ALABAMA 3 are to headline an event to raise awareness of the MISCARRIAGES OF JUSTICE ORGANISATION at MASS in BRIXTON, LONDON on Thursday (December 21).
And organisers hope that the gig, which stemmed from a collaboration between the band and Birmingham Six accused Paddy Hill, could lead to a string of nationwide events next year, with Stereo MCs, 808 State, Asian Dub Foundation and Pete Wylie having pledged their support.
Alabama 3’s song ‘The Thrills Have Gone’ was reportedly inspired after the band met Hill, who has joined them on stage at previous gigs and made a speech over the intro to ‘Woke Up This Morning’, their theme to TV series ‘The Sopranos’.
Organiser of the live event, John McManus, told NME.COM: “We want to put on gigs in Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and I’d like to hear from any bands who would be interested in playing these (see below for contact information).
“Stereo MCs have said that they want to do a gig next year, but we’ve still got to work that one out as they are putting their new album together and rehearsing for live shows. But they have said they’re definitely up for doing something. Asian Dub Foundation want to do a live set in the New Year.”
He also said that he had been in contact with former Pogue Spider Stacey, Pete Wylie and 808 State had voiced enthusiasm about heading a Liverpool show.
He said that if things come together as planned, the gigs could potentially be based around the March 17 St Patrick’s Day celebrations, which fall three days after the 10th anniversary of the release of Paddy Hill from prison after fighting for almost 17 years to clear his name of involvement in the Birmingham bombing.
MOJO was established to help other victims of miscarriages of justice, and give support to people recently released from jail.
In addition to Alabama 3, also appearing at Thursday’s event will be Panjit G, the ADF sound system, plus stand-up comedians Mark Thomas, Rob Newman, Jeremy Hardy, Junior Campbell and Ed Byrne. The gig is at St Matthew’s Church in Brixton. Entry costs £10 (£8 for unwaged). Doors open at 7.30pm.
To contact John McManus telephone 0207 689 1917 or 07977 850503. For more information on MOJO go to [url=]come.to/mojo-uk