Each member of The Clash are unique, yet compliment each other in perfect harmony. Mick and Paul originally met while in different art schools. Joe was already in various folk groups but felt the future was in the emerging Punk scene. Joe said "Punk rock isn’t something you grow out of Punk rock is an attitude, and the essence of that attitude is ‘give us some truth’". They formed as a trio for their first self-titled album in 1977. Topper joined in 1978 & the lineup was complete.
1952-2002
Lead Singer/Guitar
Born in Turkey, his father was a diplomat who moved many times during childhood. His older brother died young, which made him the natural protector & leader of the group.
"We didn't have any solution to the world's problems. I mean, we were trying to grow up in a socialist way to some future where the world might be less of a miserable place than it is."
Paul: "When Joe came along it was like having a Dad in the group. He was like a teacher because he had been in a group before. He's generally patient. He hardly ever gets angry. He's a real laugh".
1955-present
Lead Guitar/Vocals
Mick's parents divorced when he was young, & was raised by his Gran & her sisters. He went to the West London School of Art and Design because "[he] thought that's how you get into bands and stuff".
"Rock n' roll means so much more to people; it enriches the culture. Also, it inspires people; there's no half-feeling. When I first got into it, I was inspired by people who had come before me, and I found myself in the position of handing that on."
1955-present
Bass/Vocals
Paul grew up poor in the "ghetto" of Brixton. He wanted to be an artist from a young age & gained a scholarship to the Byam Shaw School of Art. He taught himself bass & is largely responsible for the band's aesthetic, painting the backdrops for shows & clothing.
"I obviously had my reggae, but I got quite into rockabilly when I was a kid, because I was trying to find something that represented me as a white person."
1955-present
Drums/Vocals
The boys in the band gave him the nickname "Topper" after the "Mickey the Monkey" from the Topper comic books, a character they thought he resembled.
His favorite style of music was Jazz, which brought a different flavor & diversity to the group's sound.
"Love every minute of it. Appreciate it and try not to get carried away because it can be a short career."