The Clash in a black and white group shot by Pennie Smith. They are in a row & smiling while wearing jackets and hats.

The Clash

Curated by Michelle Bailey

The Only Band . . .

The Clash are a Punk band from London, England. They were active from 1976-1982. They worked in many genres, including Rockabilily, Reggae, Jazz, Funk, & Rap.

They are best summed up by rock journalist Lester Bangs, who observed, "Here at last is a band which not only preaches something good but practices it as well, that instead of talking about changes in social behaviour puts the model of a truly egalitarian society into practice in their own conduct."

. . . That Matters.

“People can change anything they want to, and that means everything in the world.”

- Joe Strummer

The Clash Star Logo with the members' last names and dates of activity, 1976-1982
Joe Strummer photographed by longtime collaborator Pennie Smith
Mick Jones in New York, 1979
A black and white photograph by Pennie Smith of members Joe Strummer & Topper Headon sleeping backstage.






Joe Strummer

writing on a rooftop. Photograph by Pennie Smith











'Just a quiet day'

Mick Jones in New York, 1979

. Photograph by Pennie Smith






The Clash

during the Combat Rock (1982) album cover shoot. Photograph by Pennie Smith