THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER

638-The Clash-Bankrobber.

1980-Number 12 single.

Best Bit-At 4.29.The band filmed a low budget video for the song, depicting members of the band recording the track in the studio, interspersed with The Clash roadies Baker, and Green wearing bandanas over their faces, performing a bank heist in Lewisham, London. During filming, Baker and Green were stopped by the police who thought they were genuine bank robbers.

The Clash (see also best songs 867 and 294) were formed in London, England in 1976, and were active until 1986, the classic line up were Joe Strummer, who was born John Mellor (1952-2002,) (guitar, and vocals,) Mick Jones (lead guitar,) Paul Simonon (bass,) and Nicky ‘Topper’ Headon (drums.) Headon left the group in 1982, and Jones departed in 1983, with new members being recruited, through until their disbandment in 1986.

‘Bankrobber’ was released as a stand alone single in 1980, and did not appear on an Album until 1983’s compilation ‘Black Market Clash.’ The Clash experimented in many musical genres, and this song incorporated Reggae, with the band working with the Jamaican producer Mickey Dread (1954-2008,) who would also be very influential in the recording of their fourth studio Album ‘Sandinista!’ in 1980.

The songs lyrics are not meant to be taken literally, they are a continuation of the bands themes of dead end jobs, and escaping oppression that ran through so many of The Clash songs. In 1997 the Manchester band Audioweb covered the song, taking their version to Number 19 in the UK.

‘The old man spoke up in a bar, said,’I never been in prison.’A lifetime serving one machine, is ten times worse than prison.’