The Clash in a black and white photograph by Pennie Smith. They are in a back alley of a recording studio for the album 'London Calling' standing in front of a fence. They are casual & relaxed together, all smiling and enjoying being with one another.

Art & Albums

Artwork, Albums, & Posters.

The Clash used their art in albums and posters to make a statement about what their music said, in both style & message. They used imagery from 1950s Rock 'n Roll, Reggae albums, collages, & Western films.

Photographer Pennie Smith followed them on tour & took the now famous photo for the London Calling Album, which was based off of Elvis Presley's self-titled debut from 1956. “I said, ‘It’s completely out of focus, it won’t work!’ But Joe wouldn’t have it. He said, ‘That one is the photo.’"

The Clash's first self titled album released in 1977.
The Clash's UK Single for the songs White Riot & 1977 from the same year.
Second Clash album from 1978 with image that

Self-Titled Debut Album (1977) LP

White Riot/1977 UK Single (1977)

Give 'Em Enough Rope (1978) LP

The Clash's London Calling Album from 1979 is a direct reference to Elvis' album as a statement to say they are authentic rock and roll. The image is a live photo by Pennie Smith that depicts bassist Paul smashing his guitar during a live show at the Palladium in New York City.
The Clash's double album of their most stylistically diverse work, named after the rebel group in country, from 1980.
Final Clash album from 1982 with Topper Headon. Even though they released another album, this is often considered the end of the Clash as they are known.

London Calling (1979) Double LP

Sandinista! (1980) Triple LP

Combat Rock (1982) LP

The Clash in NME Magazine April 1980. It is a good representation of a collage of images with DIY handwritten titles and captions.
The Clash's single for '(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais/The Prisoner with a pink background and green circle with a viewer facing shotgun, which references reggae album artwork.
The Clash poster for a 1977 gig that highlights a black and orange design with a square speaker.

NME Magazine Collage, April 1980

'In Hammersmith Palais/The Prisoner' Single (1978)

Speaker Gig Poster, 1977

The Clash's 1977 UK Single for the song 'Complete Control' that features their speaker amp painted in hot pink.
The Clash's touring equipment & speaker painted in the signature color scheme of pink.
The Clash's London Calling LP back with pink signatures from all members.

Complete Control Single (1977)

'A Night of Pure Energy' Promo Gig Poster, circa 1977

London Calling (1979) LP Back