The Clash: Did You Know?

Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Stories About The Clash

The Clash is one of the most iconic bands to emerge from the late 1970s punk scene. Their powerful fusion of punk, reggae, ska, and rock set them apart from their peers and turned them into a global sensation. With hits like “London Calling” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” The Clash became one of the most influential bands of their generation. But behind their rebellious sound and political messages, there are some fascinating stories and lesser-known facts about the band. Let’s explore some intriguing aspects of The Clash that even hardcore fans might not know!

1. Their First Meeting Was Through an Advertisement

The formation of The Clash came about in a rather unromantic, businesslike way. Mick Jones, the band’s lead guitarist, placed an advertisement in a music magazine seeking band members for a new project. Joe Strummer, the band's legendary frontman, responded to the ad, having been a part of another group, The 101ers, at the time. Strummer had been drawn to the punk scene’s energy and felt a need to be part of something bigger and more rebellious. The rest, as they say, is history. The band’s chemistry was undeniable from the start, and they began writing some of their most famous songs soon after forming.

2. The Name “The Clash” Came from a Newspaper

Many punk band names of the time were aggressive, rebellious, or anti-establishment. In the case of The Clash, the name was inspired by a mundane source: a newspaper. While flipping through headlines, Paul Simonon, the band’s bassist, noticed that the word "clash" kept appearing in headlines about social and political unrest. It struck a chord with the group, encapsulating the energy and confrontational nature of their music. It was the perfect name for a band that would go on to represent the sound of rebellion.

3. “London Calling” Almost Didn’t Happen

“London Calling,” arguably The Clash’s most famous song, nearly didn’t make it to the public. The song was written during a particularly challenging time for the band. They were under immense pressure from their record label, CBS, to produce a commercially successful album, and the band members were also grappling with personal and financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, Joe Strummer penned the politically charged anthem, inspired by the chaos he saw unfolding around the world.

Ironically, CBS wasn’t convinced of the album’s commercial potential. The band had to fight to get the album out the way they wanted, and the song went on to become one of the greatest rock anthems of all time, serving as a rallying cry for social justice and rebellion.

4. Mick Jones and Joe Strummer’s Rivalry

Behind the scenes, The Clash wasn’t always a harmonious group. Despite the electrifying chemistry on stage, the relationship between Joe Strummer and Mick Jones was often contentious. Jones’ desire for a more experimental sound sometimes clashed with Strummer’s vision of keeping the band's sound politically grounded and raw. Their disagreements became more intense in the early 1980s, leading to Jones being fired from the band in 1983. Despite the tension, it’s often said that their creative rivalry was part of what made The Clash so dynamic, pushing each other to new heights.

5. They Almost Played in Front of the Pyramids

The Clash was always known for thinking outside the box when it came to their performances. At the height of their popularity, the band came close to performing in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The idea was to play a concert that would make a political statement while also delivering a memorable experience in an iconic location. Unfortunately, due to logistical and financial constraints, the concert never materialized. Still, the idea itself exemplifies The Clash’s ambition to take their message and music to extraordinary places.

6. They Helped Pioneer the Punk-Reggae Fusion

One of The Clash’s most defining features was their ability to blend musical styles. While they were known for punk rock, the band was also heavily influenced by reggae, dub, and ska. In fact, their 1977 song “Police and Thieves”, a cover of a Junior Murvin reggae track, introduced many British punk fans to reggae music for the first time. Paul Simonon, who grew up in a West Indian neighborhood in London, was particularly influenced by reggae, and his bass lines on many tracks reflect that sound. Songs like “Guns of Brixton” and “Rudie Can’t Fail” are perfect examples of how The Clash blended punk with reggae and ska, breaking down musical and cultural barriers.

7. Their Gear Was Often Held Together by Duct Tape

Despite their fame, The Clash wasn’t exactly swimming in money during their early years. They were known for playing on gear that was held together by duct tape and sheer will. Their instruments were often second-hand, and they made do with whatever equipment they could find. Part of this was intentional, as it fit the raw and DIY ethos of the punk scene. However, as the band became more successful, they eventually upgraded to better gear, but they still embraced a rough, unpolished sound that became a signature of their music.

8. They Declined Playing “Top of the Pops”

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Top of the Pops was the most popular music television show in the UK, offering bands a chance to perform in front of millions of viewers. However, The Clash famously refused to appear on the show, considering it too commercial and contrived. The band believed in the integrity of their live performances, and they didn’t want to lip-sync their songs as required by the show. Instead, they stuck to their principles and built their following through relentless touring and word of mouth.

9. They Wrote One of Their Biggest Hits in 15 Minutes

One of The Clash’s most iconic songs, “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” was reportedly written in just 15 minutes. Mick Jones, who took lead vocals on the track, wrote it as a straightforward rock song about the tension in a romantic relationship. The song became a massive hit and continues to be one of the band’s most recognizable tracks, proving that sometimes simplicity can result in rock history.

10. The "Combat Rock" Album Almost Had a Very Different Name

The Clash's 1982 album, Combat Rock, was almost called “Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg.” The title came from the band’s original idea to make a double album with experimental tracks that reflected their growing interest in funk, hip-hop, and dub. However, tensions within the band, particularly between Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, led to significant changes during the album’s production. The final product, Combat Rock, became their most commercially successful album, featuring hits like “Rock the Casbah” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go.”

From their punk roots to their genre-bending creativity, The Clash’s impact on music is undeniable. They were a band driven by rebellion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo. Their stories, from near-mythical concert plans to creative conflicts, add layers to their legacy, proving that even in the chaos, The Clash remained one of the most influential bands in rock history. One of The Clash’s most meaningful lyrics comes from their song "London Calling":

"London calling to the faraway towns, now war is declared, and battle come down."

This opening line sets the tone for a song that is both a call to arms and a warning about the world’s impending crises. It addresses political unrest, environmental disaster, and social collapse, with "London Calling" acting as a rallying cry for awareness and action. The lyric reflects the band's deep engagement with the issues of their time and resonates with a sense of urgency that remains powerful and relevant today.