Clash: Before and After [Paperback]

Pennie Smith (Photographer), Members of the Clash (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 25, 1996

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'...this is the best book of rock photography that is ever likely to hit the shelves.' -- Zig Zag

'Die-hard fans will rightly forego their next album for it. Those uncertain are advised to do likewise.' -- Record Mirror

'Pennie Smith has caught The Clah perfectly in every situation conceivable to the modern rock band.' -- Melody Maker

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Plexus Publishing (March 25, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0859651673
• ISBN-13: 978-0859651677
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,697,652 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars she captures it all,the music you can add yourself., October 15, 1999

By 

roger nicholson ([e-mail]) (belfast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clash: Before and After (Paperback)

I'm so chuffed to have found a new copy of this after losing my prized original from 1980.Pennie's photographs convey the energy of their performances so well,she was spitting distance from the stage using a wide lens mostly.The candid shots show the grind,the crack and the boredom of all those days on the road.The band's captions are revealing and humourous.No finer collection exists and it's put together by those who matter,The Clash and Pennie Smith.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! Still In Print!, April 20, 2001

By 

Clark Paull "(Sleepin' with the TV on)" (Murder City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clash: Before and After (Paperback)

Man did I used to worship The Clash, at least until they released "Combat Rock." When I purchased this back in the early 1980's, I never thought that some 20 years down the line, rock and roll would be in such a sorry state. Penny Smith's black-and-white photos of the band capture a moment in musical history when everything seemed new again and when we thought punk rock was going to change the world. At that time, before MTV killed rock and roll, photos like Smith's were sometimes the only way for us to get close to our idols. I pray that some day, someone will figure out what real rock and roll is all about again (as well as for a really good record collection). If not, I may have to start listening to jazz...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must have for every Clash fan!, October 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Clash: Before and After (Paperback)

Smith captures concert, candid, and posed pictures of the Clash in a manner that allows one to catch the true touring spirit of the band. Brief text by the band members adds a personal touch that every fan will enjoy.