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The Clash

The Clash were an English rock band formed in London in the mid 1970s as a key player in the original wave of British punk rock. They also contributed to the post-punk and new wave movements that emerged in the wake of punk and employed elements of a variety of genres including reggae, dub, funk, ska, and rockabilly. 

For most of their recording career, the Clash consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, lead guitarist and vocalist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon, and drummer Nicky "Topper" Headon. Headon left the group in 1982 and internal friction led to Jones' departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986.

Their first single 'White Riot' was the first of three singles released by the band in 1977.


The Clash achieved commercial success in the United Kingdom with the release of their self-titled debut album, 'The Clash', in 1977. 

Their second album was 'Give em enough Rope' and this saw a change in direction as their music matured. From this period we saw the release of three great tracks as singles

'Clash City Rockers'





'Tommy Gun'



'English Civil War'

Their third album, 'London Calling', released in the UK in December 1979, earned them popularity in the United States when it was released there the following month. 

Great Tracks here were the title track



'I Fought the Law'



'Bankrobber'



From the period of their fouth album 'Sandanista', the following tracks were amongst my favourites

'Rock the Casbah'



'Should I Stay or should I Go'


By this time they were touring America extensively and the strain started to tell, the original band gradually disintegrated. I never got to see the Clash live, one of my regrets...

In January 2003, shortly after the death of Joe Strummer, the band—including original drummer Terry Chimes aka Tory Crimes —were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

So I can't leave without my personal favorite Clash track - 'Police & Thieves'


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