The Clash performed at London’s Roundhouse on September 5, 1976, just months after forming under manager Bernie Rhodes. The band—featuring Joe Strummer (vocals, guitar), Mick Jones (guitar), Keith Levene (guitar), Paul Simonon (bass), and Terry Chimes (drums)—had formed earlier that year following their first public performance on July 4, 1976, at the Black Swan in Sheffield, England.
Playing as the third act on a bill headlined by pub-rock band the Kursaal Flyers, the Clash performed an early repertoire including “Janie Jones,” “London’s Burning,” “What’s My Name,” and “1977.” The band’s performance was marked by confrontation with the audience. Strummer repeatedly antagonized the crowd, demanding they stand up and engaging in heated exchanges with hecklers. When one audience member responded to a call for participation with “Waiting for the next band,” Strummer responded with insults, leading to further back-and-forth exchanges.
Despite the hostile reception, the Clash closed their set with three of their strongest songs: “London’s Burning,” “What’s My Name,” and “1977.” Music journalist Chas De Whalley, writing for Sounds, opened his review by asking whether Strummer’s Clash was “the best new band of the year,” but concluded that “at the Roundhouse Clash had little more on offer.” He compared their sound to “the Ramones out of an East End squat” and praised songs including “Janie Jones” and “London’s Burning” for their power, while criticizing what he described as the band’s “new aggression and belligerence” toward an unreceptive crowd.
The Roundhouse performance marked the final show for guitarist Keith Levene, who left the band shortly after. The Clash continued as a four-piece lineup of Strummer, Jones, Simonon, and Chimes, debuting new material like “White Riot” at London’s 100 Club on September 20, 1976.
Source: Rolling Stone
