From their earliest days as a band, The Clash stood apart from their peers with their musicianship as well as their lyrics, the passionate, left-wing political idealism in the lyrics by frontman Joe Strummer and guitarist Mick Jones contrasting with the lyrical nihilism of the Sex Pistols and the musical minimalism of the Ramones. Their 1979 album 'London Calling' is considered by critics as one of the greatest albums in the history of rock music. Rolling Stone declared it the best album of the 80s.
The Clash's attitude and style, as much as their music, has influenced countless bands, both within and outside the sphere of punk rock. Often lauded as "the only band that matters," The Clash were canonized as rock saints even before they broke up. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the class of 2003. Their first five albums, ('The Clash', 'Give 'Em Enough Rope', 'London Calling', 'Sandinista!', and 'Combat Rock') to this day, continue to earn a great deal of interest from rock fans and artists alike.
Mick Jones went on to form Big Audio Dynamite after being fired from The Clash, and he more recently has produced albums by artists such as The Libertines and Babyshambles. In 2004, he formed Carbon/silicon with musician Tony James (of Generation X and Sigue Sigue Sputnik fame). Exploring various genres such as alternative rock and electronic music, he continues to collaborate with other modern groups such as Gorillaz.
Joe Strummer went on to form and front Joe Strummer and the Latino Rockabilly War and then Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros. He also had a notable solo career that involved work in films and other endeavors, often earning critical acclaim. He died on December 22, 2002, the victim of an un-diagnosed congenital heart defect. Mourned by countless punk fans, his life has been subject to several tributes and was memorialized in the 2007 documentary 'Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten'.
Bass player Paul Simonon went on to form Havana 3 A.M., a group that released a self-titled album in 1991, yet he decided to quit music in the early 90s in favour of becoming an artist. In 2006, he returned to music as bass player in a musical project together with singer-songwriter Damon Albarn. The project is often referred to as The Good, The Bad & The Queen, the name of the groups first recorded album that came out in 2007. In terms of his paintings, his well-received work notably was in an exhibition at Thomas Williams Fine Art in London.
Drummer Topper Headon released a solo album, 1986's 'Waking Up', before leaving the music business to become a taxi driver and escape the heroin addiction that cost him his legacy in The Clash. Over the years, he's had sporadic involvement in various music-related endeavors, such as being a key part of the aforementioned 'The Future Is Unwritten' film. He's currently residing in the seaside town of Dover, England.
Members:
1976 Original line-up
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Mick Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals
Keith Levene – lead guitar
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Terry Chimes – drums, percussion
1977
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Mick Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Terry Chimes – drums, percussion
1977-1982 Classic line-up
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Mick Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Topper Headon – drums, percussion
1982-1983
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Mick Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Terry Chimes – drums, percussion
1983
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Mick Jones – lead guitar, backing vocals
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Pete Howard – drums, percussion
1983-1986 Final line-up
Joe Strummer – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Nick Sheppard – lead guitar, backing vocals
Vince White – lead guitar
Paul Simonon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Pete Howard – drums, percussion
15 Hitsville UK
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Up and down the land
They stole guitars or used guitars
So the tape would understand
Without even the slightest hope of a thousand sales
Just as if there was a Hitsville in UK
Know the boy was all alone, till the Hitsville UK
When lightening hits small wonder
It's fast rough factory trade
No expense accounts, or lunch discounts
Or hypeing up the charts
The band went in 'n' knocked 'em dead in two minutes and fifty-nine
No slimey deals, with smarmy eels, in Hitsville UK
Let's shake 'n' say we'll operate in Hitsville UK
The mutants, creeps and muscle men
Are shaking like a leaf
It blows a hole in the radio
When it hasn't sounded good all week
A mike 'n' boom, in your living room - in Hitsville UK
No consumer trials, or A.O.R. in Hitsville UK
Now the boys and girls are not alone
Now the Hitsvilles hit UK
The Clash's "Hitsville UK" is a protest song and a commentary on the state of the British music industry during the 1970s. The lyrics describe how many musicians across the country, regardless of talent or ability, were picking up guitars and attempting to create music that would resonate with the masses. However, the odds of success were slim, and most of these musicians knew that their tape would not sell a thousand copies, let alone turn them into rockstars. The song's message is that even though the music industry was plagued with problems, including a lack of support for artists and the prevalence of "slimy deals" with record labels, there was still hope for talented musicians. Hitsville UK is a metaphorical place where music is created organically, without hype or marketing gimmicks.
The song also comments on the radio industry, suggesting that it's become boring and dull. Hitsville UK is a place where music is still exciting and fresh, in part because it hasn't been watered down by executives trying to sell it to the masses. The song suggests that listeners are hungry for something new and exciting, and that the music industry should be doing more to support artists who are pushing boundaries and creating exciting new sounds.
Overall, "Hitsville UK" is a powerful commentary on the state of the British music industry in the 1970s. It highlights the many struggles that artists faced, while at the same time expressing hope that talented musicians can still find success, even in a difficult environment.
Line by Line Meaning
They cried the tears, they shed the fears
Up and down the land
They stole guitars or used guitars
So the tape would understand
Individuals across the country expressed their emotions in music, often resorting to theft to obtain or make the necessary equipment to record. They did this in order to convey their struggles and dreams to the masses through their music.
Without even the slightest hope of a thousand sales
Just as if there was a Hitsville in UK
Know the boy was all alone, till the Hitsville UK
Despite the lack of commercial success, the artists continued to produce music as if they were part of a thriving music scene. The presence of Hitsville UK, a symbol of such a scene, provided solace to the lone musician.
They say true talent will always emerge in time
When lightening hits small wonder
It's fast rough factory trade
No expense accounts, or lunch discounts
Or hypeing up the charts
The band went in 'n' knocked 'em dead in two minutes and fifty-nine
Genuine musical talent will eventually be recognized, despite the difficulties of the music industry. Success in music is often determined by quick, high-quality production rather than expensive marketing techniques. The band found success at a live performance with a short, but powerful set.
No slimey deals, with smarmy eels, in Hitsville UK
Let's shake 'n' say we'll operate in Hitsville UK
The mutants, creeps and muscle men
Are shaking like a leaf
It blows a hole in the radio
When it hasn't sounded good all week
A mike 'n' boom, in your living room - in Hitsville UK
No consumer trials, or A.O.R. in Hitsville UK
Hitsville UK represents a pure, honest approach to music without the corruption often found in the music industry. The other players in the industry are intimidated by the success of Hitsville and the artists it produces. Hitsville's music stands out and demands attention, even in a time of mediocre radio play. The music is powerful and raw, reaching listeners in the comfort of their own homes without any gimmicky marketing tactics or radio trials.
Now the boys and girls are not alone
Now the Hitsvilles hit UK
Hitsville UK has created a community for artists and fans alike, erasing the sense of isolation felt by many artists before. The success of Hitsville has also had wide-reaching effects, influencing music throughout the entire UK.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOE STRUMMER, MICK JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind