The Clash: Paul Simonon's bass guitar
Paul Simonon's smashed Fender bass was on display between November 2019 – September 2020, as part of the exhibition The Clash: London Calling.
The iconic guitar was last played on stage at The Palladium in New York City on 20 September 1979, during the band’s Take the 5th tour of North America. At the end of the show, Simonon smashed his guitar in a moment of frustration, which became an iconic symbol of rebellion. The moment was captured by Pennie Smith, whose photograph was subsequently featured on the cover of The Clash’s third album, London Calling, released in 1979.