Displaying over 100 personal items from the band's archive, "The Clash: London Calling" will provide a refreshing insight into the band, their recording process, and the development of the album: London Calling. Many unseen items will be exhibited throughout the museum, including notes, stage clothing, images, music and film.
Amongst the items on display will be Mick Jones' handwritten album sequence and Paul Simonon's broken Fender guitar, which was destroyed on stage at the Palladium in New York City, September 1979. In addition, Topper Headon's drumsticks and Joe Strummer's typewriter and notebook will also be on show.
When speaking about the exhibition, Beatrice Behlen, Senior Curator of Fashion and Decorative Arts at the Museum of London, stated to a source: "'London Calling' is The Clash’s defining album, a rallying call for Londoners and people around the world. The album’s lyrics reflected contemporary concerns, many of which are still relevant today, as it moved away from traditional punk by adopting and reworking much wider musical influences.
At the Museum of London, we tell the stories of our capital through the objects and memories of the people who have lived here. This display will provide a brand new, exciting and vibrant take on this, showcasing rarely seen personal objects and telling the incredible story of how ‘London Calling’ was, and for many still is, the sound of a generation.”
Running parallel with the launch of the exhibition will be the London Calling Scrapbook, released by Sony Music. The 120-page publication will include the 1979 album - London Calling - on CD, along with handwritten notes and lyrics, photographs and even more unpublished material from 1979.
The Clash: London Calling, will open at the Museum of London on November 15th and will run until Spring 2020. This really isn't one to be missed!
