March 30, 1978 - Guns on the Roof

"On this day in Clash rock history...."



Yes, allegedly, on March 30, 1978, The Clash’s bassist Paul Simonon & drummer Topper Headon were arrested after shooting racing pigeons from the roof of Chalk Farm Studios in London. Four police cars & a helicopter were required to make the arrest. They were fined $1,360. (Thanks, Paul)

Johnny Green, road manager for the Clash in the late 1970, called this the 'infamous pigeon incident' in his book "A Riot of Their Own". The band later wrote about this incident for their song "Guns on the Roof. Hear a live version of the song below.


Need more Clash today? Read what Rolling Stone writes:
"In 1979, 'Rolling Stone' writer Mikal Gilmore went to London to hang out with The Clash. What he learned from Joe Strummer, Mick Jones and the rest of the band."