WORDS MAISIE JANE DANIELS - IMAGES COURTESY OF WMA
Last month saw the Museum of London open its doors to the exhibition of The Clash’s iconic album, London Calling, with today marking the day of its 40 year anniversary. And you can follow the newly restored/HD video for ‘London Calling’.
Expect to see an array of archival pieces of clothing to notepads, instruments to photographs, and let’s not forget the piece that’s had all of us Londoner’s calling out to see, the shattered Fender Precision Bass that Paul Simonon smashed on stage at The Palladium in New York City on 21st September 1979, and that graces the defining album’s front cover. Another significant, standout piece was Joe Strummer’s notepad, depicting the early workings of the song London Calling (or Ice Age as it was originally titled). Spilling out lyrics that captured the generation’s crippling concern for issues of the time. “The USA is sinking, the world is shrinking…” Lyrics that are still so poignant to contemporary society.
London Calling was truly a significant body of work from its musical mastery, to its lyrics of longevity, an anthem not just for Londoner’s but for all of society. So whether you are an avid fan of The Clash, or just have an interest in music, there’s something to get excited about.
The Clash: London Calling is currenty showing at the Museum of London until 19th April 2020. FREE Admission.
For more information visit museumoflondon.org.
Opening image: The Clash by © Pennie Smith
The Clash (At the London Calling video shoot, on the River Thames, 1979) by © Pennie Smith
The Clash (Outside Wessex Studios during the recording of London Calling 1979) by © Pennie Smith
The Clash on stage by © Pennie Smith
Ticket for the New York Palladium, 20 September 1979Paul smashed his bass on stage at this show. © Casbah Productions Ltd
Handwritten album sequence note by Mick Jones (Handwritten list of songs, placed here in correct order for the 4 sides of the double album London Calling.) © The Clash
A lyric fragment in Joe Strummer's handwriting for the song Lost in the Supermarket. The four lines in black ink on the reverse of an Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Strings paper envelope, the lyrics representing the chorus of the song. © Casbah Productions Ltd
A set of working lyrics in Joe Strummer and Mick Jones' handwriting forthe song The Card Cheat, 1979.
The Card Cheat was released on the London Calling album in 1979. It features approximately 24 lines in blue pencil and red ink on white notepaper, with extensive additions and deletions as Strummer and Jones worked out the song's wording. © The Clash
Simonon’s Fender Precision Bass was damaged on stage at The Palladium in New York City on 20th September 1979, as Simonon smashed it on the floor in an act of spontaneous and complete frustration. © The Clash
Paul Simonon’s hand sketched design for stage wear for tour. © The Clash
Guitar Case with Capitol Theatre backstage sticker. © The Clash
A 1950s GIBSON ES-295 with a white finish inside a hardshell contour case with orange plush lining. The guitar was used byMick Jones during recording of the London Calling album and in the music video for the title track of the album, released as a single in December 1979. © The Clash
A 1950s GIBSON ES-295 with a white finish inside a hardshell contour case with orange plush lining. The guitar was used by Mick Jones during recording of the London Calling album and in the music video for the title track of the album, released as a single in December 1979. © The Clash
White shirt and leather jacket worn by The Clash. © The Clash
The 1950s Fender Esquire used by Joe Strummer during the recording of the ‘London Calling’ album and on stage for various live and televised performances between 1979-1981.
© Lola and Jazz Mellor
Ray Lowry Sketch Book from Clash Tour. © Samuel Lowry
