BIOGRAPHY
Formed in London in 1976, The Clash brought together Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and, eventually, drummer Topper Headon to become one of punk's defining acts. Signing to CBS Records in January 1977 for a reported 100,000 pounds, the band released their acclaimed self-titled debut that same year, riding a wave of media attention that crowned 1977 as, per NME, "the year of The Clash." Through the late 1970s the group folded reggae, rockabilly, soul and blues into their sound without losing their punk edge or political commitment, culminating in the 1979 double album London Calling, widely regarded as one of rock's greatest records. Lineup instability, including Headon's 1982 dismissal, led to the band's disintegration, and they officially disbanded in 1986.