Simonon famously smashed his bass on the stage at the Palladium in New York in protest of security staff who were stopping the audience from standing. The moment was captured by photographer Pennie Smith, with the band later using the image for the cover of their era-defining third record, London Calling.
Joe Strummer’s typewriter and notepad and Topper Headon’s drum-sticks will also be displayed in the exhibition, alongside an archive of draft lyrics, stage clothes, photographs and documentary footage to give a view of the band’s creative process and backstage lives.
In further celebration, Sony will be releasing a deluxe CD reissue of London Calling on October 11, and a 120-page hardback scrapbook with CD and exclusive material included will be released to coincide with the exhibition.
The free exhibition The Clash: London Calling opens Friday November 15 at the Museum of London. Read more about Simonon’s bass here.