On February 10 1977, The Clash began recording their debut album The Clash at CBS studios London, England. The album was recorded over three weekend sessions at CBS Studio 3. By the third of these sessions the album was recorded and mixed to completion, with the tapes being delivered to CBS at the start of March. It cost just £4000 to produce.
The self-titled album was released on 8 April 1977 and entered the British charts at #12.
Throughout 1977 the band were arrested for some strange crimes, for example Strummer and Headon were arrested for stealing pillowcases from a hotel room in Newcastle. The band went on to have a series of confrontations with the police, the group members were arrested on charges ranging from petty theft to illegal possession of firearms (for shooting prize pigeons).
The English punk rock band formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. For most of their recording career the Clash consisted of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, lead vocals), Paul Simonon (bass guitar, vocals) and Nicky “Topper” Headon (drums, percussion). Headon left the group in 1982, and internal friction led to Jones’s departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986.
As reported in Rolling Stone, on Tuesday, nine city and state governments in the U.S.A will unite with 23 radio stations to honor the punk band’s legacy. Event organizer and KEXP host John Richards said the band is still relevant today.
“The message of the Clash, so influenced by the international sounds they grew up with, is both powerful and uplifting especially now in this time of struggle,” he said.
“International Clash Day ensures new generations are aware that the band, through Joe’s snarling lyrics, called out the conspirators and united the people to stand up and be counted,” Steve Mullen of the Joe Strummer Foundation said. “As Joe Strummer once said: ‘Without people, you’re nothing’ and never a true enough phrase has been spoken.”
