The Clash – A Photographic Monograph

Chris Salewicz opens this book by declaring that The Clash were “the garage band who grew to stadium size,” and in doing so, they solidified their status as one of the most significant bands to emerge from the UK. While the Sex Pistols garnered attention with their rebellious sneers and attitude, with Johnny Rotten serving as a symbolic figurehead, and The Ramones established an image characterized by torn jeans and leather jackets, it was ultimately The Clash that became the quintessential face of the new wave movement.

They were “the last gang in town”, but an intelligent bunch with it, each with a hinterland of musical appreciation well beyond several of their famous contemporaries. Joe Strummer, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon had all been art students and had musical influences which took in Strummer’s love of R&B and a collective love of rock and reggae, all of which became integral to their musical DNA, going beyond hastily learning three chords, which others did.

The Clash were right there at the epicentre of 1976 when Punk exploded onto the scene, triggering a seismic wave of changes in culture and attitudes across the nation and the generations, with the changes still being felt today. Their impact was such that, unlike many bands of the time, The Clash became more influential and iconic as the years went by. Their early albums still stand the test of time (though it’d be charitable to forget 1985’s Cut The Crap) and they’ve come to be perceived as a pivotal band at a very important time in rock music; And they could play onstage. If you ever saw The Clash ‘live’ (interest declared, I did), their intensity in performing was quite something and several of the onstage pictures capture this look.

The book itself comes in three editions: standard hardback edition (£89), a Deluxe edition (£199) and an ultra-limited deluxe edition (£399). All feature several hundred carefully screened and lovingly restored images, documenting members individually and collectively in rehearsals, on stage, some superb ‘live’ shots included, plus at various locations in London and Belfast on their 1977 tour. Interspersed with the occasional written comment from authors Boot and Salewicz about the background of particular pictures. Both men have ‘form’ in this area, with Boot’s work with Bob Marley one reason why the band allowed him such close access, plus Salewicz having written biographies of The Clash and Joe Strummer. Together, they’ve come up with what’s quite likely the ultimate coffee table book about bona fide punk rock icons.

The Clash, A Photographic Monograph, is out now via Rufus Publications. Words: Chris Salewicz, Pictures: Adrian Boot.