The Clash
Popular punk rock band formed in 1976 in London, England. Although popular in England, it wasn't until 1982 when they broke through in America. They released more than 10 albums including The Clash (1977), Give `Em Enough Rope (1978), London Calling (1979), Sandinista (1980), Combat Rock (1982), among others. The All Music Guide names them “the definitive punk rock band.” Their two song writers, Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, helped set this band apart from most of the other bands in the genre. The Clash used a lot of classic outlaw imagery, positioning themselves as rebels with a cause. The American division of the record label decided the first album, The Clash, wasn't fit for radio play, so it decided to not release the album in the U.S. But the import of the record became the largest-selling import of all-time. Early in 1979, the Clash began their first American tour, "Pearl Harbor '79" and later that summer they began their second U.S. tour. During both tours they selected opening acts such as Bo Diddley, Sam&Dave, Joe Ely, reflecting an interest in rock & roll roots. That interest showed itself in the release of London Calling (1979), a double album released at the price of a single album. The album embraced a variety of styles including rockabilly and New Orleans R&B to anthemic hard rock and reggae. The album was hugely successful in both the UK and U.S. The band released four additional albums, with mixed critical reviews—receiving more favorable reviews from American critics than the UK. In 1983, although the group was at the top of its success, the band started to disintegrate for a variety of personal and professional reasons. They were disbanded in 1986. There have been rumors of the band reuniting but nothing has materialized.
Jakob Dylan cites The Clash as being significant in his musical development. They were the first group that turned him on to music. “I loved the Clash. That was the first group, really.” (Blackbook, Summer 1997)
In another interview, Dylan recalls:
“I remember seeing The Clash in their leather jackets, looking like some gang had come to town and no one could touch them.'' (The Providence Bulletin 3.1.97)
When asked about the first time he saw them, Jakob Dylan explains that The Clash concert was:
"Mind-blowing...People were fighting. Boots were flying into the air. People were being carried out with broken legs. That was when rock was really threatening... Jakob was scared, but even at such a young age, the Clash's sense of commitment impressed him deeply.” (Details 7.97)
The music and the group was inspirational. Dylan admits:
"I know my dad's music, but it was the music I grew up with that inspired me," he said. "I got into rock music when I was 12 and 13 and saw bands like the Clash play. I would tag along with my brother and friends. That music had a pretty significant impact on me. Going to the shows and seeing those people on stage looked like the coolest thing to do. It was like being in a gang." (San Diego Tribune 9.19.96)
Most of The Wallflowers cite The Clash as a significant influence. For instance, Greg Richling noted, “I think we were all pretty much into groups like The Clash, Tom Petty, stuff like that.” (Exan 6/97)
When asked in a recent issue of Entertainment Weekly to name his favorite album, Jakob Dylan picked the Clash's London Calling. (Atlanta Journal & Constitution 5.1.97)
An article reports that “Jakob Dylan still plays his London Calling and his Elvis Costello albums on the tour bus. He says listening to them makes him feel melancholy. It's music from a time he discovered the compromises he'd have to make to become a rock star himself. Jakob says that meeting the Clash was `probably the highlight of my life.'” (Details 7.97)
Dylan explains why he thought the Clash were the only band that mattered.
"There was always music around, but [hearing London Calling] was the first time I discovered something that was really mine. I must have been around 11 or 12. I think one of my older brothers gave it to me. 'Lost in the Supermarket' was the song I first picked up on, though it wasn't necessarily the loudest or the best. They were considered punk, but not only was there reggae on that album, they used organs, pianos and harmonicas, classic instruments. I always thought they were a lot more intelligent than the other punk groups. At any given time, there are just a few really strong rock & roll groups around, like the Rolling Stones or the Who. That record really proved the Clash were in that league." (Entertainment Weekly 3.21.97)
Jakob Dylan also says, "I still have framed posters of The Clash, The Jam, The Exploited. I still have a sweaty vest Joe Strummer gave me 10 years ago." (The Guardian 6.26.97)
