Who Is on the Cover of London Calling Album?

By Alice Nichols

London Calling is an iconic album by The Clash, released in 1979. The cover of the album is as famous as the songs themselves. It features a photograph of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his Fender Precision bass guitar on stage at The Palladium in New York City.

The Significance of the Cover

The image captured the essence of punk rock, rebellion, and youthful energy that defined The Clash’s music. It was an act of defiance against the establishment and symbolized their anti-authoritarian ethos.

Who is Paul Simonon?

Paul Gustave Simonon was born on December 15, 1955, in Brixton, South London. He met Joe Strummer and Mick Jones in 1976 and joined their band, The Clash, as their bassist. Simonon was known for his distinctive style of playing bass guitar with reggae-inspired rhythms that added a unique flavor to the band’s sound.

The Story Behind the Photo

The photo used for the London Calling album cover was taken by Pennie Smith, a British photographer who had been following The Clash on their US tour. She captured the moment when Paul Simonon smashed his bass guitar in frustration during their performance at The Palladium.

Smith initially didn’t like the photo because it was blurry and out of focus. However, she later realized that it perfectly captured the raw energy and rebellion that defined The Clash’s music.

The Aftermath

After smashing his guitar, Simonon walked offstage feeling embarrassed about his outburst. He later said that he regretted damaging his instrument but added that it felt like a release at that moment.

The image became an iconic moment in rock history and has been imitated countless times by other musicians since then.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cover of London Calling featuring Paul Simonon smashing his bass guitar is a powerful image that perfectly captures the spirit of punk rock. It’s a symbol of rebellion and youthful energy that defined The Clash’s music and has inspired generations of musicians since then.