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The Clash: London Calling
An exclusive, free display celebrating a truly London album from 'the only band that matters'.
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On 15 November 2019, the Museum of London will open a display celebrating The Clash’s groundbreaking London Calling – an album that rocked the music scene, serving as an anthem for London, Londoners and music lovers globally.
To honour this truly London anniversary, the Museum of London will showcase personal objects, images, music and memories from the band's history - some never before - in a free display opening Friday 15 November.
London Calling was and is a hugely compelling melting pot of musical styles, driven by a passion for action and a fierce desire for social justice. The album’s music and lyrics remain as relevant today as they were on release.
As well as showcasing the influences and context to the writing and recording of the seminal double album, this new exclusive display at the Museum of London will examine how the capital influenced The Clash as they became the most popular British band of the 20th century.
1/4
Joe Strummer's notebook
© Casbah Productions
2/4
Paul Simonon's broken bass guitar
© The Clash Archive
3/4
Handwritten track listing by Mick Jones
© The Clash Archive
5/4
Topper Headon's drum sticks
(c) The Clash Archive
To reflect the band’s diverse range of political, emotional and musical interests a broad range of items will be on show, including:
- Paul Simonon’s broken Fender Precision Bass, smashed on stage at The Palladium in New York City on 21st September 1979
- Mick Jones’ handwritten album sequencing note
- Joe Strummer’s notebook from the period when the album ‘London Calling’ was rehearsed and recorded
- Joe Strummer’s typewriter used to document ideas, lyrics and other writings
To coincide with the opening of the display on 15 November, Sony Music will release the London Calling Scrapbook - a 120-page hardback companion which comes with the album and contains hand-written lyrics, notes, photos and previously unseen material from the period when the record was made.
“‘London Calling’ is The Clash’s defining album, a rallying call for Londoners and people around the world. The album’s lyrics reflected contemporary concerns, many of which are still relevant today, as it moved away from traditional punk by adopting and reworking much wider musical influences. ”
Beatrice Behlen, Senior Curator
Display
For:
All
All ages
Entry:
Free, drop in