The Clash, Rock Band * Born: 1976 * Birthplace: London, England * Died: 1986 * Best Known As: The punk band who did "London Calling" One of the most famous punk rock bands of the 1980s, The Clash went from being too radical for the radio to a modern-day classic rock pillar, thanks in part to hit songs such as "London Calling" and "Should I Stay Or Should I Go." The Clash members were: Joe Strummer (b. John Mellors, 21 August 1952, Ankara, Turkey, d. December 2002), guitar and vocals; Paul Simonon (b. 1956, London), bass; Mick Jones (b. 26 June 1955, London), guitar and vocals; Nicky Headon (b. 1956, Dover, England), drums. Formed in 1976, The Clash (at the time with drummer Terry Chimes) released their self-titled debut album in 1977. Songs such as "White Riot" combined the energy of hard rock with political and social consciousness and the album became a favorite of the critics. With a solid following in the U.K., The Clash toured the United States in the late "70s and released their 2-LP set London Calling (1979), now considered by many to be their best (it included "Train in Vain (Stand by Me)," a hidden track that reached the top of the U.S. charts). The triple-album Sandinista (1980) proved The Clash still had a bone to pick with corruption and injustice, and revealed a variety of musical influences that included ska, dub and reggae.
