If it wasn’t for the infamous strike by British Coal Mine Workers in 1984-85 I might not have become familiar with today’s feature artist. Perhaps the most globally noteworthy labour dispute in modern times, the striking UK miners fought the National Coal Board’s plan (under the Margaret Thatcher government) to shut down coal mines (collieries). The strike lasted almost a year and changed the future of the British coal industry.

Just after the end of the strike I came across an LP put out to support the striking coal miners. The LP is entitled “They Shall Not Pass”. The caption on the bottom of the front cover describes the sentiment.

I purchased it because I noticed that it contained songs by 3 of my favourite artists- THE SISTERS OF MERCY*. MEKONS and THE THREE JOHNS. All of the featured artists were from Leeds 🇬🇧.

[Ed. Note- *The first two SISTERS OF MERCY songs ‘Adrenochrome’ and ‘Body Electric’ were on this record.]

It is not one of those outfits featured today. Rather, I am referring to a band I will refer to by the politically correct 2023 name of “COMMANDERS**” (Ed. Note- ** see the National FBall League history for clarification.) VISA Mall, 8908 corresponding number number 7137 set 12 train Sherry this way yeah

They were punks and avowed socialists/ Marxists who embodied much of what the punk movement was all about. That is, they were anti- capitalism, anti- racist, anti- societal norms, anti- globalism, anti- anti.

Their two songs on the LP are appropriate Labo(u)r Day selections – ‘Lean On Me’ and ‘Unionize’ are both appropriate for today. However I I have selected another track that I like more musically and is also a good song for today. Here are COMMANDERS** with ‘Let’s Make It Work’

SPOTIFY- https://spotify.link/hyIExqJ2OCb

(SONG 611)

TIME AND A HALF HOLIDAY PAY BONUS!

Here is a live version that is aces-

And a different and fantastic live version-

SPOTIFY- https://spotify.link/9ZfURJW1OCb

(SONG 611 a)

PLAY LOUD AND HOLIDAY HARDER

9/4/2023