The Clash

In 1976 an English Punk Rock band with an artist name of “The Clash “formed. The Clash was musically adventurous. Taking rock and roll to go with reggae, dub and ska they formed their “Punk” trade mark sound. Believing themselves to be “rebel rockers with a cause” they won the passion of people from the Atlantic, while at the same time becoming the rock and roll heroes in UK.

With the release of their famous debut album titles, “The Clash”, in 1977 and 3rd album, “London Calling” in 1979, they achieved fame and fortune in the UK and USA. By the 1980s Rolling Stone magazine declared it the best album. Having a far-reaching influence on alternative rock, their politicized lyrics and rebellious attitude, The Clash garnered the nickname as “The Only Band That Matters”.

The History

Before all the attention, The Clash members, namely, Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Tony James Paul Simonon and Tery Chimes all had their independent gigs in the music scene. Joe Strummer was the founder of a band called the 101'ers while Mick Jones was with the group called the London SS, a hard rock band. After a 101’ers performance in the Nashville rooms in 1976, Bernie Rhodes asked Joe Strummer to quit his band and join the London SS.

He immediately agrees after hearing the band play a song. They name their band “The Clash” after Simonon’s suggestion.

The Career

The Clash debuted on 4 July 1976 singing the famous track titles “White Riot” and “I’m so bored with the USA” where they opened up for Sex Pistols at the Black Swan in Sheffield. They quickly became the punk’s voice remained at with that title for 5 years. After they released their first album title “The Clash” 19778, Chimes decided to leave. He was replaced by Nicholas Bowen Headon. The band’s met success and recorded their best albums titles such as “Give ‘Em Enough Rope “in 1979, “London Calling” in 1980, “Sandinistal” 1981 and “Combat Rock” 1982. “Give ‘Em Enough Rope”, was the first album released in the US and Headon’s debut with the band.
The band’s trademark was the contemporary subjects in their lyrics. The famous track titles “Tommy” was about the middle east terrorist situation at that time. "Julie's Been Working for the Drug Squad" was their commentary on the infamous Operation Julie drug bust in 1977.

Trivia

All the band members have been in and out of prison due to minor offenses to the law such as vandalism and shooting pigeons. The Clash was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.