CLASH legend Mick Jones makes a rare cameo appearance on Dreadzone’s latest single, the groovy sounding Too Late.

“The song was built around a sample from Is Vic There by Department S and it seemed the perfect track to release from our new album, Escapades, recorded in Mick Jones’ studio,” said Dreadzone’s drummer Greg Dread.

“Mick played some great guitar and sung a line for the chorus, plus he threw in some clever production ideas and appears on the video.”

Greg Dread shares a wealth of musical history with Jones. They founded Big Audio Dynamite together, enjoying a top 10 hit with E=MC2.

“Too Late is one of our strongest-ever tunes — a real rocker with a great riff — and it was definitely inspired by Big Audio Dynamite.

“I hope that both Dreadzone and Big Audio Dynamite fans like it.”

Having briefly linked up with Jones for the BAD reunion tour in 2011, he added: “It was great going out and doing those shows.

“We took the buzz and adrenaline from the tour and went into the studio to work on the last album. Dreadzone was started from not having anything at all.

“I was sat at home with a young child, signing on the dole — it’s the hard times that inspire you to come up with the stuff. I was motivated to make my own music and my main inspiration for that was Mick Jones, who was a man who changed people’s perception of music with The Clash. We are very lucky to have him play on one of our records because Mick, who works mainly as a producer now, keeps his head down these days.”

Dreadzone’s sound has evolved since their much-loved early album — Second Light — a fusion of dub, dance and reggae, and including the hit Little Britain, saw the late John Peel proclaim it as an all-time favourite.

“Peel was an antidote to all the cheesy Smashie and Nicey types in the BBC — and he’s been missed ever since for his incredible musical insight.

“For us, we still feel we have something to say musically and lyrically and we are finding more ways to say it.

“There is an element of surprise and relief at reaching 20 years, but I think we have the tenacity to keep going and build something lasting.”

With a bulging catalogue of songs and an energetic love of performing, electro-dub pioneers Dreadzone have become more and more popular as a live act.

Firm favourites on the festival circuit too, they produced a barn-storming set at Ribble Valley’s Beat-Herder festival a couple of years ago.

“We are realistic enough to know the limitations of a band at our stage in life, but it doesn’t stop us from trying to be relevant, and write fresh innovative material that stands the test of time. We have progressed in our sound, so I’m still excited to see where we can go with it.

“Along with the albums there are also remixes which explore another heavier side to our sound with dub bass, melodic guitars, dance beats and electronic textures.

“I would love to say we are one of the best live bands around and people who have grown with us now have their offspring and friends adding to the audience. The main thing is we do really love what we do and it shows.”

  • Dreadzone, Clitheroe Grand, Friday, February 21, plus Jeramiah Ferrari. Details from 01200 421599.