Cult Brit rockers The Clash's broken guitar, archives set to go on view in London 

The personal archives of The Clash, one of the most popular British bands of the previous century, are all set to go on a free exhibition at the Museum of London.
Paul Simonon's broken Fender Precision Bass (Source: The Clash archive)
Paul Simonon's broken Fender Precision Bass (Source: The Clash archive)

London, Aug 14 (IANS): The personal archives of The Clash, one of the most popular British bands of the previous century, are all set to go on a free exhibition at the Museum of London, it was announced on Wednesday.

With notes, clothing, images and music, the collection is highlighted by a guitar Paul Simonon smashed on stage in 1979. The image capturing this moment is deemed as one of the greatest rock images in history.

The exhibition is an ode to the band's third album London Calling - an instant classic and era-defining masterpiece which still stands as one of rock's all-time greatest albums.

<em>Topper Headon's drum sticks (Source: The Clash archive)</em>
Topper Headon's drum sticks (Source: The Clash archive)


London Calling was and is a hugely compelling melting pot of musical styles, driven by a passion for action and fierce political anger, with music and lyrics which remain as relevant today as they were when released, the museum said in a statement.

<em>The Clash outside Wessex Studios (photo: Pennie Smith)</em>
The Clash outside Wessex Studios (photo: Pennie Smith)


In a treat to music lovers, also on view will be a handwritten album sequence note by Mick Jones showing the final and correct order for London Calling.

<em>The Clash at the London Calling video shoot, 1979 (Photo: Pennie Smith)</em>
The Clash at the London Calling video shoot, 1979 (Photo: Pennie Smith)

On exhibition will be one of Joe Strummer's notebooks from 1979, the period when the album London Calling was rehearsed and recorded; Strummer's typewriter used to document ideas, lyrics and other writings and Topper Headon's drum sticks, which are his only remaining item.

<em>Joe Strummer's typewriter (Source: The Clash archive)</em>
Joe Strummer's typewriter (Source: The Clash archive)

Many of the previously unseen works will be on view in The Clash: London Calling from November 15.

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