Title: The Story Behind the Iconic Rock Photo: How “London Calling” Album Cover Came to Be
Date: August 22, 2023
The iconic photograph featured on the cover of The Clash’s album “London Calling” has become synonymous with the rebellious spirit of rock and roll. Pennie Smith, the photographer behind the image, recently revealed the story behind the famous shot.
In 1979, Smith collaborated with the music magazine New Musical Express (NME) and accompanied The Clash on their American tour. The photograph, which later ended up on the cover of “London Calling,” was taken on September 21st at the Palladium in New York City. The credit for the image also goes to Paul Simonon, the bassist of the band.
Reflecting on the photograph, Smith admitted that while it is gratifying to receive praise for it, she no longer feels a personal connection to it. Having taken numerous photographs of The Clash, she has other favorites that evoke stronger reactions. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that the image is well-executed and has become somewhat of a wallpaper due to its frequent use.
The concert itself was a success, but Simonon felt a sense of dissatisfaction. Fueled by frustration over the security preventing the audience from standing up, he took out his anger on his bass guitar, smashing it to the ground. Smith was present when Simonon unleashed his fury and captured the moment by swiftly pressing the shutter. The resulting photograph appeared slightly blurred, as Smith did not anticipate it being used by The Clash.
However, lead vocalist Joe Strummer and graphic artist Ray Lowry believed the image perfectly suited the album cover. Lowry added the vertical text “London” and the horizontal text “Calling” in green, paying homage to Elvis Presley’s debut album cover. Simonon explained that just as rock and roll was considered dangerous during Elvis’ time, “London Calling” also possessed a certain level of danger.
In 2001, the music magazine Q ranked “London Calling” as the ninth-best album cover of all time. A year later, the photograph itself was hailed as the greatest rock and roll image ever captured. The image encapsulates the ultimate rock and roll moment of losing control, according to the magazine.
Interestingly, after Simonon smashed his bass guitar, it shattered into several pieces. He collected some of the fragments and kept them for several years. Currently, the Fender Precision Bass instrument is on display at the London Museum. Prior to that, it was part of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame exhibition in Cleveland.
Even today, the double album “London Calling” is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time. It effortlessly blends various genres such as rock, pop, ska, rockabilly, reggae, without losing its energy and coherence.
While it may be challenging to select a representative track from the
What role did the photograph of Paul Simonon smashing his bass guitar play in the enduring legacy of The Clash and the punk rock era
Cuted and captures the raw energy of the band.
The story behind the photograph is quite spontaneous. During the concert, Paul Simonon, frustrated with the audience’s lack of enthusiasm, smashed his bass guitar on the stage. Smith, who was positioned right next to him, instinctively raised her camera and snapped the shot in the heat of the moment. Little did she know that this photograph would go on to become one of the most iconic images in rock history.
After the tour, Smith submitted the photograph to NME, and they published it in their magazine. Just a few months later, The Clash’s manager, Bernard Rhodes, contacted Smith and asked if the photograph could be used for the cover of their upcoming album, “London Calling.” Smith agreed, and the rest is history.
The photograph perfectly encapsulates the rebellious and anti-establishment spirit of punk rock. Simonon, with his sneer of defiance, smashing his instrument to pieces, represents the band’s rejection of societal norms and their willingness to break conventions. The black-and-white color scheme further amplifies the raw and gritty nature of the image, adding to its timeless appeal.
Over the years, “London Calling” has become one of the most influential albums in rock music, and the album cover photograph has played a significant role in its enduring legacy. The image not only captured the essence of The Clash but also embodied the rebel spirit of an entire generation.
Even though Pennie Smith may not feel a personal connection to the photograph anymore, its impact and recognition remain undeniable. Whenever someone thinks of The Clash or the punk rock era, the image of Paul Simonon smashing his bass guitar is sure to come to mind. The story behind this iconic rock photo serves as a testament to the power of capturing a single moment in time and the lasting impact it can have on popular culture.
I’ve always been intrigued by the London Calling album cover, can’t wait to read this interview with the photographer!
I love how the album cover captures the raw energy of The Clash’s music. Can’t wait to hear the photographer’s perspective!