The Clash

1979

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**The Clash** were a British punk rock band that emerged in the late 1970s and became one of the most influential and iconic bands of the punk rock movement. The original line-up consisted of Joe Strummer (vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Simonon (bass guitar, vocals), and Topper Headon (drums, percussion).

Formed in London in 1976, The Clash quickly gained attention for their energetic live performances and politically charged lyrics. They were known for blending punk with various musical styles, including reggae, ska, rockabilly, and eventually, new wave. This eclectic approach set them apart from many of their punk contemporaries.

The band released their eponymous debut album, *The Clash*, in 1977, which featured the Top 40 hit White Riot. They followed up with the albums *Give 'Em Enough Rope* (1978) and *London Calling* (1979). The Clash continued to evolve with albums like *Sandinista!* (1980) and *Combat Rock* (1982), which included hits Rock the Casbah and Should I Stay or Should I Go. However, internal tensions within the band led to Mick Jones' departure in 1983, and The Clash officially disbanded in 1986.

Despite their relatively short career, The Clash left a lasting impact on the punk and rock scenes. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Joe Strummer passed away in 2002, but the surviving members have been involved in various musical projects since then. The Clash's legacy endures through their influential music, which continues to inspire generations of musicians.

## See also

### Dates

* 18 March 1977 - debut single White Riot released (first known play by John Peel 08 March)
* 08 April 1977 - ‎*The Clash,* debut album released
* 23 September 1977 ‎ - Complete Control released
* 24 June 1978 ‎- *Record Mirror*, (White Man) in Hammersmith Palais and tour dates ad
* 10 November 1978 ‎- second album *Give 'Em Enough Rope* released
* 18 November 1978 - *Give 'Em Enough Rope* and tour dates ad
* 02 December 1978 - *Record Mirror* feature and colour centrespread
* January 1979 - *Smash Hits* - 'Last punks in town?' feature
* February 1979 - *Smash Hits -* colour centrespread [1]
* 08 March 1979 - English Civil War lyrics in *Smash Hits*
* 04 December 1979 - John Peel plays London Calling ("*Well I've been listening to the LP most of the day, off and on, and it really is very, very good stuff indeed"*)
* 13 December 1979 - Smash Hits front cover and feature
* 18 December 1979 ‎- Christmas charts, London Calling new entry at no.29
* 20 December 1979 - London Calling featured on TOTP although still no appearance from the band themselves
* 03 January 1980 ‎- as above
* 21 August 1980 - Bank Robber on TOTP (danced to Legs & Co!)
* 27 November 1980 - *Smash Hits* The Call Up lyrics
* 25 December 1980 - *Smash Hits* Joe Strummer front cover & Clash feature 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'
* 30 December 1980 ‎ - 1978 single (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais features in John Peel's Festive Fifty at no.5
* 22 January 1981 - *Smash Hits* - Hitsville U.K. lyrics
* 29 March 1984 ‎- *Smash Hits* - live review (ext. link to page)
* 17 November 1985 - *Punk To Present* (BBC Radio 1)
* 18 February 1991 - Should I Stay Or Should I Go re-released
* 25 April 2001 ‎ - *TOTP 2* featuring choices by Bruce Springsteen
* 22 December 2002 ‎ - Joe Strummer dies

### Releases

* *The Clash (album)*
* Complete Control ‎

* April albums
* November albums ‎
* December albums