Bankrobber – The Clash (1980)

Description

Additional information about this, The Clash vinyl art.

The Clash – The Artist

The Clash were an English rock band formed in London in 1976 as a key player in the original wave of British punk rock. They have also contributed to the post-punk and new wave movements that emerged in the wake of punk and employed elements of a variety of genres including reggae, dub, funk, ska and rockabilly. For most of their recording career, the Clash consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, lead guitarist and lead vocalist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon, and drummer Nicky “Topper” Headon. Headon left the group in 1982, and internal friction led to Jones’ departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986.

Bankrobber – The Song

Bankrobber is a song by The Clash and credited to Jones and Strummer. The song was not released on any of their studio albums, instead appearing on their compilation Black Market Clash. Upon its 1980 release as a single (initially available in the UK on import only) it peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. The Clash filmed a low-budget video for the song, depicting members of the band recording the song in the studio, interspersed with Clash roadies Baker and Johnny Green wearing bandanas over their faces, performing a bank heist in Lewisham. During the filming, Baker and Green were stopped and questioned by the police, who thought they were genuine.

Balaclava Man – The Shape

Modelled into a man hiding his identity by wearing a balaclava.  A balaclava, also known as a balaclava helmet or ski mask, is a form of cloth headgear designed to expose only part of the face usually the eyes and nose. Depending on style and how it is worn, only the eyes, mouth and nose, or just the front of the face are unprotected. Versions with a full face opening may be rolled into a hat to cover the crown of the head or folded down as a collar around the neck. The name comes from their use at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War, referring to the town near Sevastopol in the Crimea. British troops there wore knitted headgear, to keep warm.

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