Who can forget the days when John and Paul were the two greatest rockers making the world stand up and applaud? They changed music forever with their excellent performances.
Further, they used their abilities to their full extent and took their music to the next level. But who were these guys, and what was their story?
1976 marked the beginning of the Clash's career in London as an English rock band. They consisted of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Paul Simenon (bass guitar), Mick Jones (drums), and Terry Chimes (keyboards).
More so, the band was widely recognized as having played an influential role in the punk movement, alongside the Sex Pistols and the Buzzcocks. They are an essential band in British music history and the roots of many genres.
They started their career in the early 1970s when they played with the group Television Personalities. Strummer formed the band after the Television Personalities split up and released his first solo single, “White Man.”
In Addition, the Clash also featured drummer Terry Chimes and bassist Paul Simonon who would become a permanent member.
The Clash’s sound was a mix of ska, reggae, and punk. They influenced many groups that followed them, including the Sex Pistols, the Ramones, the Clash’s first manager, Bernie Rhodes, the Damned, and the Clash’s own musical alter ego, the Buzzcocks.
Strummer’s lyrics began to deal with political and social issues as the group grew. They are credited as the originators of the punk movement in Britain and are often considered the first punk band.
However, their debut album, Give ‘Em Enough Rope (1977), is considered a landmark of the punk movement and was one of the most influential albums of the 1970s.
The band had two distinct periods: the first was a period of commercial success and critical acclaim in 1977, and the second was from 1978 to 1982 when the band had limited success.
Likewise, from 1983 to 1986, the group went through a resurgence of popularity and critical acclaim.
After Strummer left in 1980, the band broke up. Strummer briefly returned to the scene with his new group, the Mescaleros, in 1981, but it did not last. Strummer would reunite with the Clash in 1984 and continue until he died in 2002.
Besides this, the Clash achieved great success with their self-titled debut album in 1978, which featured the song “White Man,” which became the first punk single to reach the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart.
They had another hit single, “London Calling,” which peaked at seven. In 1979, they released their second album, “Give ‘Em Enough Rope,” which featured the songs “Train in Vain” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” which reached number one and number three, respectively, in the UK Singles Chart.
Also, the album was the first to be certified gold in the UK.
Brief Overview of the Clash’s Life
Here you’ll find a brief overview of Clash’s life.
1976 – Clash form
In 1976 Joe Strummer and Mick Jones met at a local pub. Mutual respect led to an introduction to Paul Simonon and Graham Parker, and the four began jamming in a flat above the pub. After rehearsing and writing several songs, the band decided to become a full-time band.
1977 – Clash Sign Record Deal
In 1977, the band signed with CBS for a recording contract. Their debut album, “Give ‘Em Enough Rope,” was released in 1978.
1978 – Clash Make First U.S. Tour
The first American tour took place in the summer of 1978. In July, the band played three shows in Los Angeles, and in August, six shows in New York City.
1979 – Clash Releases Second Album
After signing a new recording contract, the band released their second album, “London Calling,” in 1979. The album included the song “Train in Vain,” which became the band’s biggest hit.
1980 – Clash Release Third Album
In 1980 the band released their third album, “Cut the Crap.” It included the single “White Riot,” which received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.
1981 – Clash Play Final Gig
In May 1981, the band played their last show at London’s 100 Club. After this, the band broke up.
Final Words
In the end, the Clash was one of the most popular punk rock bands. The band’s lyrics, written mainly by Joe Strummer, were considered to influence the British punk scene significantly.
More so, modern alternative music considers their music to be among the top-notch influential music.