Legends THE CLASH released LONDON CALLING, their best-ever LP,
a double one, on 14 December 1979, 43 years ago today.
The album’s front cover shows a picture of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his
Fender Precision Bass at the Palladium in New York City on 20 September 1979.
He did it out of frustration when he learned that the bouncers at the concert would
not allow the audience members to stand up out of their seats; The shot was taken
by legendary, renowned photographerPennie Smith.
English virtuoso guitarist Keith Levene who played for a short while with The Clash
and several years/albums with Public Image Ltd, next to big mouth Johnny ‘Rotten’
Lydon and bass genius Jah Wobble passed away 2 days ago following liver cancer, only 65.
His metallic guitar sound was a fundamental part of P.i.L.’s sound and success. Rest in peace.
Story: Part fiction, part rockumentary, tells the story
of Ray Gange. A young The Clash fan who leaves his
dead-end job in a sleazy Soho sex shop to become
a roadie for the band.
Starring: Dave Armstrong, Barry Baker, Terry Barry
Happy 67 to The Clash guitar legend (1976-1983), who
started dance-orientated band Big Audio Dynamite (1984-1997)
a year after Joe Strummer and Paul Simonon fired him.
– SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO –
He had to go in 1983
THE CLASH translated their social commitment and political discontent into a razor-sharp and outstanding debut album. A historic LP and probably one of the most important punk albums ever. A new generation raised its voice. Loud, clear, fast, innovative and straight in the face of the narcissistic, right-wing establishment.
After forty-five years (8 April 1977) this ‘no fillers, all killers‘ knockout record still sounds furious and roars mighty and still is highly inspiring for many young, committed bands who try and hope to make a difference. The restless heart and honest soul of the only band that mattered will never vanish
AllMusic wrote: “Never Mind the Bollocks may have appeared revolutionary, but the Clash’s eponymous debut album was pure, unadulterated rage and fury, fueled by passion for both rock & roll and revolution. Though the cliché about punk rock was that the bands couldn’t play, the key to the Clash is that although they gave that illusion, they really could play — hard. The charging, relentless rhythms, primitive three-chord rockers, and the poor sound quality give the album a nervy, vital energy. Joe Strummer’s slurred wails perfectly compliment the edgy rock, while Mick Jones’ clearer singing and charged guitar breaks make his numbers righteously anthemic.” Full review here. Score: 5/5.