King’s Arms, Salford
5 stars

ON THE day police watchdog the IPCC betrayed the working class by refusing to hold an inquiry into the fascistic rampage by the police at Orgreave, The Hurriers and Joe Solo joined forces to promote the Truth and Justice album as well as the superb Hope Not Hate CD.

Both bands are stalwarts of the inspiring We Shall Overcome festival running nationwide in early October.

The Hurriers, who’d spent the morning at the miners’ press conference, were overwhelmed by emotion and singer Lefty put voice, heart and soul into their signature classic Truth and Justice. Everyone joins in, fists raised in solidarity with the miners.

The band blazes through a passionate set built on their just-released From Acorns, Mighty Oaks CD, the superb rhythm section a platform for soaring, effects-laden guitar riffs that emphasise the sense of defiance at the day’s events.

Joe Solo, by contrast, sits on a chair with a maraca stuffed in his shoe, a tambourine strapped to his leg and a harmonica round his neck, with his trusty battered guitar covered in slogans.

Initially greeted by bemused looks, at the end he's cheered off the stage. Face contorted and eyes closed, his body moves to create the percussion section of a band as he sings with an extraordinary intensity.

He’s a must-see performer, not least because he’s an oral historian, using the past to guide our future with lyrics so intelligent and engaging the audience is transfixed.

Solo is clearly a fan of the Clash and Joe Strummer would have been proud of someone as uncompromising and passionate in his music and beliefs.

With a stunning eight-song set that highlights the Orgreave battle in Summer Fields and Riot Shields and anti-fascism in his excellent No Pasaran, Solo makes his audience think, laugh, draw inspiration and join in.

A brilliant night celebrating the fight against racism, fascism and building hope for the struggles ahead.

The Goodnight: Hope Not Hate compilation album is available from hopenothate.org.uk and the Orgreave Truth and Justice CD can be obtained from the Morning Star shop shop.morningstaronline.co.uk