TOTAL LOST OF CONTROL

The photo of the Album Cover of London Calling by The Clash.

It happened 45 years ago, on September 20th, 1979, at a Clash show at New York's Palladium. Paul Simonon's frustration led to one of the most iconic images of Rock ‘n’ roll history. 

The short distils the power, energy, fury and excitement of Rock ‘N’ Roll in one image captured at the speed of light. Working in striking black and white, one of the leading Rock ‘N’ Roll British photographers, Pennie Smith, who photographed the band for the album, initially did not want the photograph to be used. She thought it was too out of focus, but Joe Strummer (Rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of the Clash)  and graphic designer Ray Lowry figured it would make a good album cover.

Pennie Smith 

In 2002, Q Magazine named Smith’s photograph the best Rock N’ Roll photograph of all time, commenting that “It captures the ultimate Rock ‘N’ Roll Moment - total loss of control.”

Album Cover of London Calling by The Clash