The Clash: Before and After

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.