What have we got? Magnificence! I’ll say. The Clash’s monumental triple-album Sandinista! was released 40 years ago tomorrow — if I remember right, it came out in England first, but didn’t get an American release until a few weeks later. In any case, to mark the occasion, their label is busting out a new video for the rap-fuelled single The Magnificent Seven, anchored by their performance on The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder. Check it out above and read the official word below. I have just one question: Where the hell is the Sandinista! Deluxe Edition 40th Anniversary Box Set?
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: The Magnificent Seven was released as a single from The Clash’s fourth album Sandinista!, a three-disc collection of songs released in December 1980 which showcased the band’s wide musical taste and the influence of the burgeoning New York hip hop scene. The song earned the distinction of being the first rap record by a rock group, and until now has had no official video.
This new clip for The Magnificent Seven is shot and edited by filmmaker Don Letts and uses footage of The Clash (Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon & Topper Headon) performing the song live on The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder, cut with previously unseen film of the group in and around New York and during their legendary 17-night residency at Bond’s International Casino, near Times Square.
Says Don Letts: “They were always ahead of the game — Sandinista! signposted the multi-cultural way music was going and the elements that make The Clash great are still a currency that’s recognized by youth in the 21st century.”
Formed in West London in 1976, The Clash are the most influential band to spring out of the U.K. punk movement. The classic lineup of the band is Joe Strummer on vocals and guitar, Mick Jones also on vocals and guitar, Nick Topper Headon on drums and Paul Simonon on bass. Highly prolific, they released five albums between ’79 and ’82: The Clash (’77), Give ‘Em Enough Rope (’79), London Calling (double album ’79), Sandinista (triple album ’80) and Combat Rock (’82).”
For more of The Clash on Tomorrow, here are the original uncut performances, along with the Tom Snyder interview:
