Former Clash members Mick Jones and Paul Simonon have worked side by side in a recording studio for the first time in 30 years. The pair teamed up for a guest appearance on the new Gorillaz album after being approached by Damon Albarn to record a track for it.
Jones admitted that there were fewer arguments working on this album’s title track , Plastic Beach, than the old days.
The occasional live appearance aside ( Kate Moss’ Birthday, Primal Scream and Supergrass gigs), the last time they were both involved with the same recording project was way back in 1981 when Mick and Paul were working on Combat Rock in New York City.
Talking to Q magazine , guitarist Jones said: ”It’s a few years since Paul and I last played together and that was at a wedding. It was a nice experience to look over my shoulder and see him.
”We didn’t argue as much as we used to. We were wrapped up on our track in a day, no nonsense, and then went down the pub for a pint.”
Simonon, a bass player, had previously collaborated with Albarn on the 2007 album The Good, The Bad And The Queen, under the title of a band by the same name.
Jones added that he was initially hesitant on recording the album by Gorillaz, an animated group which revolves around Albarn, illustrator Jamie Hewlett and a team of guest musicians.
Tuesday’s edition of Q has him quoted saying: ”I ummed and ahhed when I was approached, as I always do, but it seemed interesting and contemporary and I was keen to work with Paul Simonon.”