The Clash were the premier band to emerge from the punk explosion of the late 1970s, graduating from sweaty London clubs to become an internationally acclaimed rock act playing arenas and sports stadia. With singer Joe Strummer at the helm and Mick Jones writing guitar riffs that mixed glam rock with uptown Jamaica, the Clash produced vibrant live performances that turned the excitement level up to eleven every time they hit the stage. Remembered for Strummer's political pronouncements, anthemic songs like 'White Riot' and I Fought The Law' and classic hit singles including 'Bank Robber', 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go' and 'Rock The Casbah', for a whole generation The Clash were the only band that mattered. Their 1979 album London Calling is regarded by many as the greatest double album release of all time. Now, 40 years after they split, comes their story of the Clash in the words of over 300 fans, capturing the passion and fury of the Clash live on stage. The spittle-fuelled rant of Strummer, clutching the microphone and stamping his foot, Jones buzzing around the stage like a whirling dervish, Paul Simonon throwing shapes and a thunderous bass line into the mix and drummer Topper Headon holding it all together with a ferocious beat like a 'boom boom' six gun is a sight no Clash fan will ever forget. With memories from around the globe, this book takes you back there? AUTHOR: Iain Key is a recognisable face on the Manchester Music Scene from many years in the late '80s and '90s. Iain rediscovered his love of writing about music during the pandemic which saw him invited to join the team at Louder Than War. Since late 2020, he's written over 400 pieces including music, book and gig reviews, and also produce a weekly music show, Indie Brunch, featuring both music and interviews with new and established acts such as Kevin Rowland, Frank Turner, Amelia Coburn and Meryl Streak along with journalists and authors such as Daniel Rachel and Tony Fletcher. Iain's love of music began with The Jam and The Clash as a 12-year-old in 1982, and over the next couple of years he was introduced to the likes of The Smiths, The Housemartins and Billy Bragg. Away from Louder Than War, Iain has worked in the telecoms industry for over 25 years, is a lifelong Manchester United fan and shares his home with three cats, Storm, Shadow and Thunder, and occasionally his son, McKenzi. 141 colour and b/w illustrations
