YEAR
2003
INDUCTED BY
Tom Morello & The Edge (U2)
CATEGORY
Performers
Quite simply, the Clash were among the most explosive and exciting bands in rock and roll history.
They played a major role in creating and defining the punk movement. If the short-lived Sex Pistols were glorious nihilists, then the Clash expressed punk’s impassioned political conscience. Their explosive, uptempo punk-rock manifestos were unleashed with pure adrenaline and total conviction. Following the Sex Pistols’ dissolution in January 1978, the Clash became the central voice of the punk movement and remained at the forefront for five years. Their albums—The Clash (1977), Give ‘Em Enough Rope (1978), London Calling (1979), Sandinista! (1980) and Combat Rock (1982)—captured the tumult of the times with unerring instinct and raw power.
Joe Strummer
Mick Jones
Nicky Topper Headon
Paul Simonon
Terry Chimes
HALL OF FAME
ESSAY
By Ira Robbins
With the sudden death of Joe Strummer on December 22, 2002, the story of the Clash finally came to an abrupt end.
In fact, the Last Gang in Town, as they called themselves in a song, had packed it in some twenty years earlier, drained of the high ideals and united purpose that had fueled some of the most fervent, exhilarating and provocative rock & roll ever made, No matter.
What the Clash – Joe Strummer (vocals, guitar), Mick Jones (guitar, vocals), Paul Simonon (bass, vocals) and alternating drummers Nicky “Topper” Headon and Terry Chimes – achieved was far greater than what it left on tape or burned in the memories of those who saw the band on stage. It was a reckless force of nature that – on a great night, and there surely were many – relinquished conscious thought for careening energy.
