The Clash

The Clash was a seminal UK punk rock band that formed in the 70’s. They were known for their reggae influences, as well as their social consciousness (something their contemporaries, The Sex Pistols, lacked). Driven by a deeper message and mission, The Clash would outlive and outsell many early punk bands. However, they seemed to burn out a bit short for most fans, with only six major albums released.

The Clash- Early Music History

The Clash was formed in 1976, a time when youth culture needed an alternative to disco or conventional arena rock. Punk rock was not only a rebellion of sound, but of lifestyle. While The Sex Pistols touted nihilism and destruction (perfectly expressed in “Anarchy in the UK”), The Clash would become an idealistic, political band. The Clash wanted rebellion for a better world, not just for the sake of base emotions.

Most of The Clash had previous experience with punk bands and the London music scene. The original lineup consisted of Joe Strummer, previously with The 101’ers, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of London SS, Terry Chimes, and Keith Levene. Levene wouldn’t be in the band for long and would later gain attention with Public Image, Ltd., which would feature John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) of The Sex Pistols.

The band would, in fact, play their first gig as an opening act for The Sex Pistols in 1976. They were signed with CBS Records very shortly and their self-titled debut was released to moderate success in 1977. Although they weren’t widely exposed beyond England at the time, their music would eventually trickle over the ocean to America.

The Beginning Of The End

1979’s London Calling was a double album that represented The Clash at the height of their career. This was the year they broke big commercially and were widely available to American listeners. (Previously to 1979, imports and bootlegs were the only way to purchase a Clash album in the U.S.) The Sex Pistols and many other rival punk bands were self-destructing by the end of the 70’s but they seemed to have a little more staying power at the time of London Calling’s release.

Like another one of their contemporaries, The Jam, The Clash demonstrated a more sophisticated musicianship when compared to other “three chord wonder” punk bands. Deep, expressive lyrics were coupled with thoughtful arrangements. True, they were a punk band, but their sound incorporated many musical influences, such as reggae and ska. They stood out from the other racket. In the later part of The Clash’s career, they were downright “radio friendly”, scoring a huge success with the 1982 album Combat Rock.

Unfortunately, success triggered mounting tension between band members. The original lineup came and went early on and drummers were shuffled, as one suffered from a heroin addiction. The men were not getting along, particularly the two primary songwriters, Mick Jones and Joe Strummer. Jones was asked to leave the band and although replacements were found, the new roster just didn’t last. Only ten years after its incarnation, The Clash called it quits in 1986.

Albums

The Clash (1977)
Give 'em Enough Rope (1978)
London Calling (1979)
Sandinista! (1980)
Combat Rock (1982)
Cut The Crap (1985)

Personnel

Joe Strummer - vocals, guitar
Mick Jones - guitar, vocals
Paul Simonon - bass, vocals
Topper Headon - drums
Terry Chimes - drums (1976-77, 1982-83)
Keith Levene - guitar (1976)