Description
Book SynopsisThe Clash thought they could change the world. They never did, but they created some of the greatest rock music of all time in the attempt.
Clash interviews were mesmerizing. Infused with the messianic spirit of punk, the Clash engaged with the press like no rock group before or since, treating interviews almost as addresses to the nation. Their pronouncements were welcomed but were hardly uncritically reported. The Clash’s back pages are voluminous, crackle with controversy, and constitute a snapshot of a uniquely thoughtful and fractious period in modern history. Included in this compendium are the Clash’s encounters with the most brilliant music writers of their time, including Lester Bangs, Nick Kent, Mikal Gilmore, Chris Salewicz, Charles Shaar Murray, Mick Farren, Kris Needs, and Lenny Kaye.
Whether it be their audience with the (mainly) simpatico likes of punk fanzine
Sniffin’ Glue, their testy encounters with the correspondents of pious UK weeklies like
New Musical Express,
Melody Maker, and
Sounds, or their friendlier but no less eyebrow-raising conversations with US periodicals like
Creem and
Rolling Stone, the Clash consistently created copy that lived up to their sobriquet “The Only Band That Matters.”
Trade Review" The Clash on The Clash returns to the heady days of '77, and confirms that the only English band that mattered made music, politics, and commerce matter like few others. Sean Egan's excellent collection of interviews ranges from the early days to the aftermath, from the dubious recollections of original guitarist Keith Levene to expanded versions of Egan's own 21st century interviews with the band members. Lester Bangs's 16,000-word love letter to the Clash is a real gem. Guttersnipes rejoice!" Randal Doane, author of Stealing All Transmissions: A Secret History of The Clash
"A bright garland of well-selected interviews strung out across the saw-toothed time-line of one of the most truthfulas well as one of the most self-deceptivebands of all time. . . . What you have assembled here is the true and authentic voice of Radio Clash." Mike Laye, Clash photographer
"Throughout, Egan's excellent annotations provide context and structure to the interviews and articles. Fans of music from the original punk rock era will enjoy this title." Library Journal
