Pennie Smith
Covered by droit de suite
Image rights
The artworks in this database are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of the rights holders. The artworks are reproduced in this database with a license from Bildupphovsrätt.
For condition report contact specialist
"London Calling", 1979
Signed Pennie Smith. Open edition. Gelatin silver print made by hand in the darkroom from the original negative, image 40 x 27 cm. Including frame 69.5 x 55 cm.
Provenance
Snap Galleries, London
Literature
The Clash, album "London Calling", 1979, illustrated on the cover.
More information
This is the classic London Calling album cover photograph. It is one of the most famous pictures in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.
The photograph shows Paul Simonon about to smash up his bass during a show at The Palladium, New York City on 21 September 1979. It is an acclaimed shot, receiving the ultimate accolade from Q Magazine by being voted the best rock and roll photograph of all time. Pennie had accompanied The Clash throughout their 1979 US tour, and very nearly didn’t attend this particular concert. In the end she chose to turn down the offer to go out with friends and ended up stage right at The Palladium. The band were used to getting a big response from their US audiences, but not on this night – The Palladium had fixed seating. Paul’s frustration turned to anger, and then he lost it completely. His watch stopped at 9.50pm.