DURING their careers Tony James and Mick Jones have been involved in some of the most influential and innovative bands around. Through the Clash, Big Audio Dynamite, Generation X and Sigue Sigue Sputnik, among others, the duo have pioneered a range of styles -- and reached near legendary status.
Now they have got together with a new band -- Carbon Silicon -- and next Friday night they come to Blackburn's North Bar.
"We've been mates for over 25 years," said Tony. "Even before punk we started in a band together playing things like the New York Dolls and the Stooges. Now we've got together and we're really excited by the prospect."
Described as the Rolling Stones jamming with a laptop, Carbon Silicon are determined to push ahead and bring a new style of music to the scene -- and it's a style which has clearly enthused the band's leading members.
"I am really excited by this," said Mick. "I haven't played live on a regular basis for quite some time and it's great -- I can play my guitar. I think it has taken our recent gigs to remind me that playing live is a big part of me.
"I really think that we are able to reach people on an emotional level with the music and people are catching on to what we are doing."
They are quick to point out that you won't find Carbon Silicon throwing the odd Clash number or Sputnik single into their live shows.
"We are playing all original material," said Tony. Using tape loops and getting together in their own studios to jam and record, the Carbon Silicon sound has evolved as they have gone on.
"The really encouraging thing to us has been the fact that fans have been singing along to our songs at gigs, having only heard them on our website," said Tony.
As you would expect, Messrs James and Jones are as innovative as ever.
"At every gig we encourage people to come along with their DVD cameras and record the show," said Tony. "We have tracks available free to download from the internet. The first song we wrote was called MPFree, about the future of rock and roll.
"People saw the internet as a way of making money but we believe its real future will be to share art with people."
Mick added: "We really believe in what we're doing and I think people are catching on to it."
By playing low-key gigs at small clubs around the country Carbon Silicon are letting their music speak for itself.
"We're not talking to the music press," said Tony. "It's really word of mouth that's bringing people along. I think we're proving that even in so-called middle age it's possible to make original music."
Carbon Silicon play the North Bar on Friday, October 22. Tickets ,at £10 , are available from the North Bar or in advance from 01254 671932.
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