In conversation with The Big Issue, the punk icon delves into art, resilience, and the band's relentless drive for transformation.
In a recent interview with Adrian Lobb of The Big Issue magazine, Paul Simonon, the bassist for the legendary punk rock band The Clash, delved into the group’s unwavering commitment to their music and message during their time together. Simonon’s reflections offer a glimpse into the work ethic and drive that propelled The Clash to become one of the most influential bands in history.
Simonon reminisces about the band’s early days, noting how they were constantly on the move, writing and recording music, and touring. The Clash was known for their intense live performances, often playing multiple shows in a day. This unyielding work ethic contributed significantly to their success, but it also came at a cost. As Simonon points out, “We didn’t really take breaks, and that’s probably why we only lasted 10 years.”
Despite the challenges the band faced, Simonon believes that their dedication to their mission ultimately led to the creation of a body of work that continues to inspire and educate others. He says, “We left behind a lot of good work that people can still learn from and be inspired by.” The Clash’s music has transcended generations, and their influence can still be felt in the punk and rock scenes today.
For more insights and memories from Paul Simonon, be sure to check out the full interview in The Big Issue magazine.
Follow The Big Issue on its Socials
Need more Punk In Your Life?
LOUD WOMEN support Resonance FM with fundraising live compilation album!
Female and non-binary music champions LOUD WOMEN are releasing a special compilation album via Bandcamp featuring exclusive live session tracks from some of the most
Punk lifers The Casualties share first new music in eight years with ‘People Over Power’
NYC punks The Casualties have broken an eight-year hiatus with their blistering new single ‘People Over Power’, the band’s first release via Hellcat Records. Starting
ill jill release debut EP ‘My Body Is Mine To Decide’
Swedish queercore band ill jill are an innovative new band to the local punk scene, forming back in 2023. Their musical background spans different genres
Album review: Goldfinger’s latest contains ‘Nine Lives’ of lived experience
Los Angeles-based ska-punk band Goldfinger have just released their new full-length album ‘Nine Lives’ via Big Noise Music Group, distributed through Virgin Music. Led by
Punk Rock Creatives Podcast – January update!
If you haven’t heard of Punk Rock Creatives before, it’s a podcast run by Marie Repulsive. This month she’s been digging through interview requests and
Video EP – DVTR rock out ‘Live on the Big Rusty Ferry’
Filmed on, yep, a big rusty ferry, on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal, DVTR’s ‘Live on the Big Rusty Ferry’ is
Callum Wyatt is a Dublin-based music journalist with a passion for punk and a love for uncovering the untold stories of music history. When he’s not writing, you can find him hanging out with his cat, Oscar.
Did you know that we are 100% DIY? We run our own game. No one dictates to us, and no one drives what we can or cannot put on our pages – and this is how we plan to continue!
