Collection: The Clash

The Clash were one of the defining British bands to come out of punk, formed in London in 1976 and active until 1985. Their music started from punk rock but rarely stayed put, pulling in reggae, dub, rockabilly, funk, hip hop and more, with sharp, slogan-ready socio-political lyrics at the centre.

The classic line-up was Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Nicky "Topper" Headon. Early records such as The Clash and Give 'Em Enough Rope established their attack, while London Calling showed just how far their reach could stretch. Later releases including Sandinista! and Combat Rock kept widening the frame, without losing the urgency that made the band matter in the first place.