The Clash

by Bob Gruen (Photographer)

Through the 70s, working as chief photographer for Rock Scene magazine, Gruen had become designated lens to the decade's most celebrated acts including the Stones, Elton John, Led Zeppelin and Ike and Tina Turner. He was John and Yoko's personal photographer after they came to New York in 1972 and had toured with the Ramones, Blondie and Patti Smith. When he met the Clash, however, a unique synergy of mutual respect and musical passion was established, leading to six years of documenting the globally worshipped band's adventures. As a fan and friend, across multiple tours, Gruen took the stunning rock'n'roll shots compiled in this book. Whether Strummer, Jones, Simenon and Heddon were rocking out on stage, meeting Debbie Harry and Warhol, or posing at top of the World Trade Centre, Gruen was there, up close with his genius for iconic framing. The images born of this ideal marriage of classic band and definitive photographer will strike a major chord with all fans of rock'n'roll, from Elvis to Limp Bizkit.

Genres: Music, Photography, Nonfiction, Punk, Art

304 pages, Softcover, Slipcased

First published September 15, 2001

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of THE BEST Clash photos compiled in one coffee table sized book.

I bought this at the London art gallery where the original photos were being shown...and have a Topper Headon autographed copy of the book...randomness.

Seriously, though, some of the most iconic Clash photos are in this. Well worth the money.

[Jacob Jones-Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as Pennie Smith's, but certainly worth it for anyone who really loves the Clash.