The cover of London Calling features Clash bassist Paul Simonon in the act of destroying his Fender Precision Bass guitar at a concert in New York City. It was September 20, 1979, at the Palladium to be exact. And interestingly enough, Simonon’s swing wasn’t staged. Photographer Pennie Smith caught the musician in a genuine moment of frustration.
The increase in quality on this record was quite remarkable. Better writing, way better instrument skills, fine production. A seminal album for The Clash.