Inspiration oftentimes comes from unexpected places and the story of co-producer Guy Stevens’ mad genius in the making of The Clash’s London Calling fits the bill.
The Clash turned to Stevens to return them to their rock and roll roots for their third album, London Calling. CBS Records, on the other hand, was appalled that the band had chosen such an unconventional and substance-abusing guy. And sure enough, when the time came to begin recording at Wessex studios in August of 1979, he showed up with two bottles of tequila, and the mayhem began.
The Clash loved Stevens’ antics: shouting in faces, wrestling for control of the board, knocking down stacks of chairs, throwing a ladder at guitarist Mick Jones during a solo, and pouring beer into numerous pieces of equipment. Ultimately, Stevens was more interested in capturing emotions rather than fiddling with knobs and dials. Something about grabbing them by the throats and screaming instructions really elevated The Clash’s performance.
It worked. London Calling is a certified classic.
© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Ad Choices
