The Clash: Before and After

by Members of the Clash (Foreword), Pennie Smith (Photographer)

The Clash’s sound, forged by class oppression, social apathy, and inner-city stagnation, transformed the group from London punks to stadium stars in a mere five years. The Clash survived the stereotypes of punk to become one of the world’s most successful acts of the 1980s. That heady period is captured in Pennie Smith’s raw photographs and the witty accompanying captions by members of the band. Smith’s moody monochrome images showcase dynamic stage performances and include many pictures from the 1979 breakthrough American tour. Smith’s camera also recorded the Clash’s downtime offstage — their comic antics and reflective moments. This absorbing survey of a seminal group’s heyday lets the reader revisit not only the Clash but one of modern music’s golden eras in all its glory.

Genres: Music, Photography, Punk, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Adam Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me to start taking photographs thirty years ago. Not only is it a collection of some of the most iconic music photography ever done, it is also a glimpse into the real world of touring musicians. Missing are the groupies and excesses that are the stuff of legend, replaced by the long, slow, isolating world of tour busses and dressing rooms. I own two copies of this book because I couldn't bear the thought of losing my only copy.

[Brie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book after a bit of searching online because I am a photographer who takes behind-the-scenes photos onset. I wanted to see how what I do differs from following a band on tour. It is almost the same yet different.

The Clash are a long-time favorite band of mine so it added to my enjoyment of the book.

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

The definitive photo-history of the Clash.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs.

[KendraLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing that I am a diehard Clash fan, a very generous friend gave me this book. I was over the moon. It's gorgeous.

[Barry Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iconic images of the most important band in history.

[Umi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s literally a section entitled ‘Breakfast,’ ok? It’s perfect

[Tramac1964 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book when it was first published so my copy is very dog eared now.
Captions for the photos from the band members are often very daft but then again I do like the sense of fun they evoke. Shame things deteriorated within a handful of years for the band.
Pennie Smith's photos capture the band and their various personalities wonderfully in my opinion.
Wish I'd had an inkling that this would become a bit of an iconic book as I would certainly have looked after my copy a lot better but then I was about 15 when I bought it. C'est La Vie.