The Clash story mapped by the places they lived, played, evolved … and shot pigeons

Paul Gorman, author and curator, has put together fascinating maps of the London haunts of Bowie and the Stones and just published one about the Clash built around key locations in the network that formed them and helped them to flourish. It’s a beautiful thing: buy one and take the walking tour! He talks to us here about …

… how an Agit-Prop alternative West London emerged with links to Oz, IT and San Francisco counter-culture

… kindred spirits meeting in Rock On, Compendium Books and the dole office in Lisson Grove

… how their artwork and black and white photos linked them to the past

.. the days when corrugated iron and fly-posters were part of the London vernacular

… Guns On The Roof: how the band and press ramped up an element of danger

... the art school background that gave them control of their visuals

… “Big Audio Dynamite was the band the Clash could have been!”

… Nick Lowe’ theory that everyone is either funny or not funny: “The Clash? Not funny”

… Kosmo Vinyl’s attempt to get their triple album released for the price of a single

… their connections to the Slits, Bernie Rhodes, Patti Smith, Pennie Smith, Hawkwind and Heathcote Williams

…and the moving story of Joe and Mick’s last meeting.

Order the Clash map here: https://www.herblester.com/products/london-calling-the-clash-in-the-capital

Paul’s Slits walking tour here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/slits-are-girls-walking-tour-with-paul-gorman-tickets-1985048002010

Help us to keep the conversation going: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear

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