Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros will launch a U.S. tour in October behind their second album, Global a Go-Go, which arrives in record stores on July 24th.

Prior to their full-fledged tour, Strummer and Co. will do a short series of in-store performances to promote the album a little closer to its release date. "Mainly we're back like the Thirties, because we have to rely on word of mouth," Strummer says. "MTV is a format, because they know their format works. Radio is the same, because they want the maximum number of people to listen. So we're working outside of radio and television. That's why I like the in-stores, because it brings you right to the people. We're going to do a whistle-stop tour and hit a few major cities. This way we get to go around twice."

Of the new album, Strummer says the sound and title are both informed by a world music radio show he regularly hosts for the BBC. "I asked one guy, how many people are listening to this and he flipped through a book and said 40 million," Strummer says with a laugh. "The global concept is very prevalent, and doing this radio show, it began to get on my mind. It comes from having an open mind and not restricting yourself to one particular kind of music. In fact, the only music I can't stand is classical music. And it's only because I'm too immature yet. One day I'm gonna go opera -- that's where it's at! But for the moment it hasn't struck yet and I'm quite happy to listen to camel bell ringing."

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros in-store tour dates:

7/24: New York, Virgin Records, Times Square
7/26: Toronto, HMV
7/27: Chicago, Tower Records
7/28: San Francisco, Amoeba Records
8/1: Los Angeles, Tower Records Sunset
8/4: Los Angeles, Greek Theater (opening for Brian Setzer)

Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros tour dates:

10/4: Washington, DC, 9:30 Club
10/5: Philadelphia, TLA
10/6: Atlantic City, Trump Marina
10/8: Hartford, CT, Webster Theatre
10/9: New York, Irving Plaza
10/12: Boston, Palladium
10/13: Montreal, QC, Spectrum
10/14: Toronto, ON, The Guvernment
10/16: Chicago, The Metro
10/18: Scottsdale, AZ, Cajun House
10/19: Anaheim, CA, House of Blues
10/20: San Francisco, Fillmore

ANDREW DANSBY
(June 20, 2001)