Lynval covers most of this hellish trip on the specials web site, but there's a couple of bits he forgot...
After the Clash tour we became involved with Bernie Rhodes (don't argue). I could never quite understand what he was on about - double speak I guess. Like Paul Simonon, I just thought he was funny!
Anyway back to the trip. We had a driver and van but Bernie had upset him and had to hire one. At Dover we were told another van would meet us at the Calais side (France)! So we pushed the gear to the ferry on a handcart, meanwhile Jerry's case burst open and his Y-fronts and stuff blows across the ferry station much to the amusement of the band. Jerry was always clumsy and untogether in ordinary ways, if not in music or his drive to succeed. It was a rough crossing but a few beers helped.
At the other side Jerry drops on his knees and claims France for England by putting a handful of sand in his mouth? Our drummer is sent home at customs - no visa - and Jerry try's pleading with the Gendarme, but forgets he has all his money in his hands - bribery!
We get through just!
The van sent to meet us is tiny, and because we were told the French didn't pick up black hitch-hikers me, Terry, Horace and Jerry put out our thumbs. We get lift in a Rolls Royce!!! Jerry didn't mind as we were "on the road jack".
We get to Paris after another lift, and go to the club we are to play that night - where the care taker sets his dog on us..
The nightmare had only just begun... An English hooker/heroin addict is sent to look after us tired little boys - hotel mayhem - "confiscate all your guitars" - gangsters - gig - meet two blockheads, Dury guys, try to get home, sent (back) to Coventry.
That year was tough! Sharing half a beer and ten fags with Lynval, Jerry always seemed to have a bit of cash? Our drummer Silverton quit and we plodded on...