London’s most iconic band gets their own exhibition.
Iconic quartet The Clash played a huge role in kicking things off on the British punk rock scene, and when they released their third album, ‘London Calling’ in 1979, everybody knew it was going to be a classic. Forty years later, an amazing collection of memorabilia is coming to the Museum of London, in an exhibition called – naturally – The Clash: London Calling.
The completely free exhibit brings a collection of the band’s history to the city where it all started, presenting over 150 items from The Clash’s personal archive – from notes and music (some never seen before) to clothing, images, and one famous broken bass!
This collection captures the band’s journey to worldwide fame; relive the moment Paul Simonon spontaneously smashed his Fender Precision Bass on stage at The Palladium in New York City in 1979, by admiring the instrument up close and in the flesh. You can also check out a more intact 1950s Fender Esquire – used by Joe Strummer during the recording of ‘London Calling’.
Step into the mind of the master behind the lyrics, by reading the pages of Strummer’s notebook on Ice Age. Little did he know these would become the lyrics to the famous title track, ‘London Calling’, which became one of the band’s highest charting singles until ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’, which came out a decade later.
You can also check out Topper Headon’s drumsticks – one of the only remaining items of his from this time. And we’ve not even begun to mention the iconic album prints, sketches and cartoons on show, as well as quotes and personal accounts from members of the band, Don Letts, and many other voices from the time.
‘London Calling’ is a melting pot of musical styles, driven by a passion for action and a fierce political anger, with music and lyrics which remain as relevant today as they were on release. As well as showcasing all of these amazing artefacts, the exhibit examines how the capital influenced The Clash as they became the most popular British band of the 20th century.
To continue immersing yourself in this amazing era of history, get yourself a copy of the ‘London Calling Scrapbook’ – a limited edition, 120-page hardback containing hand-written lyrics, notes, photos and previously unseen material from when the record was made. To make things (relatively) retro – it even comes with a copy of the album on CD. Or if you’re feeling really retro, treat yourself to an anniversary edition double LP!
If you’re looking for a free and fun way to spend an afternoon – why not gain an education about an era defining moment in the capital’s history, with the story of ‘London Calling’.
And if you’re finding yourself asking, ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’, we can give you a quick answer: go, the answer is go!