I Was Mick Jones's Bank Clerk

It’s hard to believe that JoJo Smith—who was better known as Gay Abandon, back in the punk rock 1970s—has never done an Edinburgh Fringe show before. Smith started gigging in the early 1990s, and became something of a circuit stalwart, but is only now taking the plunge, 23 years on. Perhaps she was just waiting for the right spot: Upstairs at Cabaret Voltaire is perfectly suited to her show, as it looks not unlike the back room of an old punk club.

Before turning to standup the Preston-born comic worked with numerous bands, and this show is about one of her first such experiences: she did indeed do the banking for Mick Jones from The Clash. Having moved to London, Smith was both a relatively well-known punk fanzine editor, and a bank clerk, which gave her access to privileged information, like Mick Jones’ address. Or, at least, what she thinks is Mick Jones’ address: the person who opens the door when Smith and her punk buddy venture round there is definitely not a rock star. 

It’s an entertaining tale, full of punk secrets and period detail, although sadly the likeable Smith doesn’t delve further into her murky musical past. The title suggests a rock ‘n’ roll show, and it is supposedly autobiographical, but much of the back end— appropriately, perhaps—is about why women should avoid a certain type of intercourse. Which is slightly jarring. Then again, when the artist formerly known as Gay Abandon gives advice, it’s probably worth hearing.