(RockAndMetal.com) (07/14/04)

Edited By Michael Bennett

LONDON, UK - This September, Epic Records will release the 25th Anniversary Edition of one of the most important albums of all time: "London Calling" by THE CLASH.

In honor of the band and the milestone, a 3-CD package of the album is set for release, featuring the previously unheard lost demos, "The Vanilla Tapes," recently found in guitarist Mick Jones' lock up, which include a number of tracks that never made the final cut of "London Calling."

The third disc of the 25th Anniversary Edition of "London Calling" features a 45-minute Don Letts-produced documentary, including newly discovered footage of producer Guy Stevens and The Clash in the recording studio, previously unused live performance footage, interviews with each of the band members and - for the first time ever - Kosmo Vinyl telling his side of the story.

There will also be an expansion on the original packaging including rare Pennie Smith photos (who took the iconic cover shot of the album), notes by Tom Vague and a lyrics booklet.

Formed in the Summer of 1976, The Clash rode the wave of the UK Punk scene, and went beyond it in so many ways.

Under the guidance of manager Bernard Rhodes, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Keith Levene were on the lookout for a frontman.

Joe Strummer was in a pub rock band called the 101ers. When he saw The Sex Pistols play live, he knew The 101ers' days were over.

Strummer was approached by Bernard Rhodes, and asked to leave his band and join a tough new band that would rival The Sex Pistols.

Terry Chimes took the drum seat and the group became "The Clash."

Malcolm Mclaren asked his ex-business partner Bernard Rhodes for The Clash to join The Sex Pistols on the now legendary "Anarchy In The UK" tour.

By that time, Keith Levene had left The Clash, and was replaced by Terry Chimes.

Their eponymous debut album, "The Clash," was recorded over three weekends in 1977.

The pounding, high-velocity record captured the urgency and passion of the times, and received huge critical acclaim.

The single 'White Riot,' inspired by Joe and Paul's participation in the Notting Hill Carnival riots, was indicative of the social activist attitude that the band would have throughout their career.

Topper Headon soon joined the line-up replacing Chimes, and in 1978 they played what has become a hugely celebrated gig in front of 80,000 people at Victoria Park in East London for "Rock Against Racism."

The band hit the studio after this to record their second album "Give 'Em Enough Rope" over three months in the UK and the US with production by Sandy Pearlman.

The album reached No. 2 in the UK charts in 1979.

With a tougher expanded sound moving on from the immediate music of "The Clash," "Give 'Em Enough Rope" confirmed the band as one of the leading lights of the UK Punk movement.

"Give 'Em Enough Rope" catapulted The Clash onto the U.S. scene, and they set out on a tour of the states with none other than Bo Diddley in support.

The influences they experienced from this tour were apparent on their return to the UK with a new musical direction, and their classic, quiffed up look.

While in the studio in the US they recorded a cover of 'I Fought The Law' (Bobby Fuller Four), now regarded as a classic Clash track.

Other musical influences including dub, reggae, ska and jazz have always been at the heart of The Clash.

Initially released in late 1979, "London Calling" was produced by Guy Stevens, famed as much for his studio antics on the record as for his earlier work with Mott The Hoople and Free.

Incorporating elements of rockabilly, funk, blues and reggae into the band's amphetamine rush of sound and spreading them over four sides of vinyl, "London Calling" was less an LP and more a manifesto.

The band went back to the United States for a six-week tour, taking Screamin' Jay Hawkins and The Cramps in tow, amongst others.

They then embarked on a recording frenzy in New York, Jamaica and London using music styles from rap and funk to dub that the band picked up from their touring and travels.

The band recorded the single 'Bankrobber,' but the record company would not release it in the UK.

However, huge public demand meant the company had to capitulate.

The wealth of material produced around these recording sessions created the 1980 triple album "Sandinista," named after left-wing freedom fighters in Nicaragua.

At the time, The Clash insisted upon releasing "Sandinista" at budget price, and its success in the UK was matched and exceeded for the first time by the US.

1981 saw the re-appearance of Bernie Rhodes as their manager, who they had parted ways with in 1978.

Back on board, Rhodes organized a celebrated run of dates in New York's Times Square.

Threatened with closure by the fire department riots ensued, but to the joy of the fans the shows were allowed to continue.

New York was alive with the sounds of funk, dance and early electro and the band listened with eager ears as ever and took many of these influences with them to the studio when they recorded "Combat Rock."

Produced by Glyn Johns, "Combat Rock" spawned two of the bands most famous songs, 'Rock The Casbah' and 'Should I Stay or Should I Go.'

On release in 1982, the album reached No. 2 in the UK and jumped straight into the Top Ten in the U.S.

The Clash then went on a massive stadium tour, culminating in their historic show at Shea Stadium with The Who.

A period of change within the band ensued with Headon being sacked from the group only to be re-replaced by Terry Chimes again, who was subsequently replaced by Pete Howard.

The band continued to tour, but by 1983, after years of constant touring and recording, the strain took its toll and Mick Jones was asked to leave the group.

Jones then went on to form Big Audio Dynamite.

Nick Sheppard and Vince White were hired, and The Clash continued to tour throughout 1984, and later released the album "Cut The Crap."

In 1986, The Clash split permanently.

Joe Strummer moving on to collaborate with Mick Jones on BAD's album "10 Upping St," and also wrote and produced his own solo material.

Paul Simonon went on to form Havana 3am.

The Clash were never forgotten by fans and music pundits alike, constant speculation as to a reunion was always rife.

In 1991, Levi's used 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go' in a TV commercial, which launched the single to the No. 1 position in the UK when it was re-released by CBS, and introduced the band to a whole new generation of fans.

The Clash were a band that changed lives, with shows that literally ripped up auditoriums.

Their political and social ideals were always represented within their songs and never wavered, they were innovative and never afraid to embrace different styles or learn from music of the past and present.

Sadly Joe Strummer died in December 2002, a tragic loss too soon to the world of music.

However, The Clash will always live on through their music and in the memories of their fans.

The Clash were inaugurated into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2003 - a fitting legacy for a band who totally changed the face of music for their generation.

Copyright 2003-2008 Internet Music Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

---

[Top]