The Clash is once again in the spotlight with this landmark book by Maud Berthomier. The author went to see seven fans who told us about their admiration for The Clash. Seven fans but not just any fans. They are musicians, Joe Talblot (singer of The Idles) Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack), rock critics like Lester Bangs Jim DeRogatis, John Ingham Serge Kaganski, or even photographer Richard Schroeder and filmmaker FJ Ossang.

In an eight year career, The Clash would give punk a burning fighting spirit. The Clash is not a band like the others. With blazing concerts, politically charged songs and passionate idealism, these British punk rock pioneers usurped the ’80s spirit to become a global phenomenon. From the beginnings in London (1976) with the album “The Clash” to the shooting of “Give ‘Em Enough Rope” (1978) then from the revival of “London Calling” (1979) to world fame with “Sandinista” (1980), here are the biggest fans those who come to prove their passion for the group through their memories, their way of life, their favorites, or their dizzying record collection. Whether they’re musicians like Joe Talbo (Idles) and Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack), rock critics like Lester Bangs, Jim De Rogatis, John Ingham and Serge Kaganski, or luminaries like Richard Schroeder or FJ Ossang, it’s all told here in what The Clash changed their lives and inspired them. Illustrated with 50 black and white photographs, the book highlights the group’s six studio albums. Journalist Christophe Conte dissects each album, examining the circumstances that led to their creation, the process of their recording, the historical context. The icing on the cake, this book was accompanied by the acclaimed documentary “Rude Boy” directed by Jack Hazan and David Mingay (1980) which contained most of the group’s first successes in live versions, such as Garageland, London’s Burning, White Riot, I’m so bored with USA, Safe Home Europe, Full Control, Stay Free, I’m Against the Law, (White Man) At Hammersmith Palais, Rudy Can’t Fail, … Powerful guitar riffs, roaring sound, catchy lyrics, via photos Incredibly, forty years later, we better understand why The Clash continues to influence new generations today.

Clash – Experience. GM Edition. 208 pages.

Jean-Christophe Mary