I Am Resistance. I Am Force. I Am The Clash

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Photo by Adrian Boot / Urban Image

This is the first installment of Emma Weaver’s column “I am, I am, I am” which centers on finding yourself through music as it finds its way through society.


“Don’t write slogans, write truths” said Joe Strummer, the lead singer of the Clash, as he discussed his revolutionary role in the relationship between punk music and rebellion.

In 1976, amidst the London fog, The Clash was formed with Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and “Topper” Headon as the most prominent members. The 1970s brought an emerging punk movement that spread throughout the world, rejecting the mainstream and aggressive anti-authoritarian ideologies. Amongst the various waves of punk rock, the Clash epitomized a more unique style, integrating various genres and styles into a medley of punk, rock, reggae, and jazz. Punk rock epitomized the conceptual reality that all was not good in society. As time went on, bands and fans of all sorts eventually began to look to the momentous talent and forces of the Clash as symbols of hope and change.

What’s important to address, is the fact that The Clash was never limited by the boundaries and restrictions of a punk band. They were anything but a typical punk band and through their flair, they were able to execrate everything they deemed inequitable and execrable. They sold authenticity and instead of following their past examples, made an entirely new example. Their songs were more than just pleasing their fan base, but nurturing a social conscience as well.

Going past the image of just a “punk band”, the Clash not only took the U.K by a storm, but everywhere else as well as they surmounted the challenging legends of their musical predecessors and flourished. No other band was communicating and educating the general public of the government’s transgressions towards the people as well as The Clash. They elucidated their vivid anger in their songs, making the stage their platform for hostility and outrage.

The Clash defined a new generation of music that cemented the integration of social and political awareness into their ironic lyrics, fast tempo, and the iconic abuse of instruments. As anger and vexation erupted through the lyrics, the political messages they intended to be heard, were heard. Introducing an experimental method of assertion and potency, their music reinforced the power music held over the people. No other band was able to convey such prevalent anger as powerful as The Clash. When “London Calling”, one of their most popular songs, was released in 1979, Joe Strummer’s desperation, outrage, and anxiety sharply bled into each melody and lyric and they continued with other songs such as “Police On My Back” and “Rock The Casbah”. Strummer fostered a newfound strength and ability that established the integration of their personal beliefs, stances, and views in accordance with their surroundings. Broadcasting their sentiments of anger, distrust, and resistance towards the government and society at times succeeded the publication of music itself.

 

The Clash performed in such a nature that not only captured mastery and success, but additionally informed the people of monarchy, aristocracy, and the impending dangers, threats, and immorality from the execution of such forms of government. Many of their songs specifically focused on police brutality, poverty, and unemployment, all of which conflicted with the necessary and crucial morality and authenticity of one’s community. Singing of the growing gap between the ruler and the ruled, The Clash brought growing and crucial awareness, that catered to those suppressed. They allowed for a new, modern perspective towards what was needed to be considered and acknowledged. Their live sound relied on riotous, frenzied behavior and attitudes that drew people in within seconds. As The Clash overcame the new frontier of political-based music, more people grew enthralled by the riot within the song, the riot within the performance, and the riot within themselves.

By the 1970s, England’s past prosperity was fading away and being replaced by rising unemployment and poverty. Police brutality, racism, and xenophobia were transitioning into being the constant, plaguing all. The Clash took it upon themselves to morph into the voice of an unheard and stifled generation by singing of the reality and envisioning the good despite the evil. The impending clash between the rulers and the ruled inspired Strummer and company to address the harsh realities and their left-wing political activism. They were able to vindicate the harsh, detrimental image of punk rock and instead create songs aimed at the political and social situation of English life, making their political stance and advocacy an element in punk grandeur.

The music of The Clash held such a monumental impact and influence over the world as their songs went up against what was on going on society. Their music was and still remains one of rock’s most influential and impactful stories. As Mick Jones put it “We started as punk, but we developed into all sorts of things. We didn’t have a barrier, like, ‘you can’t do this!’ We wanted to do a different album every time, not the same one over and over. As we traveled and experienced more, we became more creative and open-minded. We kept the spirit and the ethics of punk, faced our contradictions and did our best as a big group rather than a small indie group.”



EMMA WEAVER | KXSU Music Reporter

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