Punk in England &

The Clash

• low-grade, worthless, small-time criminals, dregs

•nowadays : person who does not adapt to society and social standards

Punk

History of Punk

• developed about 1975 in England

• England had a difficult period

• commercial music was popular

• reflects in refusing and rebellion

• fundaments: believe in nobody, question authorities, politicians and stars

• attitude to life

Music• fast, reduced variant of rock‘n‘roll

• lyrics consist of short accusations and reflections of own life

• typical instruments:vocals, guitar, bass and drums

• derivative forms: Alternative rock, Emo, Math rock, Gothic rock, Post-punk, Grunge

The Clash

The Clash• successful British punk rock band (1976-1986)• one of the best and most influential punk band of

all time• lyrics were a contrast to the nihilism of the Sex

Pistols and The Ramones more positive and political

• temporary bands are still influenced by them (e.g. Green Day, R.E.M, The Cure, U2)

History of The Clash

• Joe Strummer (vocals & rhythm guitar)• Mick Jones (vocals & lead guitar)• Paul Simonon (bass & vocals)• Keith Leven (lead guitar)• Terry Chimes (drums)• formed in London in 1976 during the first wave

of British punk• Leven never recorded with the band left after

5 gigs

• At first called London SS later The Clash

• first single: White Riot

• first European band which had success in the USA

• Strummer & Jones were arrested because of vandalism and shooting pigeons

• 7 Lp‘s e.g. Sandinista and London Calling

Politic• protested against the monarchy and aristocracy,

but rejected nihilism• were politically active• perform at Rock Against Racism • offered support to the Sandinista and other

Marxist movements• expressed humanity, solidarity and love of

justice, wasn‘t important to provoke, unlike the Sex Pistols did

• “We are against any form of ignorance“, Strummer 1977

The end of The Clash

• In 1983 they kicked Terry Chimes and Mick Jones out

• In 1985 they release a new album, but it flopped

• split in 1986

• Joe Strummer died in 2002