Paul Simonon, legendary bassist for (the only band that matters) The Clash, turned 29 again today. Perhaps the most famous tune he penned, “Guns of Brixton,” certainly stands up as one of my favorites of all time. You may also recall his smashed-up Fender Precision Bass from the cover of perhaps The Clash’s most famous album, London Calling.
Of course, he didn’t only play for The Clash, he also cooks and has been known to storm oil rigs in his spare time. And, he’s remained musically active and amongst other ventures has worked extensively with Blur‘s Damon Albarn on two projects, Gorillaz, (also featuring The Clash’s Mick Jones), and The Good, The Bad, and The Queen.
As the most recent Gorillaz tour demonstrated amply, Simonon can still thump the bass and get the rhythm section — and the crowd — moving.
