Book Launch: A People's History of The Clash
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About the book The Clash were the premier band to emerge from the punk explosion of the late 1970s, graduating from sweaty London clubs to become an internationally acclaimed rock act playing arenas and sports stadia. With singer Joe Strummer at the helm and Mick Jones writing guitar riffs that mixed glam rock with uptown Jamaica, the Clash produced vibrant live performances that turned the excitement level up to eleven every time they hit the stage. Remembered for Strummer’s political pronouncements, anthemic songs like ‘White Riot’ and I Fought The Law’ and classic hit singles including ‘Bank Robber’, ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’ and ‘Rock The Casbah’, for a whole generation the Clash were the only band that mattered. Their 1979 album London Calling is regarded by many as the greatest double album release of all time. Now, 40 years after they split, comes their story of the Clash in the words of over 300 fans, capturing the passion and fury of the Clash live on stage. The spittle-fuelled rant of Strummer, clutching the microphone and stamping his foot, Jones buzzing around the stage like a whirling dervish, Paul Simonon throwing shapes and a thunderous bass line into the mix and drummer Topper Headon holding it all together with a ferocious beat like a ‘boom boom’ six gun is a sight no Clash fan will ever forget. With a foreword by Billy Bragg, this is a Clash book unlike any other. About the author Iain Key lives in Manchester and is a contributor to Louder Than War, for whom he has written over 400 music, book & gig reviews. His weekly music show, Indie Brunch, features music & interviews with new & established music acts plus journalists & authors*.* |
Publication date 11 April 2025 ISBN 978-1-915858-37-5 Extent: 336pp Fully illustrated (colour & B&W) Page size: 234 x 156mm Binding: Hardback Recommended Retail Price: £25.00 ($32.00) |
IAIN KEY is a recognisable face on the Manchester
Music Scene from many years in the late ’80s and ’90s.
Iain rediscovered his love of writing about music during
the pandemic which saw him invited to join the team at
Louder Than War. Since late 2020, he’s written over
400 pieces including music, book and gig reviews,
and also produced a weekly music show, Indie
Brunch, featuring both music and interviews with new
and established acts such as Kevin Rowland, Frank
Turner, Amelia Coburn and Meryl Streak along with
journalists and authors such as Daniel Rachel and
Tony Fletcher.
Iain’s love of music began with The Jam and The Clash as a twelve-year-old in 1982, and over the next couple of years he was introduced to the likes of The Smiths, The Housemartins and Billy Bragg. He describes the latter’s debut album, Life’s a Riot with Spy vs Spy, as lifechanging, citing the artist’s unique ability to educate and inform via a mix of pop, politics and love songs the reason he’s remained a devotee ever since.
Away from Louder Than War, Iain has worked in the telecoms industry for over 25 years, is a lifelong Manchester United fan and shares his home with three cats, Storm, Shadow and Thunder, and occasionally his son, McKenzi. Ian is the author of All The Young Punks – A People’s History of The Clash (Spenwood, 2025) and editor of Billy Bragg – A People’s History, to be published by Spenwood Books in October 2025.