London Calling by The Clash

Jan 222 min read

Ron Powers

In 1979, amid tumultuous world events, Joe Strummer and Mick Jones wrote “London Calling,” one of The Clash’s most impactful hits. The song reflects Strummer’s concerns that something akin to World War II was taking shape through the events he was witnessing. The chorus specifically references the Three Mile Island accident—a partial nuclear meltdown and the worst accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant history. Strummer expresses his fears about another world conflict through the title “London Calling,” a phrase borrowed from the BBC’s station identification during WWII broadcasts to occupied countries: "This is London calling." With its blend of punk and reggae genres, the song stands as an icon of the punk rock era and has helped solidify The Clash’s reputation as one of the greatest bands of all time.

“London Calling” begins with Joe Strummer delivering sharp quarter-note spikes of guitar chords on the high strings, accompanied by drummer Topper Headon’s smashing, straightforward beat peppered with tom-tom fills. A subtle charm emerges with Mick Jones’s ghostly guitar melody, which, while understated, significantly enhances the song's atmosphere. After a few bars, Paul Simonon’s bass line rolls in, ringing out and bouncing energetically, adding both weight and vitality to the music. Finally, Strummer delivers the instantly likeable top line with the words, “London calling to the faraway towns / Now war is declared, and battle come down / London calling to the underworld / Come outta the cupboard, ya boys and girls”.

With no lyrical repetition and the absence of a clear hook, the chorus of “London Calling” feels more like a bridge section. Here, the band shifts gears with a new chord progression and melody to keep listeners engaged. The guitars evolve rhythmically and dynamically, adopting a steady, understated reggae groove punctuated by aggressive chord slides. Throughout, Topper Headon’s steady, head-bobbing beat anchors the track, providing cohesion as other elements shift and evolve.

After a couple of verse-to-chorus cycles, The Clash launch into a haunting instrumental section. The drumbeat drops out as staccato guitar chords cut through the mix and the bass line walks up the fretboard. Gradually, guitar feedback swells, building tension while Strummer unleashes ghostly, reverberant howls. Thunderous drum fills punctuate the escalating energy, culminating in an explosive burst as the band transitions back into a steady rhythm, accompanied by an otherworldly reverse guitar solo.

In 1985, The Clash disbanded due to internal conflicts and creative disagreements among the members. Sadly, any hopes of a reunion faded with the tragic passing of lead singer Joe Strummer in 2002. However, the spirit of the band endures through their music and the countless musicians they’ve inspired. If you’d like to listen to “London Calling,” or any of the Clashes other fine music, you can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most other places music is streamed or sold. To dive deeper into The Clash’s legacy, check out Wikipedia, theclash.com, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, or one of the many books written about the band.