Report: Clash Superfan Determined to Prove Correct Concert Date of ‘London Calling’ Cover Shot
December 2017
It’s one of the most iconic photographs in rock history. The image of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his guitar on stage at the Palladium in the fall of 1979, which later appeared as the album art for The Clash’s seminal effort, London Calling.
However, one rabid fan now calls into question the date of said photograph – shot by Pennie Smith – maintaining that the guitar mutilation actually took place a day earlier than the September 21, 1979 date printed in the liner notes. Dave Marin was at the show a day before to witness the incident and still has the ticket stub to prove it. He also cobbled together audio proof in the video below…
The Wall Street Journal (subscription) investigated Marin’s seemingly futile quest to quite literally change the record (and liner notes). Nobody involved, from labels to photographer, seems to care about the potential error, though.
“I’ve been stewing about this for more than 35 years,” said Mr. Marin, now a 59-year-old retired salesman living in Pleasantville, N.Y. “That was my one and only guitar smash—I had a perfect view.”
To make his case for a date-change to Sept. 20, Mr. Marin, the Clash fan, produced a photo booklet outlining his evidence and mailed a copy to Pennie Smith, the famous rock photographer who took the guitar-smashing picture.
He followed up with an 11-minute, three-second YouTube video that showed ticket stub and recordings of the two Manhattan shows, one on Sept. 20 and one the next day, that Mr. Marin believes are being confused.
His video also showed photographs of Mr. Simonon’s bass guitars for each show— which don’t appear to be the same—and footage of portions of the Sept. 21 show. He even analyzed the band members’ attire.
So far, the surviving members of The Clash, Ms. Smith and Epic Records, which released “London Calling” in the U.S. and is today owned by Sony Music Entertainment, have “shown absolutely no interest,” despite his requests on social media and to Ms. Smith to correct the error, Mr. Marin lamented.
He plans to persist until the date is changed on future releases.“It’s my life goal,” he said.
Recent Stories
‘Kings County Imperial’ Sets Date for Delancey Street Debut
Not since Kapowski’s (formerly Moscow 57) vacated 168 Delancey Street more than two years ago has anyone expressed interest in opening a new venture. It’s hit or miss here at the approach to the Williamsburg Bridge, with a succession of failed businesses in the wake of Apolo’s departure in 2013. Now, the space is amidst conversion to […]
85 Bowery Tenants Allege Landlord Reneged on Deal for Return Home
The saga of 85 Bowery continues today with tenants alleging that landlord Joseph Betesh reneged on a negotiated deal for families to return home. Hunger striking tenants a couple weeks ago had called off the protest after an alleged accord was in the offing. Resident leaders are holding a press conference on the steps of […]
‘Local 138’ Dive Bar Plans Move Next Door on Ludlow Street
The proprietors of two local Ludlow Street dives are reshuffling the deck, so to speak. John Cutillo, the man behind twelve-year-old Iggy’s and seven-year-old Local 138, is planning to move the latter watering hole directly next door to 140 Ludlow (same building). The space that was previously the short-lived Dana Foley boutique. As part of the […]
Cops Seek Suspect in Connection with Gunpoint Robbery on Ridge Street
In the wee hours of Thursday morning last, a man was robbed at gunpoint on Ridge Street, cops said. The victim was reportedly sitting in his car outside 155 Ridge Street (at East Houston) when the perp sidled up to the vehicle and pointed a gun. He demanded cash and ultimately fled the scene with […]
PS 110 Hosting ‘Lower Eats Side’ International Food Festival Tomorrow
This weekend you can eat your way around the globe at Public School 110 (aka the Florence Nightingale School). The PTA at Public School 110 on Delancey Street is throwing a “Lower Eats Side” international food and music festival. First held in 2015 on the 110th anniversary of PS 110, this year’s food spread will […]
