HOW the HELL Is This Apocalyptic 1979 Anthem MORE Relevant TODAY than it was THEN?-Professor of Rock

It’s the tremendous story of the 1979 song London Calling by the Clash. In the late 70s, the world’s most influential punk band was convinced the world was falling apart, and they needed to do something about it. Fueled by concerns over widespread famine, the environment, drug addiction, police brutality, tidal waves, and nuclear war, the band’s charismatic leader composed the prophetic manifesto London Calling that seems more relevant today than it was when he wrote it in 1979. London is calling to the zombies of death. NEXT…on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you skated to your favorite songs at the roller rink back in the day, you’ll love this daily dose of nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss out on the stories of the songs from the legends. We also have a Patreon take a look at our content there while helping our mission of curating music history.
“This is London Calling”… the identification introducing shortwave radio broadcasts transmitted by the BBC during World War 2 with post-war programming advancing well into the 80s.
When John Graham Mellor, better known as Joe Strummer, was a 14-year-old lad he spent some time in Africa, with his father, who was a British foreign service diplomat, and his mother who was a nurse. In the middle of one hot African night, young Joe was turning the dial of his father’s shortwave radio, frantically trying to find sounds of his British homeland.
When to his amazement he tuned into the staticky reception of a UK Singles Chart Countdown show. It was the first time that Joe recalled listening to a broadcast from the BBC World Service, and hearing the official identification that kicked off every BBC program… ”This is London Calling.” The ID rang resoundingly in Joe’s childhood memory, and it would prove to be a major influence in his emergence as a punk oracle, and a BBC radio personality. Before the world was introduced to the name Joe Strummer, the future icon played rhythm guitar in a pub rock act that came together in ‘74 called The 101ers.
During his 2 year stint with The 101’s, Joe went by his original stage name “Woody” Mellor. By the time The Clash was formed in 76, Joe ditched Woody in favor of his new stage moniker… Joe Strummer- which was a reference to his days of “strumming” a ukulele in the London Underground-- metro London's rapid transit system nicknamed ’The Tube.’ The Clash immersed into London’s “inner circle” of punk, along with acts like the Sex Pistols, The Damned The Jam, and 9-9-9. Strummer recalled how he & his bandmates put in endless hours of what he termed “Stalinist dedication" to become a tight-performing unit & to establish a distinct identity that would separate them from the pack.
Joe Strummer was a news junkie. He had a ravenous interest in learning about topical events in every newspaper & magazine he could find. In fact, the impetus for many of the songs Joe wrote were from news articles he had read. The most prolific example of Strummer’s obsession for current events reporting can be found in the lyrics he penned for “London Calling,” the apocalyptic anthem for the disillusioned, and the title track for The Clash’s epic 3rd studio double album.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the COOLEST ALBUM COVER of the 70s?

[@Rogerdeal-yp4qw]

Dsom Floyd

[@freezer8530]

I'll nominate that of Boston's eponymous debut album.

[@christineml1476]

Frank Zappa "Weasels Ripped My Flesh"

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Leftoverture -- Kansas. I feel like he looks most days. 😅😅😅

[@mikenicholson7465]

London Calling. It's my favorite album photo of all time. Paul Simonon taught that bass a mean lesson.

[@genboomxer]

I remember coming home from work one day and my youngest daughter, who was a teenager in the early 2000s, told me she had borrowed my CD of London Calling and asked if it was ok if she kept it for a while. This is when most kids her age were listening to boy bands, but she went in a different direction. She went through most of my CD catalog of classic rock and punk for a couple of years. She even asked If we could go see Cheap Trick live at a nearby club! Proud Dad.

[@SMccrate01]

Back in the early 2000's my daughter would go on epic walks in the neighborhood listening to her iPod. Once when her pod was on the fritz she got out her old Sony Walkman CD player and walked around for a week listening to Neil Young's Harvest. One day she said to me "you know, I think Neil Young is a genius..." Proud Dad too!

[@ontheleveltk]

The old man was the right age when punk rock started up here in New York but the Clash were his favorite and would see them anytime they came here. He constantly played the first three Clash albums when I was a kid and I did the same thing as your daughter in the late 90s. Now I blast it for my kids.

[@johngalt2931]

Good job Dad!

[@justinskullhead]

You raised her right!!

[@Code.Name.V]

The Clash were one of the acts that kicked off the transition of 70's to 80's music styles. Their music has aged well also. I enjoy it more and more each time I listen.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great observation my friend.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree! London Calling signaled a transition.

[@soulscanner66]

Sort of the transition from punk to "alternative" post-punk.

[@rollingthunder9579]

The London Calling album's surprising mix of styles reflected the band's determination not to become stale or repetitive ( which other first-wave punks like the Damned maintain to this day was actually the original ethos of punk). It's true that London Calling's ethos influenced many artists who became famous in the 80s. However, in the UK, 1979 was a pivotal year not only because of the Clash. Around 1978/ 79 new wave and punk began to be seen more and more as two phenomena with a common origin, but no longer exactly the same thing ( particularly when some acts who had begun in the punk movement started having massive success). Siouxie And The Banshees' first single Hong Kong Garden in 1978 has posthumously been widely considered as the first post- punk hit. On the singles charts the first new wave UK number 1 was Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats in the second half of 1978. In 1979 a whole series of acts who cemented new wave dominated the UK charts, such as the Boomtown Rats themselves, Squeeze, The Police, Gary Numan, Blondie, the Pretenders, the Jam, Elvis Costello, the Specials or Madness. It was a pivotal time in the UK in general regarding what was to come in the 80s.

[@jasontaverner391]

@Code.Name.V But it's obvious the importance of Mick Jones was to the Clash. The difference between the garbage that was Clash minus Jones "Cut The Crap" and Mick Jones' "This is Big Audio Dynamite" is universes apart.

[@vincentini1]

“This is not a time to be dismayed. This is punk rock time. This is what Joe Strummer trained you for.” Henry Rollins, 2020. The world desperately needs The Clash today

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@randymarthins3473]

2017, actually - after Trump's inauguration

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Awesome quote!

[@brandonjohnson191]

@@randymarthins3473 That's when I realized the majority of punk and metal bands that I grew up on were posers... Here I thought they were against the man, turns out they're all shills for the man now... I grew up thinkin punk and metal were anti establishment and non conformity, now they don't want you to be a fan unless you conform...

[@reeb9016]

​@randymarthins3473 How many times did you follow orders and get jabbed? More like punkass. 😂

[@Whisper_292]

London Calling is one of those epic albums that I never think of when asked for my faves, but when I'm reminded of it, I'm like, "Oh, yeah!" Every song is fantastic.

[@Code.Name.V]

Well stated...I could not agree more.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Fantastic it is!

[@RBS_]

...who YOU tellin'!? ...I had THREE copies on CD, and forgot I had 'em....I just knew I 'had' 'em! ...essential owning, lemmetellya.......

[@Whisper_292]

​@@RBS_LOL! "I don't have this one, I should pick up a copy. Oh, there it is! Now I have two! Wait..." Dialog in my head.

[@RBS_]

@@Whisper_292 .....HA-HAAA!! ...who YOU tellin'!??? ...I have that 'dialog' EVERY WEEK! ...just 'had' it, w/ a Doobie Brothers Live CD from '83...."..I have it, I just KNOW I have it!..." ...ha-HAAA! ....ah, Collectors...... ; )

[@bpabustan]

Punk rock taught me to think for myself. The way I think, the way I live my life - punk rock helped me discover it. The Clash were there for me!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@heatherknopp3723]

Yes, it's "TEMS" (Tums are what you take for Heartburn! LOL)

[@joeuser633]

I'm so sorry, hopefully you are ok now?

[@mdeysenroth]

I love it when I know exactly what song you are covering before I even click play! I turned 22 in 1979. The Clash was and still is one of my favorite bands. RIP Joe Strummer; your impact on music will stand forever!

[@bobbywise2313]

I have known what the song was going to be a few times myself based on the video description. It is pretty a cool feeling.

[@randallpetersen9164]

I always try and guess the song just from the thumbnail hint. I can guess about 60%, should be higher but you know I'm getting old.

[@bobbywise2313]

@@randallpetersen9164 That is better than me. I guess about 10 to 20%. Anything pre 70's is pretty foreign territory for me unless we are talking about The Beatles.

[@stuartleonard4452]

For me, this was your greatest clip of all time! You did an amazing job explaining what The Clash were about and really captured 'The Moment'. Talk about serendipity - I listened to London Calling on the way home from work then sat down to chill, checked KZbin on the TV and this episode pops up. That was a great era for punk in NYC. I was lucky to be around at that time. I was at The Clash show where the cover photo was taken. A night I'll never forget. Again - great episode

[@scottarnest8980]

Adam, you have improved greatly since you started. Just more streamlined. Keep documenting. I have learned so much from you. A million before summer.

[@RBS_]

...He'd BETTER hit a Mill....I've been mentioning him to my co-workers SO much, that they KNOW I'm tipping away (in the comments) when the Z-OOM's start! ...BUSTED! ...ha-HAA!

[@ProfessorofRock]

thanks Scott!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!@@RBS_

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We’re 29 away!

[@justinskullhead]

9 K away As of April 21st

[@DennisGuy-pf9jb]

Jazz was the rock and roll of the early 20th century. When it lost mainstream appeal people kept it alive and evolving so it is still going strong. We need to do the same with this music. Kids are still rocking we just don't see them on TV. Crank it up!

[@pennyspencer450]

A welsh schoolmate introduced this Aussie teenage to The Clash back in 1982. And The Jam. Still bands I adore today, and so do my kids.

[@grahamnash9794]

The river Thames ( pronounced Tems) is called Isis where it flows through the city of Oxford. But the name Thames is retained throughout the rest of it's length.

[@LeadSurge3000]

*Thank you!*

[@1439315]

Paris argument; you feel that way start your own university; Oxford; years later; another argument; guess how cambridge university was started ?

[@leechjim8023]

Figures a stupid university would choose that name!👎👎

[@grahamnash9794]

@@leechjim8023 What??!! The river has had it's name for a darn sight l longer than any uni ever existed. We're talking Roman times here.

[@j.graham8068]

@@leechjim8023 Say what? The local name for that part of the river comes from its medieval name, which was Tamesis. Which is thought to partially come from Isis, as in the Egyptian goddess.

[@vcv6560]

Fifty year fan of radio and shortwave (before the web) to hear this angle on the classic puts a smile on my face. The world was nearly coming to an end, and we could use a pulling back once again. PEACE.

[@ProfessorofRock]

PEace!

[@edryba4867]

The “London Calling” vinyl LP was released way back when I was a Radio DJ, and it was my pleasure to play the title cut on the California FM station where I worked at the time. If you like Punk, you’ll LOVE the record. I’m proud to say I still have that original pressing of the album! And by the way, the River Thames is pronounced “tems”.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@s.marcus3669]

Would I be guessing that the fabulous book: "World in My Eyes" by Richard Blade graces your library as well? I grew up in Los Angeles at that time and the book really spoke to me!

[@christineml1476]

We need a "London Calling" in 2024. Instead all the "music" we hear is sampled and/or grating technodribble. No messages, just regurgitation. I'll get off my soapbox now.

[@eTriumph0719]

Just move over we all agree with you

[@stephenbrown4211]

It’s certainly needed in London now considering the state of that city

[@matthew58ify]

Some bands are “transitional”. The Clash was one those that changed the music we would hear for a decade. Where are the new pioneers? Just don’t see anything close anymore…..

[@Redmenace96]

In retrospect, Joe was calling back to an earlier time when London was significant culturally/politically. The Clash made London significant culturally/politically. Who is there to call back, now? In what way can London become a player, today?

[@christineml1476]

@@matthew58ify I doubt we will again. I'd like to be wrong about that.

[@charleslipscomb2567]

I remember when I first saw the London Calling album cover in a record store and I thought "Whoa! Talk about in your face!". It's now one of my all time favorites! (Album or cover? Both!)

[@dgarve]

"The only people who put iced tea in Jack Daniels bottles is THE CLASH, baby!" - David Lee Roth, 1983 ;-)

[@robertwalker6884]

Ahh yes.. I remember that one. 😂😅

[@thestrum71]

Diamond Dave people.... The only frontman that matters!

[@phhdvm]

DLR is laughable. Strummer is a legend.

[@drea4195]

@@phhdvm Oh lighten up.

[@dgarve]

It's true that DLR is a caricature of his former self, but true music fans know that they are both legends. @@phhdvm

[@melindakeown7500]

Finally realized why we enjoy you so much!! Your wisdom & even voice is reminiscent of Casey Kasem!! Nostalgic, familiar, & entertaining!! Absolutely love your channel!!

[@Redmenace96]

Yeah. He mentions CK about every 10 vids. I love the homage/influence! brings back a lot of memories and no disrespect- CK had one of the greatest voices in the history of radio. If somebody compared me, to him? I would be flattered.

[@Play_fare]

@@Redmenace96CK was part of the soundtrack of my youth. I wasn’t into the top 40 pop too much except when a fave song/artist moved from the alt category to mainstream. In a time when radio was still king but losing ground to music videos (video killed the radio star), he kept it alive a bit longer.

[@marklane61]

Didnt get into punk much but the clash were different. To my ear their style and sound was more clean and honed than other punk bands

[@ProfessorofRock]

!

[@haworthlowell805]

One of my favorite rock & roll stories was one night I came home & my mom was watching some TV talk show & someone was interviewing The Clash. I asked my mom: 'Why are you watching this?' Never forget her answer: 'This is the first rock band I've heard interviewed that makes sense!'

[@martinzaehringer1697]

That would have been the interview with Tom Snyder

[@lancecox8084]

That was "The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder" , the episode with the Sex Pistols was legendary.

[@ben4547]

Mum always knows best

[@haworthlowell805]

@@ben4547 Well, this time she did.

[@Mcfee83]

Those blue frames really pop! Because of your channel i found Zenni Eyewear and they are the best glasses I've ever had. Would definetely recommend them to anyone. Thanks for the great content. The best music history channel on youtube!

[@timczifrik7715]

I love that shirt brother..!!!! hahaha As far as this song I have loved it from listen number one. It had been out for several months I think, and That Christmas I asked my dad for the tape and I was shocked he actually got it for me because we didn't see eye to eye on a lot of music. lol. But...that Christmas in 1981 while playing our new Atari system I had listened to that tape start to finish. And then went to my room to really listen to it..!! Over and over all day long.!!! It became an instant classic to me and I still listen to it to this day..!!!!! Soooo Many great songs on it. I still get happy at the memories that I get when hearing the music. That day started my love for the Clash. And a year later I was lucky enough to actually see them play live when the opened tor The Who..!!! This was another great video brother.. Keep on keepin on...!!!! :)

[@randallpetersen9164]

Was singing along to London Calling in the store the other day. Pass a guy who says 'great song'. My instant reply - 'great album!'

[@Harpo86]

My favorite band of all time. Thank you very much for spotlighting The Clash.

[@BaddogSports]

Many movies and songs predicted the future. Pretty eerie. Always loved The Clash though! Legendary group! Way ahead of their time

[@ProfessorofRock]

SO true! What's your favorite song by them?

[@BaddogSports]

@@ProfessorofRock It’s tough to decide. I absolutely loved “Rock The Casbah” when I was a kid. Loved the video! “London Calling” is also an incredible song. But I think my favorite is “This is Radio Clash”

[@spanishpeaches2930]

Of their time and certainly not ahead.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s true!

[@kagestone56]

I saw them at the Palladium the following year, I still have my t-shirt & concert stub. ❤ It was everything to me & my sis at the time. So glad you covered it. I love your show, thanks. 🎶🤘

[@cherriehearn6950]

❤❤❤ loved "Rock the Casbah" and " Stay or should I go"

[@ProfessorofRock]

Both are classic!

[@lonewolfrcs1331]

facts@@ProfessorofRock

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!@@lonewolfrcs1331

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too.

[@marktait2371]

another college party anthem not exactly rocket science one guy friend is sctually one today hahs

[@MasterMalrubius]

I was 16 in 1980 and my older brother introduced me to The Clash. I’d already been listening to more New Wave material from him but this was something totally different. No one else in school really got into it.

[@minuteman4199]

They're right, the world was and has fallen apart, we're now living in the aftermath.

[@ladyjatheist2763]

no yet, but we're definitely getting there.

[@ProfessorofRock]

What happened yesterday? That bridge coming down was insane!

[@artharrison9586]

It’s only just begun. We need to return to some semblance of reason in our political choices. Extremism is fine for artists but has no place amongst leaders of our societies.

[@jeromethiel4323]

@@artharrison9586Agreed. You cannot even start a conversation these days without being called ridiculous names and shouted down. Mob rule. And i am not naming sides here, because both sides do it.

[@Embur12]

​@artharrison9586 Totally agree with the extremism comment. One party has remained true to values that have mattered to culture for a few centuries, while the other has gone of the rails with genital mutilation, peado-phelia, climate hysteria(Co2 isn't a poison but a valuable part of our biosphere) and communistic ideologies. Even though the first party has been corrupted by some global elites, it is still filled with many Nationalists who believe in country first, instead of constant foreign wars...

[@xrandy11]

The title track, Train In Vain, Brand New Cadillac, Spanish Bombs, The Card Cheat, Lost In The Supermarket, Lover's Rock, so many great songs from this album.

[@dharsh007]

I saw them in 82 in Hollywood, with the. English Beat. I was only 15, but told my brother I would tell my parents that he took the car (while they were at the coast for a week) if he didn't take me with him. One of best concerts I ever saw!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow! So cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Awesome!

[@xrandy11]

Yeah I saw them in 82 too, in Grand Rapids. MI of all places. Kurtis Blow opened for them. He was one of the first rappers and when he came out without a band and started rapping over a beat no one knew what to think. This was way before most people knew what rap was (at least in the midwest) and everyone thought it was some kind of joke that was going to lead into the show.

[@animoetprudentia2865]

@@xrandy11 I remember they played in GR back then, but I was only 15. I grew up about an hour from there. What venue did they play? There weren't many in GR in 82'.

[@josephmauricio1956]

Wonderful episode about the clash and their masterpiece. Thank you. However, 2 things overlooked: 1) the vid was shot uncomfortably in the rain, with members of the band falling sick afterward. And 2) Joe's post clash work with the Mescaleros.

[@mikenicholson7465]

The Clash! My favorite band of all time. Thanks for covering them! I would love the Professor of Rock to also have an episode on The Jam, an incredible mod/punk act also mentioned in this episode.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love the Jam!

[@MplsTodd]

Absolutely agree that The Jam (and Paul Weller for Style Council & solo) deserve an episode! Ultra-revered in the UK, but hardly known in the US.

[@galaxywolf969]

@@ProfessorofRock Absolutely! What a great band. "Sound Affects" and "The Gift" are both albums I listen to frequently.

[@earlgrey691]

The Stranglers for me.Sinister, brutally beautiful tunery aplenty.

[@starrywizdom]

Mick Jones is a freaking legend. Love every project he's been involved with. Speaking of Clampdown, the other night I was talking to our young cat Lily trying to figure out what she wanted me to do for her, & spontaneously burst out with "What are we gonna do now-ow-ow?" For the next two hours she led me around the house as I sang "Following the cat 'round! (Ha! get along, get along)". She still prefers the Cure's Lovecats, though. What can you do? That Cold War fear was bad, man. I spent all of High School in the 80's being terrified every time I heard a plane overhead that bombs were gonna be dropping. Punk was one of the things that helped me through it. Could you possibly at some point cover one of my favourite Clash tracks, maybe "Straight to Hell" or "The Magnificent Seven"? How about some Big Audio Dynamite or solo Joe Strummer?

[@toddroper7944]

Love London Calling. Glad you are finally covering it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@paulagwhyte1720]

Love that song, "London Calling," you just feel the truth and the anger and yet somehow a joy in it! And "Train in Vain!" is a great one. So many of theirs that I love. I hear them, and the volume goes up!

[@rjs2005]

For me, this was your best commentary on a song by far. Not only was the Clash the only band that mattered in '79, this was the only album that mattered. I've owned multiple copies of this record because I wore out vinyl pressings and it was stolen from me twice. Thanks for a great video, Adam.

[@RBS_]

...I know, right!?? ....I felt that it was actual LEARNING experience in today's post....just like I 'learned' not to let ANYONE near my Record collection....I'd snatch HEADS if they got near MY stash! ...ha-HAAA!!

[@Redmenace96]

I've watched about 30 of his videos, subscriber. This one had a little pop. He enjoyed the single song breakdown.

[@Bctass]

Now if he'd just learn to pronounce Thames

[@chuckgrilliot3705]

Totally agree!

[@waynebrissette9459]

I feel most proud of the fact that I got to see The Clash in 1979. In fact in Pennie Smith's book 'The Clash in Black and White' mostly taken from the US 1979 tour, there's a crowd shot where I'm clearly visible watching them on stage. London Calling was first issued in the UK and that was the original vinyl I bought in Nov of 1979. It wouldn't be until a few years later that any of my friends really understood who The Clash were, or what they were all about.

[@georgemathie8123]

London calling is a magnificent time capsule of the late 70s punk, post punk.and new wave era the clash captured all of this wild manic energy and passion into a double album timeless indeed

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A combination of genres all at once makes for a masterpiece!

[@georgemathie8123]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 that's definitely true and the clash and especially Mick Jones with his later group BIG audio dynamite would go on to innovate the 80s music scene

[@dillsplace]

"I never felt so much alike, alike, alike" You are closing in on a million subs and I'm not a bit surprised! Keep it coming!!!

[@catherine6653]

I ❤ the music of The Clash. Brilliant songwriting, great guitar melodies, and bass lines. London Calling and Train In Vain are great songs.

[@Rogerdeal-yp4qw]

❤

[@lonewolfrcs1331]

don't forget rock the casbah

[@catherine6653]

@@lonewolfrcs1331 I ❤️ Rock the Casbah. This song is not on London Calling. I was trying to stay on topic.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

As is The Magnificent Seven

[@zacharycunningham1789]

There will never be another Clash. This album is in my forever top 5. Thank you for this video!

[@LeChaunce]

Man, I'd love for you to do a deep dive on XTC -- there's a band that never gets the recognition they deserve.

[@littlecatfeet9064]

I’m amazed that this song is only being talked about now. The Clash was the first band I discovered on my own. My brother was a music junkie and introduced me to many bands including my first favourite band, the Pretenders. But The Clash were full of so much energy and rebellion I became obsessed and bought all their albums. I even got to see them live opening for The Who (was such a Clash fan I left before The Who came on). They were the first band out of the punk scene that embraced reggae and even early hip hop with This Is Radio Clash. But even as a superfan I still didn’t know Joe got his name from busking in the Underground with a ukulele 😂. PoR always brings the facts!

[@Lam_3-22-23]

I love how the Clash and so many punk rock bands were so in tune with their current events. The Clash, Sex Pistols, Lords of the New Church, Dead Kennedys and others could really relate to the political climate of the times.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Indeed. WHo's your favorite of the bunch?

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Lords of the New Church and The Clash are right together.​@@ProfessorofRock

[@Code.Name.V]

You absolutely hit the nail on the head there Marcus.

[@EJBert]

You are missing the Pogues!

[@Lam_3-22-23]

@@EJBert I am not familiar with them but will most certainly give them a listen. Thanks

[@TheKansasfan1]

This is such an amazing review! Thank you so very much. I watched so many documentaries on the clash and Joe Strummer, and the explanation of Lundin calling, wow, I knew much about the album, also talking to many new things. You are right he was a great man and at times a misunderstood man, they were the only band that matters

[@rebeccacorbin1590]

I graduated HS in 79. I didn't think the world was falling apart then. I do now. I believe every generation believes that at some point.

[@barrybayless3105]

Thank you Professor for another great breakdown of one of my favorite albums. The Clash are one of my favorite bands and Joe Strummer was the beating heart of the band. Please bring us a video of Joe and and his work with the Mescaleros. They created some really great music prior to his untimely passing. Keep on rockin'

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@mitchellbaker9434]

Saw them at Bond's in NYC, where the demand was so great for them that they added a week of shows. They, at that time, were as big a band as there was.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow! What did they open with?

[@mitchellbaker9434]

The song you are featuring today! The Bad Brains opened, so you can imagine how maniacal that was.@@ProfessorofRock

[@baronvonraschke77]

@@mitchellbaker9434 Ah, Bad Brains! What an opener! How was the show?

[@mitchellbaker9434]

I still remember every minute 43 years later. Most of the opening acts got booed off the stage in that Bonds run, but not Bad Brains. It didn't seem possible to play that fast. @@baronvonraschke77

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

When was it? At their peak?

[@JamieKJohnson]

My favorite song of all time and the album is one of the best ever! Thank you for featuring this!

[@suemiller2522]

Love your channel, Prof, but it's always a special treat when you dip into punk, though my favorite band of all time is Bad Religion. ❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Cool!

[@jerrydavison1176]

I came into the Clash when i saw "Combat Rock" on the record store shelf. I realized i heard "Should I stay or should I go" on tv on some Friday night music show. A song that never really hit the air waves back then, #1 side A on Combat Rock. It was great too! I heard the song London Calling later and liked it. I was never much for what they believed abt the world but i enjoyed th music that they made. I was never much of a punk rocker in high school. I did, however, learn to appreciate some of the punk bands from back then, much later.

[@billybud9557]

Always felt like this song...and the band....were very over rated. Now have a new appreciation. Thanks......POR

[@marlobrown6064]

Epic episode on one of the greatest songs by “the only band that matters. You nailed it! Many, many thanks!

[@rickdrais9737]

I was just in a Kroger store in Portland (Glisan Street Fred Meyer, buying groceries) and the PA system started playing "Life During Wartime" by Talking Heads. Did an actual double-take. Reminded me of the time I was in an Albertsons store and the PA was playing "Blitzkrieg Bop"

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!

[@rickdrais9737]

@@marktait2371 😁

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That is so cool! They must be trying to keep Portland weird!

[@HPWY]

Dear Professor, thanks for the Historic perspective. I would love to see an interview with Rick Beato, love to see that interaction on the subject of rock music and beyond. 😎

[@sariahut1]

The Clash is one of those bands that crosses genre lines. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like them, no matter what their usual music taste is. They also cross generational lines. Sadly nobody makes music like this anymore! Their influence has been felt for multiple generations, and hopefully they’ll continue to be a good influence forever.

[@bobniehaus5053]

Couldn’t agree more. They had the edge, but not so much that people dismissed them. Mainly because they spoke truth. I wish someone would do music like this now, when we need it.

[@SartorialisticSavage65]

Punk is still going strong.

[@SartorialisticSavage65]

You two should pay me a visit and do some exploring.

[@archivist17]

Great Ep, Prof! The Clash were everything at that time. Love the t-shirt, btw.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤🎉 The Clash. Need we say more? An ultimate Punk band. London Calling is probably my fave Clash tune. Much better than "commercial" Rock The Casbah. Thanks Professor! Always appreciate different episodes like this.

[@JustaKubrickFan]

"London Calling" is good, but I always favored "Straight to Hell" just a bit more.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks ROger!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!@@JustaKubrickFan

[@baronvonraschke77]

Nuff said for me!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You don’t like Rock the Casbah? I like it. Oh well.

[@aceautonewportky]

This is my era of discovery, I love every band you brought up on this one, Thank you big time!

[@BBhatt-pi5ob]

101ers rock. Keys to your heart, motor boys motor, lets a git a bita rocking. Rockabilly mixed with a little punk

[@SartorialisticSavage65]

Love them. 😉

[@briantomcollins]

Agreed... they had a really awesome rock-a-billy sound to them. Great stuff.

[@williamkennedy7083]

This album changed the direction of my life. I graduated HS in '79 and the local rock station (very famous rock station) seemed to play only Skynyrd, Zeppelin and Jimi. All great but I was looking for something different. London Calling!!! Blew my mind! Thanks Joe, RIP my friend.

[@floydparr8006]

The Clash's debut is one of the greatest albums ever. London Calling is another masterpiece. It is too bad they didn't last.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right?

[@celticcamper8873]

It is too bad that they didn’t last .. but then we wouldn’t have had big audio dynamite.

[@rich_t]

Thank you for mentioning one of my favorite early punk bands, 999. They never get as much credit as they deserve...

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I have Sandinista autographed by Joe on vinyl

[@animoetprudentia2865]

I've got the original vinyl as well. A 3 LP release! They cranked out a remarkable number of recordings in such a relatively brief career.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@animoetprudentia2865 True that 💯

[@moreheff]

A stone cold classic that has not aged at all and never has it been more relevant than it is now. And yes, the album is still killer with no filler. Clampdown. One of my all time favourite tracks. Small point Adam, it is the River THAMES (pronounced Tames), not Toms. Great video as always

[@vpolite1]

My favorite song on the album is, "Lost in a Supermarket". The line, "I came here for their special offer guaranteed personality", rings so true today.

[@xrandy11]

YES! My favorite song from the album too. During the first verse when he refers to being a child and hearing the couple fighting in the apartment above and says "Hearing that sound was my first ever feeling" was so stunning.

[@DoctorPhobos]

A couple of years ago, one of my professors used "Lost in a Supermarket" in his discussion of "The Jeaning of America".

[@deadalready7467]

My favorite line was “ wasn’t born so much as I fell out, nobody seemed to notice me”. Still cripples me today. Many Blessings My Friend

[@jameswoodruff7182]

That album cover epitomizes the angst of the punk movement. I have always loved this song, and even more as I learn more from your episode. I also love the other bands I get to investigate from your references during your episodes.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks James!

[@fredgroenke2586]

I was a freshman in college in 1980 and this album was always playing in somebody’s dorm room.

[@RBS_]

....DON'T REMIND ME!! ....I went to a Community College, and if I heard, "...F*CK the Casbah, F*ck the Casbah....." ONE more time........... Jocks, yeesh.....ha-HAAA!!

[@douglasaustin7532]

This was an awesome one shot adventure! Thanks for sharing! Very well done, great tips for streamlining the adventure and making it easier to do in a single session. The time limit was a great idea. I would be interested in your tables for mishaps and complications. Random effects are fun to include in an adventure. I would be interested in joining your patreon if you create one.

[@MartysPopParty]

“Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust”. Indeed. And yes, LC was written right at the time of the close of the Broadway show in the fall of ‘79.

[@LordDash-r5p]

Ironically nowadays all one gets are " tribute shows" Elvis, Johnny Cash, The Ramones from A-Z wot ev the genre. Even the thinning of original band personal hardly can be called original, as members strongly contributing aren't in participation! . This said those musical exploits, and songs for sure outweighs contemporary offerings by a stretch .Get it?

[@SartorialisticSavage65]

The underground is still extremely strong. Garage Rock and Punk are killing it these days. Love to see ya at the shows at dive bars and fests near you. GonerFest. Debauch-A-Reno. Etc.

[@MartysPopParty]

@@SartorialisticSavage65 Only if The Mummies are playing !

[@MartysPopParty]

@@LordDash-r5p True. Tribute bands outnumber Classic Rock acts at many venues these days. Beatlemania was instrumental in starting that wave. Some of these tribute shows are high production shows and are worth it especially for younger music fans who never got to see the originals. In the case of Beatles tribute shows, folks got to see a live band perform material (Sgt. Pepper through Abbey Road) NEVER performed by The Beatles live as they stopped touring in 1966.

[@SartorialisticSavage65]

@@MartysPopParty You're on the right track but there's more good stuff out there from the mummies time and now waiting to be uncovered.

[@williambenner701]

My favorite Punk band!

[@ProfessorofRock]

MIne too! What's your favorite song by them?

[@drewcama2488]

I often listen to the whole album. So much musical diversity. It always sounds distinctive, The Clash. One of my favorite songs Police and Thieves is never talked about. This is the song that opened there music to me. A gem hidden among many.

[@rogertemple7193]

I liked the Clash and their early music 🎵🎶🎼🎹🎸🎸🎤🥁🎼🎶🎵

[@SartorialisticSavage65]

Pssst

[@paultanker5606]

G'day to you again ,Oh Worthy One, how Prophetic this was, one of the Best from the 70s, and another Brilliant Short lived Band!

[@peterflynn2111]

Love The Clash .A top song that Peaked at 28 in March 1980 ; Deserved to peak higher ; Only Rock The Casbah which peaked at 3 in December 1982 reached higher here in Australia

[@RBS_]

....Pete, your posts throw me.....at times, I'm ready to combat you (with charts), but I keep forgettin' you give the AUSTRALIAN charts! ...but keep Educatin' me Kid, I was OBSESSED with Australia back in '89...blame KYLIE! ...ha-HAA!

[@Fabulist]

I’m a broken record with this but I’m going to say it again: 1979 was the greatest year for music ever. When my friends and I were in high school (‘79-‘83) London Calling was at the top of our playlist. My record was played so much that it’s practically translucent now. All these decades later I still listen to it. I can’t pick a favorite song from it but Clampdown is one of the top 5. One of my Cities of Heroes characters uses the “anger can be power” lyric as his bio, so I’m stoked you mentioned it. I think that song is brilliant, one of the most cogent and devastating criticisms of the powers that be, and somehow more relevant today. I remember when Rolling Stone named London Calling the best album of the 80s and I was like, “Huh, I guess their taste isn’t total crap after all.” Finally - I think I mentioned this in the comments of another PoR vid - whoever it was that did the record checking on my copy of the LP inscribed in the empty wax margin on each of the four sides, “In space … no one … can hear you … CLASH!” Because of course the movie Alien came out the same year. That was a fun discovery once I noticed it.

[@kendracrispin5327]

Hey, have you done Rock the Casbah yet? That's a song I'd love to hear the story of that song and video.

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

I've visited the pier, on the Thames, where the video was filmed in the Rain - pier at Chelsea, Cadogan. This was also used as a film location for Doctor Who in Logopolis(1981) -across the Thames is Battersea, up-river is the power station used on the cover of Pink Floyd's "animals" -all is interconnected :) My brother and I have been fans of The Clash for years, both of us now in our mid'50's. My brother went to see The Pogues, in London in 1988, on a trip over during his college. Joe Strummer was there, in Brixton, and got on the stage with The Pogues, for a few songs. Later in 1998, we brothers' were living in Chicago, in a shared apartment. He came back and told me that he had seen Joe Strummer at Tower Records - looking through CD's, and Kris looked up, and Joe was there, next rank over, also looking at CD's. My brother was amazed, joined glance to Strummer, who gave a salute-wave, and went back to shopping. Strummer was in town with his band, Mescalero's.

[@mrcryptozoic817]

I always wondered about that song. It touched on so many disparate subjects.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Such a classic song.

[@jabbermocky4520]

Joe Strummer was a folk poet laureate. Right up there with Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. I had the great privilege to see the Clash perform in 1982 at a small-ish gymnasium. Man, you really needed ear protection but nobody did that back then. The joint went wild when the band segued into London Calling as an encore. It was powerful. Joe literally sang his heart out. RIP, great soul.

[@cerebraltr6798]

The only band that matters.

[@hackmankgp]

I got the London Calling album at Christmas 1979. I was 20 years old. There hasn't been a month since then that I haven't listened to it. Wish I could turn the clock back and hear it for the first time again. God bless Joe and the boys.

[@1683clifton]

Ice age vs sun coming in. Dichotomy indeed.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right?

[@jamesduke5128]

Man! We wore out Rock The Casbah in the early 80’s! We would walk around the neighborhood with a boombox making sure everyone was rocking it with us!!

[@thetitleisours1]

The Clash were so big back in the day. Miss those times

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same!

[@lancecox8084]

Actually, back in the day if you are talking the 1970s, The Clash was only big with Punk Rockers and a few music critiques, it wasn't til the 80s that the rest of the world starting taking notice.

[@mycawk7171]

The Clash, such an awesome band. Many hours in my youth were spent listening to them. Another one of those bands that I have listened to since I was a little kid. I was super lucky to have parents with excellent taste in music, especially my mom, she was big into New Wave and some Punk, and introduced me to many great bands, such as today's feature, The Clash. London Calling was another family road trip album.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@davidmurphy6802]

Great show! More punk!!

[@nedhorner]

And more Prog! Love the diversity of this channel!

[@hypnocracy6102]

September 1982, Rich Stadium The Who, The Clash & opener David Johansson…it was the Mods & the Rockers…with The Who fan now as rockers and The Clash fans as mod’s V2. I was there…good times.

[@flavellinator]

I remember The Clash vs Van Halen issue at the US Festival back in 1983... They clearly weren't happy to be paid less than Van Halen for their performance and let people know about it...

[@ProfessorofRock]

Such a great story there!

[@baronvonraschke77]

I remember the festival, didn't know about the issue you referenced. I'll have to look it up, thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’ve heard that story!

[@fjcrod]

Absolutely, one of the greatest albums of all time. So many diverse influences reflected throughout the double album. Never tire of this masterpiece. Unfortunately, a few years later, the Clash would cease to be. The album that almost never happened due to financial constraints. It's a miracle that the band managed to complete the album. The world is richer for it.

[@damienleimbach6574]

in the late 70's Global temps had been falling for 40 years. They were worried about a coming ice age, not global warming. Hence, the line, "The ice-age is coming."

[@Code.Name.V]

Exactly right!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That makes a lot of sense!

[@badgerpa9]

The ice age didn't scare people enough. This is the 5th time the earth is going through a cycle of the poles melting and temps rising then it goes back to an ice age, it has done this 4 times already.

[@bbb462cid]

Melt down's expected

[@warriorpoet2968]

The Clash make the point. Media hype is meant to manipulate

[@monyx2926]

Oh my! I loved this. Did you know that the Clash performed in San Francisco on this tour in a secret location for their second show? The first night was at the Bill Graham Auditorium at the Civic Center. I still have the metal comb that Joe Strummer threw to me at that show; however they played a show the next night. It was at the Jim Jones' Temple on Geary Street. It was much cheaper, and they were only billed as "The Only Band That Matters." It had a younger and more punk rock audience. It was so cool, and only those who knew who the band was were there. It felt like a gift to their fans. I am so happy to have been at both shows, but the second was the more intimate venue.

[@redhennradio]

ADAM, I created my channel to interview other content creators that I watch. I would love to interview you. How do I get in contact with you?

[@theplanetruth]

Yes, please!

[@dustrhinos]

I have a 3’x4’ framed poster of London Calling hanging in the entry hall of our home. It was a Father’s Day present from my wife and daughters. We had moved into a new house and the entry had this big open space so they thought it was the perfect piece of art to fill it. My favourite gift of all time.

[@robstanhope861]

Thumbs up before it starts

[@jamesglass5402]

I’m probably a bit old for the Clash at 72 but I have London Calling on Vinyl and I love it.

[@tannoys2008]

Music has no barriers when it comes to age.

[@stephenbrown4211]

London Calling is a great song but White Man in Hammersmith Palais is their best

[@ProfessorofRock]

Both are so great!

[@danielnadeau5209]

Seen the Clash in 1981, Orchard Park, NY, (Buffalo). The Who was headlining. 80,000 ppl. This one stands out as one of my top 10 concerts I've ever attended. And I've been to many. The Clash was barely known at the time in Canada. But it was a very amazing introduction to a great band. Thanks for the story on London calling. Great choice!

[@christiancastro2442]

My fave and most important songs 1 debaser - pixies 2 mad world - tears for fears 3 love will tear us apart - joy division 4 thieves like us - new order 5 born under punches - talking heads 6 teenage riot - sonic youth 7 kiling moon - echo and the bunnymen 8 london calling 9 stan - eminem 10 living lin the city - stevie wonder 11 worlock - skinny puppy 12 the message - grandmaster flash