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THE CLASH were a band like no other. Pioneers of British punk rock, their incendiary gigs, intelligent songwriting, definitive style and passionate idealism caught the spirit of the times and made them a worldwide phenomenon. Rolling Stone magazine declared London Calling one of the greatest albums of all time, their autobiographical documentary Westway to the World won a Grammy, and their music lives on, influencing emerging bands and exciting new audiences today.

This is the first official book to be created by the band. With unprecedented access to the Clash archive, this landmark publication brings together previously unseen material – including tour posters, artwork, and photos of the band at home, on stage, in the studio and on the road – with each member telling their story in their words.

JOE STRUMMER:
‘I called myself Joe Strummer because I can only play all six strings at once, or none at all.‘

MICK JONES:
‘I decided that I‘d go to art school in order to meet other musicians and get a grant so I could buy some equipment.‘

PAUL SIMONON:
‘I wanted to be Peter Townshend, the bloke who throws his arms around and jumps up and down.‘

TOPPER HEADON:
‘Drumming became my first addiction. I‘d play for eight hours a day.‘

The surviving members of THE CLASH have worked together with the full cooperation of Joe Strummer's estate to create this unique collection.

For further information please contact Karen Duffy, Publicity Director Atlantic Books, email karenduffy@groveatlantic.co.uk

SonyBMG release The Clash ‘Live at Shea Stadium‘ album and ‘The Clash Live – Revolution Rock‘ DVD simultaneously on 6th October. Recorded at New York‘s Shea Stadium in 1982, ‘Live at Shea Stadium‘ captures the band at the peak of its powers and on devastating form. Bristling with energy and attitude, ‘Live at Shea Stadium‘ is destined to feature alongside James Brown at the Apollo, The Who at Leeds and Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison as one of the greatest live recordings of all time.

The Clash, opening for The Who on their farewell tour of the US, played two nights at the legendary Shea Stadium (12th & 13th Oct 1982). Recorded by Glyn Johns, the album features the second night‘s performance in its entirety. Despite being the support act, the New York Post reported “there were as many Clash fans on those nights as Who fans”. One of the few remaining unreleased Clash treasures, the recordings have long been sought after by fans. The tapes were unearthed by the late Joe Strummer whilst packing for a move.

The Clash released their fifth album ‘Combat Rock‘ prior to the US tour. The album contained the single ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go‘, which received heavy airplay in the US. The following single, ‘Rock the Casbah‘ was a Top 40 hit in the US, with heavy rotation on MTV. Original Clash drummer Terry Chimes, who appeared on the band‘s eponymously-titled debut album, plays on ‘Live at Shea Stadium‘.

Shea Stadium, home of the New York Mets baseball team since its unveiling in 1964, has hosted some truly legendary shows. The Beatles were the first band to perform at the venue in 1965 and the success of that concert proved for the first time that stadiums could hold shows on such a large scale. Other acts that have appeared at Shea over the years include the Rolling Stones, The Police, Bruce Springsteen and Simon & Garfunkel. Sadly, the stadium has reached the end of its life and will be demolished around the time ‘Live at Shea‘ is released.

‘Live at Shea Stadium‘ will be available in deluxe ltd edition and standard CD formats.

Released on the same day, ‘The Clash Live – Revolution Rock’ features a host of rare and previously unreleased live performances and interviews. Directed by long-time Clash collaborator and Grammy-winning director Don Letts, the film follows the live transformation of the band. ‘The Clash Live – Revolution Rock’ incorporates footage from all phases of the band’s meteoric career, beginning with live-in-the-studio clips and climaxing with a blow-out performance at Shea Stadium, audio of which appears on ‘Live at Shea Stadium’.

Other highlights include performances from 1977 of ‘Capital Radio’ and ‘What's My Name’ on Tony Wilson’s Granada TV show, ‘Guns of Brixton’ from the ABC show ‘Fridays,’ ‘The Magnificent Seven’ and ‘This Is Radio Clash’ from a 1981 visit to ‘The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder’ and footage from the 1983 US Festival, the Clash's last gig with Mick Jones. DVD extras include interviews on ‘The Tomorrow Show’ and NBC’s ‘Live at Five’ programme.