Although the Sex Pistols are always heralded as the fathers of punk, it was the Clash that proved to be the most important band to come out of the punk movement in the late 1970's.
Formed in England, circa 1976 by Mick Jones (lead guitar/vocals), Keith Levene (guitar) and Paul Simonon (bass), they quickly recruited Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) from a local pub-rock band, the 101-ers. Soon after adding Terry Chimes (renamed Tory Crimes) on drums, the Clash was formed! Keith Levene dropped out not too long after the band started to write songs and joined Generation X, with Billy Idol. In 1977, the Clash released their self-titled first cd. It became an instant classic, as is deemed one of the best punk records of all time. At the time, it was not released in America, but it became the most imported record in history. Before the second record, Chimes left the band, leaving the drummer seat open. After auditioning over 200 drummers, the spot was awarded to Nicky "Topper" Headon. This solidified the Clash's most popular line-up. In 1978, the Clash released their second record, "Give'em Enough Rope". This record found the group exploring a more rock-based sound, rather than punk. Soon after, a slightly altered version of "The Clash" was released in America. In December 1979, the Clash released one of the most influential records in rock-n-roll history, "London Calling", a double album. Hailed by "Rolling Stone" magazine as the best cd of the 1980's (they allowed it because of its late '79 release), the Clash dabbled in rock, punk, funk, rockabilly, reggae and ska. One year later, the workaholic band released "Sandinista!", a sprawling six-record set of experimental music. Incorporating sounds from "London Calling", the band also moved into dub, jazz and pop. Received to mixed reviews, it showed the band was not afraid to push the limits. In 1982, the Clash released their most popular record, "Combat Rock" which included two U.S. top 40 hits: "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" and "Rock The Casbah". Soon after the release of the record, Strummer fired Topper for excessive heroin use. After a brief tour with the Who, Strummer and Simonon fired Mick Jones, essentially ending the Clash. In 1985, Strummer, Simonon and three recruits recorded and released "Cut The Crap". An abysmal record, it was trashed by critics and fans alike. Strummer broke up the Clash soon after.
Mick Jones went on to form Big Audio Dynamite, Paul Simonon did a brief stint in latino-rock band Havana 3am and Strummer released a few soundtracks and a solo record in the late 80's. After a long period of silence in the 90's, Joe released two critically acclaimed cd's. Joe Strummer passed away from a heart attack on Dec 23, 2002. The Clash were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2003. Joe's last solo cd was released on Oct 21, 2003.
Bio written by: NKuppalli |
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