British singer/songwriter Billy Bragg launched new charity, Jail Guitar Doors at the NME Shockwaves Awards and we can now bring you upto date on the new initiative.
Jail Guitar Doors aims to provide prisoners in Britain with musical instruments. It takes its name from It takes its name from the b-side of the Clash's 1978 single "Clash City Rockers".
Bragg explains:
"Aware that this year sees the fifth anniversary of the passing of Joe Strummer, I was hoping to be involved in more than just another tribute gig. Hearing the Clash as a 19 year old had changed my life, so I guess I was looking for a project that underscored the transformative power of music. Inspiration arrived in the shape of a letter from Malcolm Dudley, a drug and alcohol counsellor working at HMP Guy's Marsh near Shaftesbury in Dorset."
Malcolm Dudley had been trying to set up weekly guitar classes for prisoners, the re-conviction rate for those who have taken part in such activities is only 10-15% compared to the 61% average, but the classes lacked equipment. Bragg acquired some acoustic guitars and took them to John Benham to decorate them in the way that the band used to, truly embodying the spirit of The Clash. You can see the finished instruments and find out more about the project here.