The Rise and Fall of the Clash

Although the title suggests a full reckoning, director Danny Garcia's The Rise and Fall of the Clash concentrates more on the second half of the equation, with friends and associates providing most of the commentary, since only guitarist Mick Jones and drummer Terry Chimes speak for the group (not counting the hired guns that joined the band at the end). Punk singer Pearl Harbour believes that the greatness of the Clash stemmed from each member bringing a different influence to the mix, from R&B (singer Joe Strummer) to jazz (on-again, off-again drummer Topper Headon), although other speakers point to the quality of the songwriting and the passion of the band's politics. Some praise manager Bernie Rhodes, but others believe he did more harm than good (Viv Albertine of the Slits dismisses him as “a rude, socially inept person”). While Strummer enjoyed a close relationship with Rhodes, he alienated so many others that the group fired him before eventually welcoming him back. The players' diverse interests would also cause problems, as Jones moved more into hip-hop, and Strummer gravitated towards rockabilly. When Headon became addicted to heroin, the band let him go. Strummer and bassist Paul Simonon followed up by firing Jones and bringing in new players (Vince White, Nick Sheppard, and Pete Howard) who only received a pittance for their efforts. When Strummer left, the band was essentially done, although Rhodes made a last-ditch effort to hire a new singer. Strummer (who died in 2002) and Jones would eventually make their peace—but not in time to save the Clash. A somewhat uneven account, this should still be considered a strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)