I just wanted to write a few words about a book I just completed – it’s been out a few years and I’ve no excuses – I should have read it earlier.
“Passion is a Fashion / The Real Story of The Clash” by Pat Gilbert ISBN-10: 030681434X
What a fantastic read – it’s now 28 years since I was first introduced to The Clash. Even though they sacked Mick Jones when I was 16 and came to a halt by the time I was 19 The Clash were the reason I developed a love of music, built my social awareness and the overall potential of what a band could be. In those subsequent pre internet years I still followed Mick in Big Audio Dynamite and waited for Joe to comeback from his self appointed “Wilderness Years” – when the Mescaleros formed at the end of the 90’s I was 13 all over again.
The Clash were the background music to my youth, my social barometer, my fashion statement and political savvy all rolled into one. I may have wandered away during the 90’s a little but timing (maturity) made me return to my roots in the last decade. Music this good never goes away – and the memories brought back by this book were outstanding.
I thought I knew the Story of The Clash….and before this book I did…to a degree.
Gilbert interviewed everyone connected to The Clash and fills in the pieces. It took me reading
this book to fully understand the dynamics of Joe, Mick, Paul and Topper. Not to mention Bernie Rhodes, Caroline Coon, CBS Records and Terry Chimes. This book may leave you (like me) wishing to be a fly on the wall in ‘77 and saying “Don’t sign with CBS” or forwarding to ‘81 and saying “Help Topper out lads…you need him!!”. Moreover it will leave everything explained and the passion and pure adrenaline of the band leaves you wanting to read more. The Clash were like your first teenage love – heart on the sleeve, commitment, and unabashed energy. The events of the 5-6 year rollercoaster ride of this band left me breathless and yet totally inspired. Music can be this good – it can be this important. Cultural Diversity and Friendships do matter – and fighting against complacency and wrongs does count.
30 years later we call it punk – perhaps even naive. I call it real and vital. The Clash were the right 4 guys, thrust together and brave enough to challenge the status quo – and also treat their fans as friends. Joe Strummer left us far too early in 2002 – but the legacy of this band and the convictions they held should inspire anyone.
A wonderful book – as befits the most important band of the last thirty years.
Cheers
Tim
