Jail Guitar Doors is an independent initiative set up by Billy Bragg with the aim of providing musical equipment for the use of inmates serving time in Her Majesty’s prisons. It takes its name from the b-side of The Clash’s 1978 single “Clash City Rockers”. In an appeal to fellow musicians, Billy Bragg said: “Aware that this year sees the sixth anniversary of the passing of Joe Strummer, I was hoping to be involved in more than just another tribute gig. Hearing The Clash as a 19 year old had changed my life, so I guess I was looking for a project that underscored the transformative power of music”.
Epiphone have donated a number of acoustic guitars and Les Paul Special 11 electric guitars specially customized by visual artist Jeff Behan with slogans such as “Strummer”, “Clash City Rockers”, “Stay Free” and “Jail Guitar Doors” to capture the spirit of The Clash. Epiphone have pledged their on going support of Billy Bragg’s Jail Guitar Doors campaign with further instruments being donated to the cause.
Billy Bragg said “I’m very pleased that Epiphone has come on board as a supporter of Jail Guitar Doors. Music therapy has been shown to make a significant contribution towards rehabilitation and the supply of quality instruments that Epiphone has made available will help to enhance the work being carried out in
Written by John Rahim