The Clash (former title: London SS) was formed by Mick Jones (vocals), Paul Simonon (bass), Joe Strummer (guitar), and Tory Crimes (drums) in the early 70’s. They began to perform under the name the Clash in 1976. The following year the group signed the music contract with the British CBS label and released the "White Riot" single, which had a huge success in England.
The Clash issued its debut full-length self-titled album on British CBS in 1977. The record became very popular and was re-released in the U.S. in 1978 the band took part in a Rock Against Racism performing and released the "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais" single. The Clash’s second full-length appeared in 1979, the record was produced by Sandy Pearlman.
The Clash set out on the U.S. music tour called "Pearl Harbor '79" in 1979. The same year the group issued the The Cost of Living EP in the U.K. The double-CD entitled London Calling followed also in 1979. The record had a great success both sides of Atlantic. The following year the Clash went on its next concert tour in Europe and America
In the early 80’s the Clash recorded and released its fifth full-length album called Combat Rock. It became the band’s most popular record; the "Rock the Casbah" single sent the LP to the top of American and British charts. In 1982 the group went on the music tour with the famous American rock band called Who. The tour helped to promote the Combat Rock album.
In 1983 Mick Jones left the Clash and founded his own project called Big Audio Dynamite the next year. Jones was replaced by new guitarists Nick Sheppard and Vince White. In 1984 the group went on its next music tour in Europe and the United States. After tour the Clash recorded and released its next full-length album entitled Cut the Crap.
The Clash was disbanded in 1986. Paul Simonon founded the Havana 3 A.M. group, which issued only one album. Joe Strummer joined Jones in Big Audio Dynamite. After that Strummer began his movie career. Besides, in 1989 he issued the solo full-length called Earthquake Weather. The Live: From Here to Eternity LP was released in 1996, the record consisted of the best Clash’ songs.
