This Is Radio Clash

Album: The Essential Clash (1981)
Charted: 47
Play Video
  • Lyrics currently unavailable Writer/s: JOE STRUMMER, MICK JONES, PAUL SIMONON, TOPPER HEADON
    Publisher: Wixen Music Publishing

Comments: 1

  • Anonymous Rebel Anti-fascist from The WorldYears ago, I picked up a book about a clandestine radio station that beamed from “the mountain tops” in El Salvador during that country’s civil war. In the book, they talk about the idea originating in Nicaragua, so I wonder how much Joe Strummer knew about this effort (they had just had their “Sandinista!” Album released the year before). I think it’s interesting that Joe Strummer seemed to be interested in Guerrillas fighting in Central America (hence the name “Sandinista”) and he writes a song about a Rebel Radio Station the same year this radio station launched. I wonder if this was truly the influence for Joe Strummer to write the song, once you learn about “Radio Venceremos” the lyrics to Radio Clash make a lot of sense (especially when you learn that the line “beaming from the mountain tops” was removed from the main single that was played on the radio).
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real Group

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real GroupSong Writing

The leader of the Modern A Cappella movement talks about the genre.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?