International Clash Day Goes Global

On February 7th, 2018, music lovers all over the world will observe International Clash Day, an annual celebration of seminal UK punk band the Clash, and a recognition of the enduring influence of their music and human rights message.

This year, city governments, radio stations, record stores and music venues on all seven continents will mark the occasion with special programming, spotlights, official city proclamations and more. A constantly updating listing of all of the participating organizations and communities, along with downloadable International Clash Day posters, shareable graphics and more are available at www.internationalclashday.com.

“Know Your Rights,” the first single from The Clash album Combat Rock, is a biting take on the civil rights of the poor and disenfranchised, and serves as a prime example of the Clash’s unique ability to blend social commentary, activism, and incredible music. On February 7th, the music of the Clash will serve as the soundtrack to the hard work, resolve and commitment to upholding and advancing the values of a free society and an inclusive world.

Steve Mullen, the Joe Strummer Foundation: "The Joe Strummer Foundation are proud supporters of International Clash Day. We know that Joe was more than a musician, that he had a way about him, a special thing that brought people together. The work we do is to try and carry this forward, to connect people, to give support wherever possible and to create empowerment through music – it is our core belief, and the very reason that our organisation exists today. So let's dedicate International Clash Day to everyone influenced by Joe, The Clash and punk rock – past, present and future!"

Radios in 16+ countries will be tuned into Clash programming on February 7th, as 77 radio stations (and counting!) around the world will celebrate International Clash Day with special programming, with Ice Radio 104.5 FM at McMurdo Station, Antarctica kicking off the festivities, followed by RDU98.5FM Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand and OCR FM in Colac, Australia.

Stations on every continent will be participating with special Clash programming, including Antyradio in Warsaw, Poland, Flirt 101.3 FM in Galway Ireland, Radio Helsinki in Helsinki Finland,Radio Laguna 93,7 Belgrade, Serbia, Beijing Music Radio in Beijing, China, FM97.4, The Eye Radio in Cape Town South Africa, FM Universidad La Plata in Buenos Aires Argentina, Radio Roquette Pinto in Rio De Janeiro Brazil, UABC Radio in Mexicali Mexico, The Current in Minneapolis, WXPN in Philadelphia, WRVU in Nashville, WFUV in New York, WOMM in Burlington VT, and The Buzz FM in Spearfish South Dakota. A full listing of dozens of participating stations available at www.internationalclashday.com.

John Richards, KEXP: “We couldn't be more inspired and blown away by the response of other stations around the world. KEXP is always trying to bring music lovers together around the world and to see the global message of The Clash providing that connection is exactly the reason why we HAVE an International Clash Day. People are looking to rally around something meaningful, something that allows us to be excited about the international movement for justice, equity, inclusion and freedom of expression. The Clash made music to rally around.”

International Clash Day began in Seattle in 2013 when KEXP Morning Show host John Richards decided that one Clash song wasn’t enough, and dedicated the rest of his show to the Clash. Over the next few years, the programming grew and expanded, other radio stations started following suit. Ultimately, cities around the world began to officially declare February 7th to be International Clash Day.

This year is no different, with official proclamations issued by cities and municipalities far and wide, including Washington DC, Tucson AZ, San Francisco CA, Gainesville FL, Austin TX, Vancouver BC, Kent OH, Burlington VT, and the State of Washington, including King County and the cities of Seattle, Spokane and Olympia. More cities issuing proclamations will be announced in the days to come at http://www.internationalclashday.com and KEXP.ORG.

As the originator of the holiday, KEXP will be going all-out to celebrate. From 6AM to 6PM Pacific, KEXP will play Clash originals, covers and side projects, along with themusic that inspired the Clash and music inspired by the Clash. KEXP will also feature exclusive interviews with Mike Scott of the Waterboys, Moby, Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand, and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, plus many more. Leading up to the 7th, KEXP will follow the example of The Clash by using the airwaves and music as a vehicle to spotlight local organizations that focus on human rights.

Moby: “Like most of us obsessed with The Clash, I still remember the first time I heard the Clash was I recorded part of I Fought The Law off of the radio in the late 70s, so I had this terrible recording of I Fought The Law and I listened to it over and over again in this tiny little dictaphone speaker. And then (I) bought the first album, and then Give Them Enough Rope, and London Calling, and Sandinista…Joe Strummer was always sort of seen as… the voice of authenticity – there was no irony and he just seemed so passionate and enthusiastic about everything that he did. He was enthusiastic about the music, he was enthusiastic about other people's music, enthusiastic about politics.”

To cap off the day of on-air programming for International Clash Day, KEXP is hosting a Clash Cover Night onWednesday, February 7th at 7:00 PM in the KEXP Gathering Space. The evening will feature music from Ayron Jones, Spirit Award, Emma Lee Toyoda, Low Hums, Black Nite Crash, and OCEANWIRES, a Clash photo booth and more to be announced. More information and tickets at KEXP.ORG.

Listen: KEXP.ORG or http://www.internationalclashday.com