The story of how classic punk rock album London Calling was created by 
The Clash is set to form the basis of a new music movie biopic.
Award-winning writer Jez Butterworth is to script the film, while former members of the group Paul Simonon and Mick Jones will be drafted in as executive producers and advisors.
Jones and Simonon currently perform together as part of Damon Albarn’s virtual pop band Gorillaz.
The film has not yet been cast but will begin filming next year and will be produced by Alison Owen and Paul Trijbits.
The band’s third recording was originally released in the UK in December 1979 and helped to bring them popularity in the difficult US market. Critically acclaimed, it was declared the best album of the 1980s a decade later by Rolling Stone magazine, despite its 70s release.
The album, which features tracks such as London Calling, Lost in the
Supermarket, Spanish Bombs and Brand New Cadillac among others, represented a significant change in the group’s musical style. Now featuring elements of ska, pop, soul, jazz, rockabilly and reggae far more than their previous two albums, the songs dealt with a number of social issues of the time.
Ms Owens commented on the news: “Fans of The Clash all over the world have been waiting a long time to see their extraordinary story played out properly and accurately on the big screen.
“We’re happy that Mick and Paul have given the project their blessing and are on board to help steer the ship.”
London Calling saw the band team up with colourful music industry figure Guy Stevens who produced the double album at the now closed Wessex Studios in Highbury, north London.
The Clash is set to form the basis of a new music movie biopic.Award-winning writer Jez Butterworth is to script the film, while former members of the group Paul Simonon and Mick Jones will be drafted in as executive producers and advisors.
Jones and Simonon currently perform together as part of Damon Albarn’s virtual pop band Gorillaz.
The film has not yet been cast but will begin filming next year and will be produced by Alison Owen and Paul Trijbits.
The band’s third recording was originally released in the UK in December 1979 and helped to bring them popularity in the difficult US market. Critically acclaimed, it was declared the best album of the 1980s a decade later by Rolling Stone magazine, despite its 70s release.
The album, which features tracks such as London Calling, Lost in the
Supermarket, Spanish Bombs and Brand New Cadillac among others, represented a significant change in the group’s musical style. Now featuring elements of ska, pop, soul, jazz, rockabilly and reggae far more than their previous two albums, the songs dealt with a number of social issues of the time.Ms Owens commented on the news: “Fans of The Clash all over the world have been waiting a long time to see their extraordinary story played out properly and accurately on the big screen.
“We’re happy that Mick and Paul have given the project their blessing and are on board to help steer the ship.”
London Calling saw the band team up with colourful music industry figure Guy Stevens who produced the double album at the now closed Wessex Studios in Highbury, north London.