The Rise And Fall Of The Clash DVD Gets US Release In April

No matter how you felt about The Clash, the fact remained that they gave Rock and Roll a needed change of pace.  Sadly, with the death of Joe Strummer, a reunion of any kind is simply out of the picture.  This means clearly that what we have been given is all that we’ll ever really get in the way of new Clash music.  The reasons for the unraveling of The Clash are multitudinous.  Mick Jones relationship with Joe Strummer had deteriorated dramatically, contributing to Jones’ ouster before Cut The Crap was made. The rest is unfortunate history.

But before the problems set in there was the fast paced energy of their 1977 eponymous debut, and its powerful followup with Give ‘Em Enough Rope.  Of course, there is the brilliant double LP, London Calling with its important title cut, along with the hidden hit, “Train In Vain”, (this song was listed on the jacket and label in subsequent pressings). London Calling was followed up by the ambitious 3LP set, Sandanista!, and closed out with the hits laden Combat Rock in 1982.  (If you count Cut The Crap as a viable Clash finish, then it would indeed be the final Clash album but without the guiding force of Mick Jones, and Topper Headon on drums.) It was gratifyingly easy to hear the band’s lyrical and musical maturity as they moved from album to album.

The film documentary, The Rise And Fall Of The Clash documents the band’s achievements, while following them through to their bitter end. This exclusive 90 minute film was released in 2012 highlighting everything you need to know about the band.

On April 29, The Icon Television Music, Apropos Film, and Chip Baker Films documentary will be released by Shout! Factory.  What makes this release even more momentous other than to just be able to own it, is the batch of new interviews being included.  Interviews with Terry Chimes, Mick Jones, and others involved with The Clash will be a strong point. Archival interviews with Headon, Simonon, and Strummer are an essential part of the package. minute film was released in 2012.  It highlights everything you need to know about the band.

The film had originally been released for the home market in Japan sporting a different cover than the upcoming new US version.

Also included will be rare performance and archival footage.  The film is a powerful companion to The Clash library for fans.