Deep Dive: The Clash

When you are The Clash, you can use promo phrases like “the only band that matters.”  The classic lineup includes Topper Headon, Mick Jones, Paul Simonen, and Joe Strummer.  The Clash ushered in the first wave of British punk in the late 1970s.  By the early 80s, internal tension led to lineup changes and their ultimate disbanding before the decade ended.

The Clash combined political commentary with a variety of world music influences over their career.  Their biggest album, London Calling, transitioned their sound to post-punk.  It remains one of the most influential rock albums of the century.

Even after the Clash, the members played with bands that continued to push boundaries.  From Big Audio Dynamite to Gorillaz, the Clash changed music for decades after their own demise.