Music Monday: The Battle of Lewisham 1977

Long time New Cross balladeers Ceri James and Mark Sampson have collaborated on a new single, 'The Battle of Lewisham 1977', released last week on the anniversary of the historic anti-National Front demonstration in New Cross and Lewisham (see lots of previous posts here for background to this)

Syd Shelton's iconic image from the 'Battle of Lewisham' show Darcus Howe with megaphone standing on toilets on Clifton Rise with the (now mostly demolished) Milton Court Estate tower blocks behind him

 Ceri says: 'Our single The Battle of Lewisham 1977 is out today on the 44th anniversary of the protest. Big thank you to everyone who helped out with this track. Lead vocals/guitars Mark Sampson/myself, bass Nathan Persad and drums Andre St. Clair Dyer. Bvs from Nathan, Andre, Alice Renouf, Caffy St Luce, Daryl Castillo, Clare Portman, Mark Salmon, Robert Robertson. NoNameKid for editing and Pat Collier mixing/mastering. Photography by Syd Shelton. All profits go to Love Music Hate Racism'.

The accompanying video features various local faces and was filmed at locations significant on the day, including Clifton Rise SE14 and the Lewisham Clock Tower.

'In Clifton Rise and New Cross Road, many decent people showed, 

to oppose their racialism and far right fascism...

The people united won't be defeated'

Ceri James album launch at the Duke

Ceri James has been a key part of the SE London live music scene for as long as this blog has been going, and over the years we have featured some of his songs here (including 'Blythe Hill Fields', 'Deptford Broadway' and the New Cross cultural history of 'The Real Coffee Shop'). Recently he has playing regularly at the Wickham Arms in Brockley as part of the Wickham Songwriters Circle.

Tomorrow night (Thursday 10 April) he is launching his fourth album, Songs from the Saloon, at the Duke in Deptford, with some good support. Admission is free, with the line up as follows:

- Dai Herbert - start 8pm

- Jimmy Lyons - start 8.20pm

- Dan Raza - start 8.45pm

- Ceri James (Band) and guests 9.10 pm

Further details on facebook

Ceri James - Songs from the Saloon album cover
(photograph taken in the Ivy House)