The Clash
From Punkopedia - The Punk, Hardcore, and Indie Encyclopedia
| The Clash | |
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| Music genre(s) | punk, rock |
| Homebase | London, UK |
| Years active | 1976-1986 |
| Current Status | Inactive |
| Notable Records | "The Clash", "London Calling" |
| Label(s) | |
| Website | |
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Contents |
[edit] History
The Clash were an English punk rock band, active from 1976 to 1986, and part of the original wave of UK punk rock in the late 1970s. Although a punk rock band, the band experimented with reggae, funk, rap, dub, and rockabilly in their music. The band's music was often charged by a leftist political ideology.
The Clash were a major success in the UK from the release of their first album in 1977, and became popular in the U.S. in 1980. Their third album, the late 1979 release London Calling is an influential album in the history of rock music; it was released in the U.S. in January 1980, and a decade later Rolling Stone magazine declared it the best album of the 1980s. Rolling Stone also placed it at #8 on their list in 2003 of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The Clash's attitude and style, as much as their music, influenced many other bands from the 1980s. Epic Records A&R director dubbed them "The Only Band That Matters." In 2003 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked The Clash #30 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
[edit] Discography
The Clash - (April 8, 1977) #12 UK, #126 U.S.
Give 'Em Enough Rope - (November 10, 1978) #2 UK, #128 U.S. #79 AUS
London Calling (2LP) - (December 14, 1979) #9 UK, #27 U.S. #16 AUS
Sandinista! (3LP) - (December 12, 1980) #19 UK, #24 U.S.
Combat Rock - (May 14, 1982) #2 UK, #7 U.S.
Cut the Crap - (November 4, 1985) #16 UK, #88 U.S.
[edit] Members
- Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1976–1986)
- Mick Jones – lead guitar, lead vocals (1976–1983)
- Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals (1976–1986)
- Topper Headon – drums, percussion (1977–1982)
- Terry Chimes – drums, percussion (1976, 1977, 1982-1983)
- Keith Levene – guitar (1976)
- Rob Harper – drums, percussion (1976–1977)
Appeared in "New Clash" or "Cut the Crap Clash", after Jones and Headon left the band:
- Nick Sheppard – guitar, backing vocals (1983–1986)
- Vince White – guitar (1983–1986)
- Pete Howard – drums, percussion (1983–1986)
