Flash Your Clash

I got asked through work to right an article about the Clash for Converse as they are doing a shoe.. Anyway here are my ramblings, I think it turned out o.k. Shame they are no longer running with the idea. rats

The much celebrated 60s/70s photographer Brian Duffy, most famous for creating the iconic Aladdin Sane image for Mr David Bowie quit his photography career in 1979. Legend has it that after an employee brought a desperate "toilet paper situation" to his attention, he just snapped. He duly proceeded in burning his entire lifes work in a huge bin outside the office. Fortunately for us some of the negatives were recovered and part of his legacy still remains. Now, many people would deem these actions; pointless, narcissistic and possibly slightly psychotic! I though happen to think that this is a notion of complete and absolute brilliance. The idea of totally drawing a line under something, totally leaving something in the past is quite magnificent. In the very same year, Neil Young wrote the lyric "Is it better to burn out, than to fade away?". Referring to the contrast in the untimely death of Elvis and the change in direction of Jonny Rotten, this line is and always will be feverishly debated. Some say though, that as Mr Rottens latest "change in direction" was to advertise butter, that the argument is firmly won for good. Is it better to end something when it was at its best and not peddle it untill its receded in credibility as much as your hairline?

Which brings me on to The Clash, a band that I love and love for all the right reasons, because of the music. The Clash did it the right way, they made a difference, they changed a bit of history, they passed on a huge influence and most importantly they are no longer here! They have left a musical and cultural legacy, which is why so many see them as one of the most important bands ever to record music. I however cant go quite that far, I draw the line at "Yeah, I like the Clash" and "Yeah they made some great records". Unfortunately I cant stand by the common equation of most column inches + untimely death = legendary status. It is this equation that actually negates either side of the "Burn Out/Fade Away" argument. Option 1. You keep making music, you eventually make some terrible records, you maybe decide to perhaps sell some insurance or some butter? The legacy you have created, to many gradually slips in to insignificance and yes you eventually fade away. Option 2. You split up or you die. You go out in a big ball of drug fueled flames and you end your legacy in that instant. You do a Brian Duffy and you finish your own story when you want to. Option 2 wins right?

Hang on a second. No, because as we know, once you go out with a bang, that is what you are remembered for and the bull-shit factor goes into over-drive. People start referring to you as "The King" as a genius as a true legend. All manner of mediums blow so much smoke up your arse that every Tom, Dick and Harry think that they did, should and do LOVE YOU. Although the majority of these people probably only know your most radio-friendly efforts and know nothing really about your true musical legacy. That is the risk you take, would you still go for Option 2? I am undecided, all I know is that if you do choose to burn out, do not do it to keep your musical intentions, beliefs and works true and in-tact. Brian Duffy tried that and even in his attempts to literally burn-out, he couldn't stop is legacy rolling on. Lucky for him, he remains credible, uncontrived and respected. Unluckily for The Clash, their latest edition to history is pair of brand new, shiny, Converse shoes, now thats hardly burning out is it?