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The Clash

Live Performances by The Clash in 1981

The Clash - Somebody Got Murdered (Live) in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

January 1, 1981 | Video Length: 3:45
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  • In the vibrant backdrop of Amsterdam on January 1, 1981, The Clash delivered a spirited performance, captured in the live recording of "Somebody Got M... Read Full Description >

    In the vibrant backdrop of Amsterdam on January 1, 1981, The Clash delivered a spirited performance, captured in the live recording of "Somebody Got Murdered." By this point in their journey, they had recently released their iconic double album, "London Calling," in 1979, which marked a pivotal moment in their career. This album not only showcased their prowess in blending punk rock with reggae, ska, and rockabilly but also solidified their reputation as pioneers of the genre, addressing themes of social unrest and personal struggle. The audience at the Amsterdam show was on fire, likely energized by the band's electrifying mix of emotion and rebellion, a hallmark of their live performances. Interestingly, "Somebody Got Murdered" ties directly into the band's exploration of political and social themes, reflecting their activism during a time of upheaval. It's a perfect example of how The Clash's music and live energy resonated with fans, leaving a lasting impact on the punk rock scene.


The Clash - Live Performance of 'London Calling' in Vienna

Vienna, Austria

January 1, 1981 | Video Length: 3:15
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  • By the time The Clash set foot in Vienna on January 1, 1981, they were riding the high tide of their iconic album "London Calling." Released in Decemb... Read Full Description >

    By the time The Clash set foot in Vienna on January 1, 1981, they were riding the high tide of their iconic album "London Calling." Released in December 1979, this double album was a bold fusion of punk rock, reggae, and rockabilly that solidified their place in music history. Not only did it reflect their innovative spirit, but it also tackled sociopolitical themes that resonated deeply with listeners. The performance in Vienna captured their raw energy and passion, a signature of their live shows that energized audiences worldwide. Interestingly, "London Calling" was critically celebrated, often hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time—no small feat! The Clash’s willingness to experiment and evolve musically during this period reflected their vision of pushing boundaries, making their live performances something truly special. This concert moment was more than just a gig; it was a powerful statement in the heart of a decade defined by change.

The Clash - Full Concert Live at the Eissporthalle, West Berlin

Eissporthalle an der Jafféstraße
Berlin, Berlin, Germany

May 18, 1981 | Video Length: 1:22:59
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  • When The Clash took the stage at the Eissporthalle in West Berlin on May 18, 1981, they were riding high on the success of their groundbreaking album,... Read Full Description >

    When The Clash took the stage at the Eissporthalle in West Berlin on May 18, 1981, they were riding high on the success of their groundbreaking album, "Sandinista!" Released just six months earlier, this ambitious triple album was a bold mix of genres, showcasing their punk roots while incorporating reggae, jazz, and rockabilly influences. The band's fearless experimentation was a reflection of their desire to push boundaries, not just musically, but also politically. This live performance is particularly noteworthy as it came at a time of cultural tension and division in Berlin, amplifying the band's rebellious spirit. Joe Strummer's engaging stage presence certainly shone during the concert, as he effortlessly connected with the crowd through passionate vocals and lively banter, showcasing his charisma and commitment to the music. It’s a gripping snapshot of The Clash's evolution, both as artists and as a cultural force.

The Clash Performs 'Magnificent Seven' on Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder

Tomorrow Show
New York, NY, United States

June 1, 1981 | Video Length: 5:01
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  • In June 1981, when The Clash performed "Magnificent Seven" on "The Tomorrow Show" with Tom Snyder, they were promoting their album "Sandinista!", whic... Read Full Description >

    In June 1981, when The Clash performed "Magnificent Seven" on "The Tomorrow Show" with Tom Snyder, they were promoting their album "Sandinista!", which had been released later that year. This record showcased the band’s experimentation with various musical styles and political themes, reflecting their evolution from punk origins to a more eclectic sound that embraced reggae, rap, and rockabilly. The performance itself is notable as it highlights the band's transition, featuring a melding of punk energy and hip-hop influences, particularly in the rhythmic delivery of "Magnificent Seven." This was a period of significant growth for The Clash as they sought to reach broader audiences, further establishing themselves as a seminal band that challenged musical and societal norms. Their appearance on the show also underscored their status in the American music scene, making them pioneers in the crossover appeal of punk rock with mainstream media.

The Clash - 'The Magnificent Seven' Live Performance on The Tomorrow Show

The Tomorrow Show
Los Angeles, CA, United States

June 1, 1981 | Video Length: 5:00
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  • On June 1, 1981, when The Clash performed their iconic track "The Magnificent Seven" on *The Tomorrow Show*, they were riding high on the waves of com... Read Full Description >

    On June 1, 1981, when The Clash performed their iconic track "The Magnificent Seven" on *The Tomorrow Show*, they were riding high on the waves of commercial success following their 1980 album, *Sandinista!*. This ambitious three-disc release marked a bold departure from their punk roots, showcasing their eclectic sound by blending reggae, jazz, and rockabilly influences. The live performance epitomized The Clash's fearless spirit, as they navigated criticism for their experimental direction. Interestingly, *Sandinista!* also reflected the band’s political consciousness, which resonated through their music, making this era both revolutionary and risky. The energy of their live shows, like the one captured on the video, offered fans a raw glimpse of a band that, even at its peak, was unafraid to challenge norms and push musical boundaries. It was a defining moment where punk ethos met pop culture, showcasing not just a performance, but a movement.

The Clash Backstage: Performance of 'The Magnificent Seven' at Bond's Casino

Bond's Casino
New York, NY, United States

June 1, 1981 | Video Length: 5:48
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  • In June 1981, when The Clash performed at Bond's Casino for a televised appearance on *The Tomorrow Show*, they were riding high on the success of the... Read Full Description >

    In June 1981, when The Clash performed at Bond's Casino for a televised appearance on *The Tomorrow Show*, they were riding high on the success of their album *Sandinista!*, released just a few months earlier. This ambitious three-disc set, infused with a dazzling mix of punk, reggae, and experimental influences, showcased the band's evolving sound and artistic ambitions. It was a bold move, reflecting their desire to push boundaries in a growing, ever-changing music scene. Around this time, the band was also grappling with their commercial image, aiming to balance their punk roots with wider appeal—an endeavor that sometimes led to internal tensions. The excitement of the live recording gives us a glimpse into their dynamic stage presence and camaraderie amidst this pivotal moment in their career. Can you feel the electric atmosphere? After all, The Clash was not just a band; they were a cultural phenomenon, pushing the envelope with each performance.

The Clash - Live At Bond's International Casino (Full Concert)

Bond's International Casino
New York, New York, United States

June 5, 1981 | Video Length: 1:46:11
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  • When The Clash hit the stage at Bond's International Casino on June 5, 1981, they were riding high on the momentum of their iconic album, "London Call... Read Full Description >

    When The Clash hit the stage at Bond's International Casino on June 5, 1981, they were riding high on the momentum of their iconic album, "London Calling," released in late 1979. This film is a snapshot of a pivotal moment in their career, showcasing their raw energy and ability to fuse punk rock with reggae, ska, and even jazz influences. Interestingly, this concert comes just before the release of their highly ambitious triple album, "Sandinista!," which introduced their more experimental side. The setlist from that night features crowd-pleasers like "London Calling," "Train In Vain," and "Guns of Brixton," each a testament to their lyrical depth and musical versatility. What's particularly fascinating is the less-commercial environment of the live show, where songs from their earlier hits juxtapose with their push toward new artistic boundaries. It's a moment where the revolutionary spirit of punk clearly echoes through their electrifying performance, hinting at both the band's restlessness and their abiding connection with their audience.

The Clash - This Is Radio Clash Live Performance on Tom Snyder Show

Bond's International Casino
New York, New York, United States

June 5, 1981 | Video Length: 4:46
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  • In June 1981, during their appearance on the *Tom Snyder Show*, The Clash showcased their track "This Is Radio Clash," marking it as their first publi... Read Full Description >

    In June 1981, during their appearance on the *Tom Snyder Show*, The Clash showcased their track "This Is Radio Clash," marking it as their first public performance of the song. This appearance came post their groundbreaking album *London Calling*, released in 1979, which cemented their status as punk icons blending punk rock with reggae, ska, and even rockabilly. Their follow-up effort, *Sandinista!*, was just a few months away from its December release, pushing boundaries further with its experimental and eclectic sound. Notably, "This Is Radio Clash" was later included in a 7-inch single rather than on an album—something fairly unusual for a band of their caliber, highlighting their independence and willingness to break the mold. Fans had to wait a bit longer for the studio version, but this live performance definitely captured the raw energy and urgency that defined The Clash, as they tackled themes of media and identity. Doesn’t it just make you appreciate how they continually evolved while staying true to their roots?

The Clash - Sandinista Live: Full Concert at Bonds Casino, NYC

Bond's International Casino
New York, New York, United States

June 8, 1981 | Video Length: 49:50
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  • In June 1981, when The Clash took to the stage at Bonds Casino in New York, they were riding high on the momentum of their ambitious triple album, "Sa... Read Full Description >

    In June 1981, when The Clash took to the stage at Bonds Casino in New York, they were riding high on the momentum of their ambitious triple album, "Sandinista!" Released just months earlier, this record showcased their daring blend of punk, reggae, rockabilly, and jazz. It was a bold move that reflected their evolution as artists. Interesting tidbit? This live performance was part of a unique, very intimate residency—an experimental venture to connect more directly with their audience. The concert captured the raw energy and radical spirit of The Clash during a transformative period, as they sought to not just entertain but also provoke thought about socio-political issues. Their fearless approach to music and message at that moment solidified their status as icons of punk rock while pushing creative boundaries. It was more than a concert; it was a statement, echoing their belief that music could indeed foster change.

The Clash - Live At Bond's International Casino (Full Concert)

Bond's International Casino
New York, New York, United States

June 9, 1981 | Video Length: 1:43:11
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  • Ah, The Clash—what a game changer in the punk rock scene! By the time they hit the stage at Bond's International Casino on June 9, 1981, they were r... Read Full Description >

    Ah, The Clash—what a game changer in the punk rock scene! By the time they hit the stage at Bond's International Casino on June 9, 1981, they were riding the wave of their iconic double album, "London Calling." This release, which came out in 1979, was a revolutionary blend of punk, reggae, rockabilly, and even jazz, showcasing their musical prowess and societal commentary. At this live performance, their energy was palpable, galloping through classics like "London Calling" and "The Guns of Brixton." Interesting fact: right after "London Calling," they released "Sandinista!" in 1980, pushing the boundaries even further with an adventurous three-record set. This evening at Bond’s wasn’t just a concert; it was a declaration of their evolution, a testament to their refusal to be boxed in by genre. Can you feel the excitement in the air as they delivered a setlist that resonated with raw spirit? What a pivotal moment in their journey!

The Clash - Live At Bond's International Casino (Full Concert)

Bond's International Casino
New York, New York, United States

June 10, 1981 | Video Length: 1:54:11
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  • On June 10, 1981, The Clash delivered a powerful performance at Bond's International Casino in New York City, a pivotal moment showcasing their evolut... Read Full Description >

    On June 10, 1981, The Clash delivered a powerful performance at Bond's International Casino in New York City, a pivotal moment showcasing their evolution as a band. Just around this time, they were riding the wave of their critically acclaimed album, "Sandinista!" which had been released just a few months earlier, in December 1980. This ambitious triple album expanded their sound by blending punk with various influences, from reggae to jazz, demonstrating that they weren’t just a one-trick pony. They packed the live setlist with hits like "London Calling" and "Spanish Bombs," which perfectly encapsulated their political fervor and musical diversity. Interestingly, this concert was part of their American tour promoting "Sandinista!" and reflected the band's dedication to connecting with their audience while navigating the complexities of their rapidly expanding identity. The energy in the room during this performance was palpable, as fans were not just witnessing a concert; they were part of a cultural movement.

Live Performance of 'Complete Control' by The Clash at Bonds International Casino

Bond's International Casino
New York, New York, United States

June 13, 1981 | Video Length: 3:36
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  • On June 13, 1981, The Clash lit up the stage at Bonds International Casino in New York City during a pivotal moment in their career. By this time, the... Read Full Description >

    On June 13, 1981, The Clash lit up the stage at Bonds International Casino in New York City during a pivotal moment in their career. By this time, they had just released their groundbreaking album, *Sandinista!*, a rich tapestry of punk, reggae, rockabilly, and more that showcased their experimental spirit. This album was a stunning departure from their earlier work, embracing a broader sound and lyrical depth, reflecting the sociopolitical climate of the era. Notably, *Sandinista!* was a triple album, which was quite ambitious at the time, and it reflected the band’s willingness to push artistic boundaries. The live performance of "Complete Control" captures their raw energy and highlights their defiant nature, essential themes in their music. It’s also fascinating to consider that this performance occurred just before their first American tour, setting the stage for an even more significant impact in the U.S. music scene.

The Clash Perform 'Street Parade' Live in Barcelona, Jeuvetewal Pavilion

Jeuvetewal Pavilion
Barcelona, Spain

September 21, 1981 | Video Length: 1:18
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  • Ah, 1981 was quite the whirlwind for The Clash! Just a few months before that legendary live performance in Barcelona, they had unleashed *Sandinista!... Read Full Description >

    Ah, 1981 was quite the whirlwind for The Clash! Just a few months before that legendary live performance in Barcelona, they had unleashed *Sandinista!*, an ambitious triple album that showcased their fearless genre-blending style—from punk rock to reggae and beyond. It was a bold statement, reflecting not just their musical evolution but also their political concerns and cultural commentary. During that September show at the Jeuvetewal Pavilion, the energy was palpable, as fans soaked up the raw charisma of a band pushing boundaries on their "Impossible Mission Tour." Interestingly, this concert came at a pivotal moment; *Sandinista!* was a departure from their earlier sound, which had captured the hearts of audiences with *London Calling*. The band's willingness to experiment during this live performance highlighted the urgency of their message, allowing the audience to experience the fervor that fueled their creativity. So, while the audio and visuals may not have been pristine, the spirit of that night? Pure gold dust! The Clash were a band that understood the essence of live music was in its imperfection and passion.

The Clash - Live Performance of 'Charlie Don't Surf' in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

November 30, 1981 | Video Length: 6:11
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  • The Clash, notorious for their revolutionary sound, had some exciting developments swirling around them by late 1981, when they performed "Charlie Don... Read Full Description >

    The Clash, notorious for their revolutionary sound, had some exciting developments swirling around them by late 1981, when they performed "Charlie Don't Surf" in Tokyo. Just prior to this live gig, they released their ambitious double album, "Sandinista!" in December 1980. That's the one that showed their flair for genre-blending, infusing reggae, punk, and rockabilly into a vibrant sonic tapestry. What’s particularly striking about this performance is its backdrop; it was part of a tour that highlighted the band's growing international influence right as they were pushing boundaries. The Clash's electrifying live energy really shines through in this Tokyo set, showcasing not only their musical prowess but also their commitment to addressing socio-political issues in a raw, authentic way. It's fascinating how they managed to capture the essence of punk while reaching audiences far beyond their London roots, all the while gaining a reputation as one of the most pivotal bands of their time.

  • The Clash's live concert in Tokyo on November 30, 1981, took place during a pivotal moment in their career, shortly after the release of their celebra... Read Full Description >

    The Clash's live concert in Tokyo on November 30, 1981, took place during a pivotal moment in their career, shortly after the release of their celebrated album, "Sandinista!" which came out in December 1980. This album was ambitious and expansive, showcasing a wide array of musical styles and themes that reflected the band's evolution beyond their punk roots. The Tokyo concert reflects their global appeal and the band's commitment to captivating live performances, as they were known for their high energy and political fervor on stage. Interestingly, this concert was part of their "Japan Tour," which was significant for expanding their fan base in Asia. Performing songs like “London Calling” and “Once More,” they continued to emphasize their blend of punk, reggae, and rock, affirming their status as influential figures in the music scene at that time.

The CLASH Live Performance of Iconic Songs in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan

November 30, 1981 | Video Length: 5:01
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