International Clash Day — Why It Matters

“We’re anti-fascist, we’re anti-violence, we’re anti-racist, and we’re pro-creative. We’re against ignorance.” — Joe Strummer/The Clash

If you’re not getting the sentiments from the above quote in your music, you’re not getting the most out of your music.

The Clash, or as they’ve been dubbed, “The only band that matters”, may have started back in 1976 but their music and message will live on forever. I can’t imagine anyone not knowing who they are, but if you don’t know you should begin your education immediately.

If you like any bands or musicians who released music after 1977 and play any combination of punk, rock, reggae, pop, disco, rap, or world music, you have The Clash to thank.

International Clash Day started on February 7th, 2013 on the airwaves of KEXP in Seattle, Washington. There’s a great video describing the entire “birth” of this movement which quickly evolved into a global phenomenon.

From a personal perspective, I’ve been a huge fan of The Clash since the early 1980s. They’re always listed as an answer to the question of “who’s your favorite band or bands”. They’re in my top two or three forever. The fact now that they have this day celebrating, not just their music and influence, but a celebration on their own influences, as well as the bands and musicians around the world who credit The Clash as the reason they play music in the first place.

I’ve been lucky enough to participate in International Clash Day a few times through an independent streaming radio station here in New York called Makerpark Radio as well as a station in Uruguay, Radio Mandinga. I’ll be providing a quick commentary on Radio Mandinga for this year’s celebration on Friday, February 5th 2021.

I had a weekly and then a bi-monthly show on Makerpark Radio for a few years right up until the pandemic hit last year. I hope to be back on the air again but just being a part of that community, which is global because it’s internet radio, is so gratifying. As a matter of fact, the people running Radio Mandinga in Uruguay heard my show a few years ago, reached out to me we’ve been a part of each other’s International Clash Day broadcasts since.

The Clash crossed over into all musical styles, created by people from all backgrounds the world over. Their attitude was one of inclusivity and the need to learn from those they met. They wanted to share their music and message with the world but they knew it meant nothing with the interaction and input from anyone willing to join the cause. This is the essence of what International Clash Day is all about.

“Strummer’s law: No input, no output” — Joe Strummer/The Clash

For Joe and The Clash, their reason for existing was to bring people together through their lyrics and music. Not just for a party but to make a real connection. They aimed to make a difference in people’s lives which in turn would make a difference in their lives. Life is about connection. That’s what they realized and they knew their music was a catalyst for that way of thinking.

International Clash Day started organically, and with the same idealism and compassion that The Clash was known for. It’s one of my favorite days of the year. Even during times of tremendous pain and strife like the world has witnessed for the past 13–14 months, International Clash Day reminds us it’s great to be alive!

“Don’t forget you’re alive. ’Cause sometimes when you walk around the city and you’re in a bad mood, you can think, hey, wait a minute, we’re alive! We don’t know what the next second will bring and what a fantastic thing this is. This can get easily forgotten in the routine of life, and that’s something I’m trying to bring to my attention at all times. Don’t forget you’re alive. We’re not dead, you know. This is the greatest thing.” — Joe Strummer/The Clash

Tune into KEXP on Friday, February 5th 2021 to listen to and watch the celebration! Check your local radio stations for participation worldwide.