Alex McLaughlan
@alexmclaughlan.bsky.social
Family. Football. Music. And books. Still working on that first novel (writing, not reading...).
Pinned
Congratulations to our daughter, Amanda 👏🍾
Super proud parents here ❤️
Super proud parents here ❤️
Reposted by Alex McLaughlan
I always thought child s abuse was a red line...
I thought that was something we could all agree on, no matter our political differences.
That it would be enough for people to withdraw their support.
The fact that it’s not has been a brutal lesson to learn.
I thought that was something we could all agree on, no matter our political differences.
That it would be enough for people to withdraw their support.
The fact that it’s not has been a brutal lesson to learn.
January 17, 2026 at 1:59 PM
I always thought child s abuse was a red line...
I thought that was something we could all agree on, no matter our political differences.
That it would be enough for people to withdraw their support.
The fact that it’s not has been a brutal lesson to learn.
I thought that was something we could all agree on, no matter our political differences.
That it would be enough for people to withdraw their support.
The fact that it’s not has been a brutal lesson to learn.
Reposted by Alex McLaughlan
#WeekendSingles It’s exactly 45 years since The Clash released Hitsville UK, so here are today’s selections
When Lightning hits Small Wonder
It’s Fast Rough Factory Trade
When Lightning hits Small Wonder
It’s Fast Rough Factory Trade
January 17, 2026 at 9:53 AM
#WeekendSingles It’s exactly 45 years since The Clash released Hitsville UK, so here are today’s selections
When Lightning hits Small Wonder
It’s Fast Rough Factory Trade
When Lightning hits Small Wonder
It’s Fast Rough Factory Trade
*Very* small, I'd have thought 😄
My own take on over-rated Clash singles is "Should I Stay Or Should I Go". Just never took to it.
And don't get me started on the lack of a question mark at the end 😄
My own take on over-rated Clash singles is "Should I Stay Or Should I Go". Just never took to it.
And don't get me started on the lack of a question mark at the end 😄
January 17, 2026 at 11:01 AM
*Very* small, I'd have thought 😄
My own take on over-rated Clash singles is "Should I Stay Or Should I Go". Just never took to it.
And don't get me started on the lack of a question mark at the end 😄
My own take on over-rated Clash singles is "Should I Stay Or Should I Go". Just never took to it.
And don't get me started on the lack of a question mark at the end 😄
Not many folk would count it amongst their favourite Clash singles but I've always had a soft spot for it (apart from Mick's spoken "So 'it it" - that's dreadful).
January 17, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Not many folk would count it amongst their favourite Clash singles but I've always had a soft spot for it (apart from Mick's spoken "So 'it it" - that's dreadful).
I was at one of his birthday parties 😉
January 17, 2026 at 9:39 AM
I was at one of his birthday parties 😉
January 16, 2026 at 6:14 PM
One thing is certain, he'll never give in.
January 16, 2026 at 3:42 PM
One thing is certain, he'll never give in.
Reposted by Alex McLaughlan
Dropkick Murphys are releasing a new song called "Citizen I.C.E."
The lyrics go: "Too scared to join the military/ Too dumb to be a cop."
consequence.net/2026/01/drop...
The lyrics go: "Too scared to join the military/ Too dumb to be a cop."
consequence.net/2026/01/drop...
Dropkick Murphys' Unveil Anti-ICE Song: "Too Scared to Join the Military, Too Dumb to Be a Cop"
Dropkick Murphys are releasing an anti-I.C.E. song, "Citizen I.C.E.," as part of their tour-only split LP with Haywire. Learn more.
consequence.net
January 15, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Dropkick Murphys are releasing a new song called "Citizen I.C.E."
The lyrics go: "Too scared to join the military/ Too dumb to be a cop."
consequence.net/2026/01/drop...
The lyrics go: "Too scared to join the military/ Too dumb to be a cop."
consequence.net/2026/01/drop...
Happy Courtney Marie Andrews New Album Release Day to all who celebrate.
It's another gem.
courtneymarieandrews.bandcamp.com/album/valent...
It's another gem.
courtneymarieandrews.bandcamp.com/album/valent...
Valentine, by Courtney Marie Andrews
10 track album
courtneymarieandrews.bandcamp.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Happy Courtney Marie Andrews New Album Release Day to all who celebrate.
It's another gem.
courtneymarieandrews.bandcamp.com/album/valent...
It's another gem.
courtneymarieandrews.bandcamp.com/album/valent...
I'd forgotten about this cracking version of "Free Nelson Mandela" from the Special AKA (and friends).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XosP...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XosP...
Special AKA live on the Tube feat Elvis Costello Dave Wakeling & Ranking Roger.
YouTube video by mike1970c
www.youtube.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:58 AM
I'd forgotten about this cracking version of "Free Nelson Mandela" from the Special AKA (and friends).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XosP...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XosP...
Reposted by Alex McLaughlan
UKIP.
Not nazis, apparently.
Unrelated, here is their new party logo.
Not nazis, apparently.
Unrelated, here is their new party logo.
January 14, 2026 at 1:47 PM
UKIP.
Not nazis, apparently.
Unrelated, here is their new party logo.
Not nazis, apparently.
Unrelated, here is their new party logo.
The boy McCartney is up there 😉
I think Weller, McCartney and Lennon are the only artists to have number 1 albums in 5 different decades?
I think Weller is, if not under-rated, certainly under-appreciated.
He'll probably only get the plaudits he deserves after he has checked out.
I think Weller, McCartney and Lennon are the only artists to have number 1 albums in 5 different decades?
I think Weller is, if not under-rated, certainly under-appreciated.
He'll probably only get the plaudits he deserves after he has checked out.
January 13, 2026 at 9:47 PM
The boy McCartney is up there 😉
I think Weller, McCartney and Lennon are the only artists to have number 1 albums in 5 different decades?
I think Weller is, if not under-rated, certainly under-appreciated.
He'll probably only get the plaudits he deserves after he has checked out.
I think Weller, McCartney and Lennon are the only artists to have number 1 albums in 5 different decades?
I think Weller is, if not under-rated, certainly under-appreciated.
He'll probably only get the plaudits he deserves after he has checked out.
I can't recommend it highly enough.
January 13, 2026 at 9:41 PM
I can't recommend it highly enough.
Have you heard Kristin Hersh's version of "Like A Hurricane"?
It's on an album called "Cinnamon Girl" - women artists covering Neil Young songs.
I particularly like The Watson Twins version of "Powderfinger"
It's on an album called "Cinnamon Girl" - women artists covering Neil Young songs.
I particularly like The Watson Twins version of "Powderfinger"
January 12, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Have you heard Kristin Hersh's version of "Like A Hurricane"?
It's on an album called "Cinnamon Girl" - women artists covering Neil Young songs.
I particularly like The Watson Twins version of "Powderfinger"
It's on an album called "Cinnamon Girl" - women artists covering Neil Young songs.
I particularly like The Watson Twins version of "Powderfinger"
Actually, I think I'm getting my gigs mixed up. Strummer and SImonon were arrested that night (in '78), but I think the attempted seat-burning was January 1980. No arrests, though.
Two separate events.
It was a very long time ago, when having two pints/cans counted as a night of heavy drinking 😂
Two separate events.
It was a very long time ago, when having two pints/cans counted as a night of heavy drinking 😂
January 12, 2026 at 7:33 PM
Actually, I think I'm getting my gigs mixed up. Strummer and SImonon were arrested that night (in '78), but I think the attempted seat-burning was January 1980. No arrests, though.
Two separate events.
It was a very long time ago, when having two pints/cans counted as a night of heavy drinking 😂
Two separate events.
It was a very long time ago, when having two pints/cans counted as a night of heavy drinking 😂
(3/3) Both Strummer and Simonon spent the night in jail, possibly following a complaint from management.
(Apologies for dodgy thread numbering.)
(Apologies for dodgy thread numbering.)
January 12, 2026 at 7:12 PM
(3/3) Both Strummer and Simonon spent the night in jail, possibly following a complaint from management.
(Apologies for dodgy thread numbering.)
(Apologies for dodgy thread numbering.)
(2/3) The guy in front of me actually did take his lighter to the arm of a chair (unsuccessfully, thankfully), whilst others tried to break them.
Needless to say, the bouncers were less than impressed and a mini-riot ensued. I’m sure Strummer stopped the gig until there was order.
Needless to say, the bouncers were less than impressed and a mini-riot ensued. I’m sure Strummer stopped the gig until there was order.
January 12, 2026 at 7:11 PM
(2/3) The guy in front of me actually did take his lighter to the arm of a chair (unsuccessfully, thankfully), whilst others tried to break them.
Needless to say, the bouncers were less than impressed and a mini-riot ensued. I’m sure Strummer stopped the gig until there was order.
Needless to say, the bouncers were less than impressed and a mini-riot ensued. I’m sure Strummer stopped the gig until there was order.
(1/2) The only time I saw the bouncers come off second best (well, kind of) was a Clash gig. The Apollo hadn't taken out the first few rows of seats, as had been agreed apparently. An angry Strummer commented on it and invited the audience to burn the place down.
January 12, 2026 at 7:07 PM
(1/2) The only time I saw the bouncers come off second best (well, kind of) was a Clash gig. The Apollo hadn't taken out the first few rows of seats, as had been agreed apparently. An angry Strummer commented on it and invited the audience to burn the place down.
Have you seen this? 'Bouncer School' 😄
The guys in the Apollo were something else. I recall one of them did time for armed robbery and walked staright back into his Apollo job as soon as he got out.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnGZ...
The guys in the Apollo were something else. I recall one of them did time for armed robbery and walked staright back into his Apollo job as soon as he got out.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnGZ...
1973: Glasgow's BOUNCER SCHOOL | Nationwide | Weird and Wonderful | BBC Archive
YouTube video by BBC Archive
www.youtube.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Have you seen this? 'Bouncer School' 😄
The guys in the Apollo were something else. I recall one of them did time for armed robbery and walked staright back into his Apollo job as soon as he got out.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnGZ...
The guys in the Apollo were something else. I recall one of them did time for armed robbery and walked staright back into his Apollo job as soon as he got out.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnGZ...
I heard this for the very first time via your blog. Very cool groove to it.
January 12, 2026 at 6:50 PM
I heard this for the very first time via your blog. Very cool groove to it.
Cheers, thanks for the mention 👍
January 12, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Cheers, thanks for the mention 👍
Pogoing 'down the front' (in the days before anyone called it a mosh-pit) meant not seeing the drummer.
You also risked a slap on the head from the, ahem, stewards. These guys were legendary for their menace and casual violence. All whilst wearing a black bow-tie and suit.
You also risked a slap on the head from the, ahem, stewards. These guys were legendary for their menace and casual violence. All whilst wearing a black bow-tie and suit.
January 12, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Pogoing 'down the front' (in the days before anyone called it a mosh-pit) meant not seeing the drummer.
You also risked a slap on the head from the, ahem, stewards. These guys were legendary for their menace and casual violence. All whilst wearing a black bow-tie and suit.
You also risked a slap on the head from the, ahem, stewards. These guys were legendary for their menace and casual violence. All whilst wearing a black bow-tie and suit.
I have two modes when it comes to the show.
1) Forget about it entirely and need to seek out catch-up.
2) Remember late.
Tonight it's the latter.
1) Forget about it entirely and need to seek out catch-up.
2) Remember late.
Tonight it's the latter.
January 12, 2026 at 6:43 PM
I have two modes when it comes to the show.
1) Forget about it entirely and need to seek out catch-up.
2) Remember late.
Tonight it's the latter.
1) Forget about it entirely and need to seek out catch-up.
2) Remember late.
Tonight it's the latter.
Reposted by Alex McLaughlan
#20FaveVideos
Day 12
The Jam - Going Underground
We all have a musical 'moment' when we're 14 / 15 don't we? This was mine. Nothing else has quite felt like it before or since.
youtu.be/AE1ct5yEuVY?...
Day 12
The Jam - Going Underground
We all have a musical 'moment' when we're 14 / 15 don't we? This was mine. Nothing else has quite felt like it before or since.
youtu.be/AE1ct5yEuVY?...
The Jam - Going Underground
YouTube video by TheJamVEVO
youtu.be
January 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM
#20FaveVideos
Day 12
The Jam - Going Underground
We all have a musical 'moment' when we're 14 / 15 don't we? This was mine. Nothing else has quite felt like it before or since.
youtu.be/AE1ct5yEuVY?...
Day 12
The Jam - Going Underground
We all have a musical 'moment' when we're 14 / 15 don't we? This was mine. Nothing else has quite felt like it before or since.
youtu.be/AE1ct5yEuVY?...