Paul Simonon of The Clash Signs for 100 Fans in Legendary Gesture

The greatest album of the ’80s, London Calling

On a night in early May, in the bustling streets of Shibuya, Paul Simonon (69), former bassist of The Clash and now active as a club DJ, was signing autographs for fans.

Paul came to Japan from April 25 to May 3 for his self-hosted DJ event, “THE ROYAL EXCHANGE 2025 JAPAN TOUR.” This event is a huge DJ party held weekly at the longtime London pub “THE ROYAL EXCHANGE” near Paul’s home in Paddington, London, and this tour marked the first time it was held in Japan.

“The Clash,” along with “Sex Pistols” and “The Damned,” was one of the three legendary British punk bands formed in London in 1976 and active until 1985. In 1977, they released their debut album “White Riot” (originally titled The Clash), produced on a budget of only £4,000, which reached number 12 in the UK charts. Their 1979 double album London Calling incorporated not only punk rock but also rockabilly, R&B, and reggae elements, achieving commercial success not only in the UK but also in the US.

Later, the American music magazine Rolling Stone selected this album as the best album of the 1980s. Although the band disbanded in 1985, Paul has remained active as a bassist in various bands, as well as a painter, and currently enjoys high acclaim as a club DJ,” said a music magazine editor.

The day in question was the day after the tour’s final performance, and an after-party was held at a hotel in Shibuya. About 100 fans, who had heard about the event, gathered. Paul signed autographs for all of them. Even when leaving the hotel and walking outside, he was surrounded by fans and graciously responded to requests for autographs and photos.

Many celebrities attended this Japan tour. RG (50), from the comedy duo “Razor Ramon,” posted a two-shot photo with Paul on his Instagram, writing:

“Paul Simonon-sama!!! Your presence is too legendary.”

The Clash was a legendary punk band, rivaling the Sex Pistols at the center of the punk boom that erupted in late 1970s London. Their popularity has not faded but continues to shine even brighter.

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