Once I was driving around Milwaukee with Aaron Cometbus and Richie Bucher (Buggerall, Jüke, Soup, The Wynona Riders, etc.), and we were talking about The Clash, and one of them mentioned how the band had sort of a “style guide” as it were, and there was a point when they decided they would not be photographed wearing hats.
It’s one of those things that stuck with me all these years. I don’t know why. Maybe because it sounded sort of ridiculous, but also potentially true. (If you’ve been in a band, or worked with other people in a creative endeavor, maybe it makes more sense?)
I guess I never really noticed any members of The Clash wearing a hat in any photos, but since it’s 2024 and it has been nearly 30 years, I thought I should do some research. I ended up reading about Pennie Smith, the photographer who traveled with The Clash and took the iconic photo of Paul Simonon seen on the cover of London Calling.
Besides finding a photo of Joe Strummer wearing a hat, there’s a mention of the band going to thrift stores and buying hats! This doesn’t completely discount the idea that the band (at some point) was completely against wearing hats, so I’m still going to remember this story fondly.
Pennie Smith also took photos of the band wearing hats…
Also, if you were not aware, Richie was here in Milwaukee because he received a basketball scholarship to UMW. [sic]
Cut me a fat slice, sir!
