The Clash FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Clash City Rockers

by Gary J. Jucha

Overview

(FAQ). Founded by guitarist Mick Jones and fronted by the legendary Joe Strummer, the Clash had the charisma of Elvis, the integrity of the Beatles, and the swagger of the Rolling Stones. Through a series of influential singles and stirring concerts, the Clash not only outlasted their rivals the Sex Pistols but also prospered and broke through in the US of A, a feat matched by no other UK punk-rock band. With the classic London Calling and revolutionary triple album Sandinista! , the Clash helped popularize both reggae and hip-hop, thereby indoctrinating the record buying public to world music. By 1982, members of the Clash found themselves not only with a hit album ( Combat Rock ) but also playing opening sets during the Who's first retirement tour. It appeared the Clash would fill this gap. It was not to be. A series of self-inflicted wounds led to a legendary downfall mere months after appearing in front on their largest audience ever at the U.S. Festival in 1983. Strummer and bassist Paul Simonon soldiered on with the underrated Clash, Round Two, but eventually disintegrated under the weight of their manager's mind games. In The Clash FAQ , author Gary J. Jucha covers the band's inception and emergence in the early British punk scene, all of the studio albums as well as bootlegs, the band's success in the U.S., the lineup shifts, tours, and more. Fresh in its approach and broad in scope, this an essential volume for every fan.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781480364509
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	10/01/2016
Series:	FAQ
Pages:	424
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Gary J. Jucha (Roswell, GA'), 'the author of The Jimi Hendrix FAQ: All There Is to Know About the Voodoo Child, has contributed to Paste magazine, and was chief executive editor of the webzine Hellbomb. He is currently writing a coming-of-age novel employing the Clash's legendary Bonds residency in Times Square in May to June 1981 as the backdrop.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xiii

1 You Must Start All Over Again: Assembling the Clash 1

2 He's in Love with Rock 'n' Roll Whoal The Clashical 11

3 An' When Some Punk Come A-Looking for Sound: The Sex Pistols and the Birth of British Punk Rock 26

4 Are You Taking Over or Are You Taking Orders? "White Riot" 40

5 There's Five Guitar Players but One Guitar: Keith Levene, the Original Third Guitarist 48

6 Now the Boys and Girls Are Not Alone: The Clash 57

7 Let's Hear What the Drummer Man's Got to Say: The Many Myths of Terry Chimes 67

8 This Is Radio Clash: The Clash Help Revive the 45 80

9 If They Wanna Get Me, Well, I Got No Choice: The American Debut of the Only English Group That Matters 94

10 As the Wind Changed Direction: The Cost of Living EP 110

11 Mick Jones's Ten Greatest Hits: Sing Michael, Sing! 119

12 You See He Looks Like Ivan: Paul Simonon, Punk's Most Stylish Bassist 132

13 There's a Move into the Future for the USA: The Clash Take New York City by Storm 142

14 You Won't Succeed Unless You Try: London Calling 148

15 The Bells of Prince Far-I: The Punky Reggae Party 170

16 Following the Clash on the UK Tour: The 16 Tons Tour 190

17 A Rudie Loot and a Rudie Shoot and a Rudie Come Up Then: Rude Boy 206

18 Thought I'd Find a Rhythm in the Junkie Town: "Topper" Headon, "The Human Drum Machine" 224

19 I Read It in the Paper - They're Crazy! Sandinista! 231

20 This Struggle Could Be Won: The Bond's Residency 251

21 Selling Is What Selling Sells: Combat Rock 265

22 You Really Think About It Too: The Breakup of the Clash 281

23 The Local Guitar Picker: "Rock 'n' Roll Mick" Jones 298

24 This Is Joe Public Speaking: The Clash, Round Two 317

25 I Guess My Race Is Run: Joeseph Strummer 336

26 He Said Go Out and Get Me My Old Movie Stills: The Clash on Film 362

Bibliography 375

Index 379