The Clash (Essay)

The Clash originated as a group of musicians from London who shared the same passion for obtaining peace and justice. This ideal was the core meaning to their band name, The Clash, because their tunes rang an explosive, clashing message to globally promote the peace that humanity so desired for during the 80’s. The band expanded beyond the image of a journalistic punk band, they excelled to a higher level of meaning culturally. Rolling Stone magazine claims that the Clash is a group of “rebels with a cause”, a cause to instill unity and harmony. In fact, the songwriter and vocalist of The Clash, Joe Strummer, insisted that the band should be recognized as a “news giving group” in an interview with the talk show host Tom Snyder. They stirred people to become more politically aware of current happenings, especially younger fans and listeners. One of The Clash’s most popular singles, “Rock the Casbah” was released in 1982 and soared as a popular pop culture hit, with a widely misinterpreted underlying meaning. The song depicts the Islamic Revolution of 1979 with a concluding resolution of social harmony between the Hasidic Jews and Arabs. The band spread their opinions on social and cultural issues by using their voice in a raw and positive manner. Their genuine passion to promote human rights as musicians and activists is what earned them the title that the CBS record label claimed as “The Only Band That Matters”.

The Clash made such a large impact for the late seventies and early eighties generation which still lingers as a modern day influence. The Clash, in an essence, were the pioneers who advocated for bands to incorporate important and relevant press matters within their lyrics. The band experimented with punk, rock, pop, reggae, rap, soul, jazz, and country by incorporating bits and pieces into their music. This greatly impacted the format of how modern artists compose their music as well. The Clash played a major role in influencing Nirvana, U2, M.I.A., Black Flag, and more. They even were a key component in the spark of grunge fashion and punk style which is a movement that is reflected in our modern culture. Trends such as Doc Martens, ripped jeans, and leather jackets are new peaking again in 2018. The Clash formed their own image that attributed to the rebellion of a typical 80’s style. Long hair was considered “in” so they cut their hair short, flared and belly bottom jeans were “in” so they wore straight leg trousers. This idea of fashion rebellion helped incorporate their own originality and uniqueness as a band that influences the modern day rebellion from mainstream trends. They had such an optimistic future-visionary that will never be forgotten throughout the generations. This vision embarked a change and shift in the culture as people put on new perspectives and an awareness with current happenings.

In Ernest Cline’s novel, Ready Player One, he recognizes the cultural importance of The Clash and other popular 80’s bands. Wade Watts, the story’s protagonist, “listened to everything...pop, rock, new wave, punk, heavy metal. From the Police to Journey, to R.E.M. to the Clash” even in year 2045 (Cline 63). I believe that Cline included The Clash in his novel not only because he has a personal obsession with the 80’s (mirroring the obsession of James Holiday), but also because he acknowledges the band’s massive cultural impact seen throughout the ages. After the death of the lead vocalist, Joe Strummer at age 50, his lyrics and the bands global impact will forever be revered in remembrance of such a legacy.

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