Influential British punk rock group from west and south London, active between 1976 and 1985. Billed as "The Only Band That Matters." Adding catchy sloganistic socio-political lyrics to their brand of garage rock 'n' roll, the band soon explored wider musical horizons than most of their contemporaries, incorporating reggae, dub, rockabilly, hip hop and funk influences into their music and a whole lot more.
The US saw the second album "14959" released before the first to coincide with the band's first transatlantic tour in early 1979, and (like in Japan and in Canada) the first LP "24371" was soon repackaged with an updated track list and the addition of a free 7" "Groovy Times" / "Gates Of The West," which wasn't released separately. A year later, they were receiving worldwide acclaim with their classic double album "19382."
Their classic lineup (circa 1977–1982) comprised Joe Strummer (vocals / guitar; born John Graham Mellor, August 21, 1952, Ankara, Turkey; died December 22, 2002, Broomfield, Somerset, England), Paul Simonon (bass, vocals; born December 15, 1955, Thornton Heath, South London, England), Mick Jones (guitar, vocals; born June 26, 1955, Wandsworth, London, England) and Nicky "Topper" Headon (drums; born May 30, 1955, Bromley, Kent, England).
Starting in 1982, the band went through lineup changes due to infighting, and ultimately disbanded in January 1986. Soon after Strummer's death, on March 10, 2003, the band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Performer).
