Black Market Clash are researching the full story and would love to hear from anyone who remembers the controversy, bought tickets, worked at City Hall, or was involved in the discussions.
Black Market Clash website is a comprehensive archive of The Clash on stage, in the studio, on film with links to rare recordings. The site also includes fans memories of seeing the band.
Life long Clash fan Graham Jones from BMC explains…‘I’m based in Accrington, Lancashire, and yes, you could certainly describe me as a lifelong Clash fan, going right back to 1977.’
‘I was only young then and couldn’t really get to concerts. Public transport was a major problem, particularly as there was no evening bus back from Manchester. By the time I was old enough and able to travel more independently, around 1981, The Clash weren’t coming anywhere near us.’
‘One thing I remember vividly was our local record shop. They weren’t bothered by all the negative publicity surrounding punk and stocked everything, including the Sex Pistols original EMI single, ‘Anarchy in the UK’ which was openly displayed. We used to hang around the shop, looking at records and soaking up everything that was happening.’
‘Despite being a fan since 1977, I didn’t finally get to see The Clash live until 1984, when I managed to see them twice. That early fascination eventually developed into Black Market Clash, which I’ve spent many years building into a detailed historical archive of their concerts.’
On Sunday 5 December 1976, The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned and Johnny Thunders’ Heartbreakers were due to play Newcastle City Hall as part of the infamous Anarchy Tour.
Graham adds…‘The concert was cancelled following a dispute involving Newcastle City Council, City Hall management and the promoters. I’m particularly interested in the exchanges between City Hall manager Bob Brown, Councillor Arthur Stabler and promoters Endale Associates.’
‘The newspapers provide a fascinating account, but I’m hoping someone can fill in the gaps with firsthand memories. Original photographs, posters, tickets, correspondence and newspaper material are welcome.’
If you think you can help contact Graham at: blackmarketclash.co.uk@gmail.com
Alikivi October 2026
