 17th and find out – free entry to all! (and it runs until 2 in the morning)
For more info contact Rachel.wood@ideageneration.co.uk
