The Clash, Museum of London, News, Music News

‘The Clash: London Calling’ Exhibition to Open at Museum of London

In honor of the 40th anniversary of The Clash's London Calling album, the Museum of London is opening a new exhibition dedicated to The Clash. Titled “The Clash: London Calling,” the exhibit will be open from Nov. 15 through Spring 2020.

More than 100 personal items from the band’s archive will be on display. Some items include bassist Paul Simonon’s Fender guitar, which he famously destroyed at The Palladium in New York City and the photograph was used on the cover of London Calling, Joe Strummer’s notebook and typewriter, Mick Jones’ handwritten album sequencing note, and drummer Topper Headon’s drumsticks. Draft lyrics, stage clothes, photos, and films will also be included to give fans further insight into the making of the 1979 album.

Alongside the exhibition, a new 120-page book, London Calling Scrapbook, will be released by Sony. Paired with a copy of the CD album, the book will feature hand-written lyrics, notes, photos, and other previously unseen material.

Beatrice Behlen, senior curator of fashion and decorative arts at the Museum of London, said, “London Calling is The Clash’s defining album, a rallying call for Londoners and people around the world.” She continued, "At the Museum of London, we tell the stories of our capital through the objects and memories of the people who have lived here. This display will provide a brand new, exciting and vibrant take on this, showcasing rarely seen personal objects and telling the incredible story of how London Calling was, and for many still is, the sound of a generation.”

Admission to “The Clash: London Calling” will be free.


For all your music needs, head over to Live365.com for the best variety of radio stations around.

Keep up with the latest news by following us on Facebook (Live365 Official and Live365 Broadcasting) and Twitter (@Live365 and @Broadcaster365)!


Article image: The Clash performing in Oslo, Norway in 1980. (Helge Øverås [CC BY 2.5] via Wikimedia Commons.)

Author image

About Michelle Ruoff

  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania