March 2, 2007 13:02

Billy Bragg launches prison campaign at NME bash

The singer takes inspiration from The Clash

Billy Bragg has launched a new campaign which seeks to provide prisons with musical instruments.

The singer launched his Jail Guitar Doors initiative, taken from the 1978 Clash b-side, at the Shockwaves NME Awards 2007 last night (March 1).

He said: "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.

"I'm asking musicians, particularly those of you who were inspired by the Clash, to raise the money to provide a prison with enough equipment to help inmates find that same sense of release."

If you'd like to participate, you can contact Billy Bragg on billy@jailguitardoors.org.uk.

For more on the awards and Bragg's speech before presenting Enter Shikari with their award go to NME.COM/Awards.