The Fender Precision bass smashed by The Clash’s Paul Simonon during a show at New York’s Palladium in Sept. 1979 will go on permanent display at the Museum of London later this year. The iconic image of Simonon swinging his instrument and driving it into the stage was used as the cover of the punk group’s beloved 1979 London Calling album.
The Museum announced that the incapacitated instrument will go on display beginning July 23 in the World City gallery. “The iconic bass was last played on stage at The Palladium in New York City on 20 September 1979, during the band’s Take the 5th tour of North America,” reads a description of the upcoming exhibit. “At the end of the show, Simonon smashed his guitar in a moment of frustration, which became an iconic symbol of rebellion. The moment was captured by Pennie Smith, whose photograph was subsequently featured on the cover of The Clash’s third album London Calling released in the winter of 1979.”
The bass — which features a busted neck and a split body with skull and crossbones and “pressure” stickers — was previously featured in the 2019-2020 exhibition The Clash: London Calling.
Check out a video about the previous exhibition below.
