The Clash | Artist
The Clash was an English punk rock band formed 1976 in London by Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Terry Chimes. Chimes was replaced on drums by Topper Headon soon after they formed. A key player in the original wave of British punk rock, The Clash contributed to the post-punk and new wave movements that emerged, employing elements of reggae, dub, funk, ska and rockabilly. They effectively split in 1983 with Strummer going on to form The Mescaleros, Simonon to The Good The Bad and The Queen, and Mick Jones to Big Audio Dynamite then Carbon/Silicon. Before the Clash's founding, the band's members were active in different parts of the London music scene. Joe Strummer, whose real name was John Graham Mellor, was a former busker who sang and played rhythm guitar in the pub rock band The 101ers. Mick Jones played guitar in protopunk band London SS, who rehearsed a lot but never played a live show. Jones and his bandmates became friendly with Sex Pistols members Glen Matlock and Steve Jones, who helped them audition potential new members. Vocalist Paul Simonon and drummer Terry Chimes auditioned for London SS but were rejected, and Nicky Headon drummed with the band for a week then quit. After London SS broke up in early 1976, Jones was inspired to form a new band after seeing the Sex Pistols. He contacted Simonon and suggested he learn an instrument so he could join the new band which was to include future PiL guitarist Keith Levene, and Joe Strummer. Under the name The Clash, they started gigging but Levene soon left and began planning a new band with Johnny Rotten. Although their early gigs were ramshackle, the band worked hard and got their act together. By January 1977 punk had become a major media phenomenon in the UK, and according to New Musical Express "1977 is the year of The Clash". In January '77, the band signed to CBS Records for £100,000, a remarkable amount for a band who had played about thirty gigs and very few headlining shows. As a recording outfit The Clash only released five studio albums (and an awful sixth which was really only Strummer with support), plus many superb Singles. Among these were two masterpieces, their first album The Clash (1977), and the third album London Calling (1979). Other outstanding albums include Give 'em Enough Rope (1978) and two live albums From Here to Eternity (1999) and Live at Shea Stadium (2008). The excellent 2006 compilation The Singles consists of 17x7" replica Singles in a boxed set covering their excellent singles such as "White Riot", "Complete Control/City of the Dead", "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais", and "London Calling". This was reissued in 2007 as a single CD compilation. Throughout their lifetime The Clash promoted a left-wing message in their songs and interviews, and sang about social problems, such as career opportunities, unemployment, and the need for a backlash against racism and oppression. Joe Strummer said in 1976: "We're anti-fascist, we're anti-violence, we're anti-racist and we're pro-creative... I don't believe in all that anarchy bollocks!" According to Mick Jones "The important thing is to encourage people to do things for themselves, think for themselves and stand up for what their rights are."
Artist Website: theclash.com
Featured Albums: The Clash
Related Artists: The Good The Bad & The Queen, Joe Strummer, Carbon/Silicon, Big Audio Dynamite
