“The Only Band That Matters”
The promotional tagline bestowed upon them by their record label may seem like hyperbole, but at times they came close to scaling the lofty heights of being “The Only Band That Matters.” One of the reasons why they’ve mattered is that they were able to address real-world issues in fresh ways. Their music continues to be a vital force for positive social change.
The band played their first official gig on July 4, 1976, opening for the Sex Pistols at the Black Swan in Sheffield, England. In 1977 they released their self-titled debut, which was a definitive album in the development of the UK punk scene. Tunes such as “Career Opportunities”, “White Riot”, “Remote Control” and “I’m So Bored with the USA” provided pointed political critiques on systematic class and racial oppression that existed both in the UK and America.
Between 1978-80 the band continued to showcase why they mattered with a trio of influential and eclectic socially conscious albums (Give Em Enough Ropes, London Calling and Sandinista!). Joe Strummer lyrically established himself as an insightful social commentator, while the band continued to explore a wide range of musical styles including reggae, jazz, funk, blues, and rap. Few punk bands displayed the ambition and artistic growth that The Clash did.
In 1982 they released Combat Rock, the last album featuring the classic line-up of Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon. The album was their most commercially successful album, spawning their two biggest hits “Rock the Casbah” and “Should I Stay or Should I Go”. Even though the album isn’t as critically regarded as their previous four albums, it does include some of Strummer sharpest political critiques, including the astounding “Straight to Hell”. After the break-up of the classic line-up, Strummer continued with a revamped line-up releasing one final album in 1985, Cut the Crap.
In a recording career that lasted less than a decade, The Clash built a remarkable body of work which greatly contributed to the canon of socially conscious music. They also influenced a wide range of socially conscious artists including Billy Bragg, U2, Bad Religion, Rage Against the Machine and M.I.A. (who notably sampled “Straight to Hell” on “Paper Planes”).
Beyond the albums, the band mattered for a variety of other reasons. They were involved in several social causes, including Rock Against Racism. They also fought against their record company and other corporate forces to ensure that their albums, ticket and merchandise prices were reasonably priced. They were willing to sacrifice the bottom line to uphold their ideals. It is not easy to work within a capitalistic system without compromising, and The Clash was one of the few bands to accomplish that feat. In today’s current political climate, their music matters more than ever.
For more about why the band mattered, check out 10 Protest Songs of The Clash.