We Are The Clash: Reagan, Thatcher, and the Last Stand of a Band That Mattered Paperback – July 3, 2018

Wow. This book is an entertaining read and so much more.1) The authors have revealed, through their personal experiences with the Clash Mk 2 as well as painstaking research, a story of the post-82 Clash that is completely different from the narrative that has existed for decades. They successfully make the case that, far from being a joke, they were doing something worthwhile - their music was full of potential and carried an important message.2) The authors go above and beyond to connect the story of the Clash Mk2 with the politics of the time. As they Clash were fighting against their inevitable demise as a group, so too was the dream of post-war Western society making its final stand against neo-liberalism.3) Insightful thoughts pepper the book. Did Bernie Rhodes fill a need in Joe Strummer for a father figure? How was Joe, a boarding school kid from a generation of stiff upper lips, supposed to handle the intensity of his own inner world while being hammered on all sides? Far from distracting from the story, such thoughts add flavour to a complex portrait of a band and a culture in crisis.Congratulations to the authors on an exquisitely crafted and thought-provoking story. And thank you for finally doing justice to the noble intentions of a misunderstood period of the Clash. Bravo.

I will admit that my interest in music withered when the original Clash broke up. I wanted to like the new Clash and "Cut the Crap" but, except for a few cuts, the music had no guts. Why oh why, I wondered.With "We Are The Clash: Reagan, Thatcher, and the Last Stand of a Band That Mattered," authors Mark Andersen and Ralph Heibutzki provide gritty insights into why the band crashed and why the new version never had a chance. Managerial problems, apathy, stardom, inability to change, and burnout doom many bands and the Clash was no exception. The original Clash burned white hot and then melted. Maybe the band should have died then.But dear Joe Strummer--a true believer--soldiered on, trying to keep the spirit of punk alive. But was too much for one man to carry, and the authors provide a critical analysis for the slow bleed of both versions of the Clash.It's painful, but fascinating journey that will be of interest of not only Clash fans, but also music lovers who like the read about the workings of a rock 'n' roll band.One of my favorite parts of the book is the new Clash's busking tour before the band's demise. The members took to street corners, storefronts, and subways to try to keep the music alive and connect with fans. With this, we see how special Joe Strummer was, and why the authors are to be commended for digging into the band's last stand..Strummer did believe that music could change the world. For a brief, shining moment, he was right.

The book is well written, researched and connects the dots between the music and the times of Thatcher and Reagan. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

We Are the Clash is a through and fascinating look at a band in turmoil amidst the chaos of the eighties. A book that was several years in the making and well worth it. I have always found this era of The Clash so fascinating and one of the few people who actually enjoyed their last studio album "Cut the Crap" warts and all. But the untold story behind the years of 1983-1985 have now been told in full detail about the conflicts Joe Strummer had to deal with (death of parents, puppeteer/manager/sixth member Bernie Rhodes), the dismissal of chief songwriter Mick Jones and strung out drummer Topper Headon whom became a totally liability. Authors Mark Andersen and Ralph Helbutzki document not only the troubled times within the band but the era of Reagan and Thatcher which played a key role in Strummer & Co, continuing to trudge along with being the sole voice of reason in the mainstream music industry.Learning about the chaotic behind-the-scenes machinations during the recording of "Cut the Crap" is also fascinating as well which explains why the finished album sounded like the way it did along with the videos, singles and other unique promotional merchandise that were to come out but never did due to the collapse of the band. I really enjoyed this book and if you're a fan of The Clash, Joe Strummer or punk rock in general then I highly advise you to pick up a copy of "We Are The Clash." It's a labor of love and a must read.

Bring back memories of the 80s time period and greatness with the Clash.

Amazingly detailed and sympathetic look at the last days of The Clash. It's alternating narratives of what was happening politically in the UK and USA work extraordinarily well. I learned a lot about an era that was formative in my life. Highly recommended.

A lot more interesting than I figured it would be. Joe is such a character you've.got to read this.

This book is absolutely essential reading if you’re a fan of the Clash. It chronicles the last days of the band, in relation to the world at the time.