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The Clash

Live Performances by The Clash in 1978

  • In January 1978, The Clash were really hitting their stride, fresh off the heels of their self-titled debut album released in 1977, which rocked the p... Read Full Description >

    In January 1978, The Clash were really hitting their stride, fresh off the heels of their self-titled debut album released in 1977, which rocked the punk scene. Just a few months later, they launched "Give 'Em Enough Rope," their second studio album, which would solidify their reputation and expand their reach beyond the UK. So, when they performed live in this recording titled "Civil War" alongside an interview, they were standing at a pivotal moment in their career, full of energy and promise. That performance captured not just their raw sound but also their socio-political edge— themes they tackled head-on in their lyrics. The Clash were known for their lively stage presence, and 1978 was a landmark year for them, as they started to pave the way for a more eclectic punk sound that would incorporate reggae and rockabilly influences. It's fascinating to think how this mix of energy and ambition shaped their evolving musical journey, isn't it?

  • In January 1978, The Clash were riding high on the wave of punk rock's explosion, not long after the release of their self-titled debut album in 1977.... Read Full Description >

    In January 1978, The Clash were riding high on the wave of punk rock's explosion, not long after the release of their self-titled debut album in 1977. This was a time when the band was forging their identity, blending musical influences from reggae to rockabilly—an adventurous mix that set them apart. The live recording of "I Fought The Law" captures the raw energy that The Clash were known for, showcasing their spirited performance style that was a hallmark of their early shows. Interestingly, "I Fought The Law," originally a hit by The Crickets, was the track that solidified their reputation as formidable live performers, demonstrating their knack for reinvention. It’s worth noting this era was pivotal; the band was developing their unique sound and political edge, which would come to define their later work, making this performance a charming snapshot of their formative years.

The Clash - Full Concert at Music Machine London 1978 (Featuring Steve Jones)

Music Machine
London, United Kingdom

January 1, 1978 | Video Length: 55:07
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The Clash - London's Burning Live at Rock Against Racism, Victoria Park

Victoria Park
London, England, United Kingdom

April 30, 1978 | Video Length: 16
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The Clash - Live at Friars, Aylesbury - Full Concert

Maxwell Hall
Aylesbury, England, United Kingdom

June 28, 1978 | Video Length: 59:12
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  • In June 1978, The Clash were riding high following the release of their self-titled debut album earlier that same year. This explosive start catapulte... Read Full Description >

    In June 1978, The Clash were riding high following the release of their self-titled debut album earlier that same year. This explosive start catapulted them into the punk rock scene, solidifying their reputation as one of the genre's most influential bands. The live recording at Friars in Aylesbury captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit the band was known for, as they played to a passionate crowd. Just before this performance, they had also been working on their sophomore album, "Give 'Em Enough Rope," which would arrive later that year. This bootlegged gig, while technically rough around the edges, is a gem for enthusiasts who appreciate the band's gritty, unfiltered sound during a pivotal moment in their career—before they truly became the legends they are today. It's wild to think that just a few months later, they’d be transforming the music landscape with their unique blend of punk, reggae, and rock.

The Clash - Live Performance at Apollo, Manchester: Two Songs from On Parole UK Tour

Manchester Apollo
Manchester, England, United Kingdom

July 2, 1978 | Video Length: 4:27
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  • Back in July 1978, when The Clash graced the Apollo in Manchester, they were riding high on the wave of their self-titled debut album, released just a... Read Full Description >

    Back in July 1978, when The Clash graced the Apollo in Manchester, they were riding high on the wave of their self-titled debut album, released just a year earlier. The album dropped in 1977 and was pivotal in defining the punk rock genre, blending raw energy with politically charged lyrics. This live performance captures the band during a key moment in their career, just as they were starting to gain traction outside London’s punk scene. Interestingly, they were known for their electrifying live shows, and this recording showcases their unfiltered charisma and passion — a true testament to the punk ethos. Plus, the energy in the crowd on that July night must've been something else; you can almost feel it through the screen! Also, it’s worth noting that their socio-political commentary resonated deeply with audiences, making each performance not just a concert, but a rallying cry for a generation yearning for change.

The Clash Performance in Rude Boy - Official Trailer

London

August 31, 1978 | Video Length: 53
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  • In the summer of 1978, The Clash was riding high on the wave of their self-titled debut album, which had dropped two years earlier, and was gearing up... Read Full Description >

    In the summer of 1978, The Clash was riding high on the wave of their self-titled debut album, which had dropped two years earlier, and was gearing up for a breakthrough moment in their career with the release of "Give 'Em Enough Rope" just a few months later. The live recording from August 31, 1978, in London, reflects the band's raw energy and punk fervor at a pivotal time. They were transitioning from their early garage rock roots to a more polished sound, embodied in their sophomore album. Interestingly, during this period, they had already established themselves as a force in the punk scene, not just for their music, but also for their political commentary. The Alliance shown in the "Rude Boy" film captures the gritty essence of the era, offering fans a peek into their rebellious spirit while also highlighting a performance that would become emblematic of their live prowess. It’s a snapshot of a band poised on the brink of superstardom, channeling the chaotic vibrancy of punk into their craft.

The Clash - Full Concert: Blitzkrieg Live! (Complete Control, Tommy Gun, and more)

Le Stadium
Paris, Île-de-France, France

October 16, 1978 | Video Length: 55:40
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  • In October 1978, when The Clash took the stage at Le Stadium in Paris, they were riding high on the success of their sophomore album, "Give 'Em Enough... Read Full Description >

    In October 1978, when The Clash took the stage at Le Stadium in Paris, they were riding high on the success of their sophomore album, "Give 'Em Enough Rope." This album, released just a month prior, showcased their evolution—cranking up the intensity and broadening their sound with sharper production while still holding onto their punk roots. The live recording, titled "Blitzkrieg Live," features a stellar setlist, including tracks like "Complete Control" and "I Fought the Law," which highlight their raw energy and electrifying stage presence. Interestingly, 1978 was a pivotal year for The Clash; they were gaining international recognition, and their politically charged lyrics resonated, especially in Europe. The Paris show became iconic, not just for its fiery performance but also as a moment where the band firmly established themselves as leaders of the punk movement, drawing fierce crowds eager for that authentic rebel spirit. What a thrilling time to be a fan!

The Clash Live in Brussels - Full Concert featuring Complete Control, Tommy Gun, and more

Ancienne Belgique
Brussels, Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium

October 22, 1978 | Video Length: 48:54
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  • In October 1978, just a few months ahead of The Clash's iconic album "Give 'Em Enough Rope," the band delivered a thrilling live performance at the An... Read Full Description >

    In October 1978, just a few months ahead of The Clash's iconic album "Give 'Em Enough Rope," the band delivered a thrilling live performance at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium. This concert came during a pivotal moment in their career, as they were transitioning from the raw punk energy of their self-titled debut to a more polished and ambitious sound. “Give 'Em Enough Rope,” which would drop shortly thereafter, marked their first foray into a major label recording—an exciting yet daunting leap. The live show captured their electric energy and social commentary, featuring fan favorites like "Tommy Gun" and "I Fought the Law." Notably, it was a time when they were receiving international recognition, yet still embraced that DIY punk ethos. This period set the stage for their evolution, showcasing not just their musical evolution but their ability to capture the zeitgeist through biting lyrics and infectious melodies. It was an exhilarating time to witness their live rawness and lyrical prowess in action!

The Clash: Full Concert Live at The Apollo, Manchester - Performance of Multiple Songs

Manchester Apollo
Manchester, England, United Kingdom

November 23, 1978 | Video Length: 1:4:15
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  • Ah, The Clash! Now there's a band that could ignite a crowd. On November 23, 1978, they performed live at The Apollo in Manchester, capturing the raw ... Read Full Description >

    Ah, The Clash! Now there's a band that could ignite a crowd. On November 23, 1978, they performed live at The Apollo in Manchester, capturing the raw energy of their growing legacy. This show occurred during a pivotal moment for them, just after the release of their acclaimed second album, *Give 'Em Enough Rope*. This album marked a significant step in their evolution, showcasing a more polished sound while still retaining their punk roots. Interestingly, this live performance features tracks from that very album, like "Tommy Gun" and "English Civil War," illustrating their dynamic stage presence. At this point in their career, The Clash was solidifying their reputation not just as punk icons but as politically charged storytellers, igniting conversations that resonated far beyond the music. Can you imagine being in that crowd, feeling the fervor of a band on the brink of major stardom? It's a snapshot of history that any music lover should cherish.

The Clash - I Fought the Law Live at the Lyceum Theatre

Lyceum Ballroom
London, England, United Kingdom

December 28, 1978 | Video Length: 2:32
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  • Back in December 1978, The Clash was riding high on the momentum of their second album, "Give 'Em Enough Rope," which had hit shelves just a couple of... Read Full Description >

    Back in December 1978, The Clash was riding high on the momentum of their second album, "Give 'Em Enough Rope," which had hit shelves just a couple of months earlier. This was a pivotal moment for the band; they were solidifying their status as punk icons while fusing various musical styles. The Lyceum Theatre gig on December 28 was actually part of the “Sort It Out” tour, showcasing their fiery energy and rebellious spirit that was palpable in every chord they played. And here’s the kicker: the performance brought one of their most famous covers, “I Fought the Law,” to life in a way that only a live setting can capture. It was the quintessential expression of the Clash's punk ethos, experimenting with sound while making bold statements. These Lyceum shows were more than concerts; they were cultural events, reflecting the passionate energy of the punk movement they epitomized.

  • In December 1978, when The Clash delivered their electrifying performance captured in "Sort It Out (Live X-Cert)," they were riding the wave of their ... Read Full Description >

    In December 1978, when The Clash delivered their electrifying performance captured in "Sort It Out (Live X-Cert)," they were riding the wave of their sophomore album, "Give 'Em Enough Rope," which had been released just a few months prior. This live recording showcases the band's raw energy during a pivotal moment in their journey, as they were cementing their reputation not just as punk rock icons but as provocative storytellers. What’s particularly fascinating is that this performance occurred before the band’s transition into a more polished sound; it’s raw and unfiltered, reflecting their fierce spirit and unwavering attitude. Interestingly, the Lyceum gig was part of a series of shows that helped bolster their live performance acclaim, which was crucial in setting the stage for their eventual mainstream success. Talk about being at the right place at the right time!