The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of UK punk.Along with playing punk, they also experimented with reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap and rockabilly. For most of their recording career, The Clash consisted of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Simonon (bass, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals) and Nicky "Topper" Headon (drums, percussion). Headon left the group in 1982 due to his increasing heroin use, and further internal friction led to Jones's departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986.The Clash were a major success in the UK from the release of their self-titled debut album in 1977. "Rock the Casbah" is a song by The Clash, released on their 1982 album Combat Rock. It was later released as a single, and is their only song to become a Top 10 hit in the United States, reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It is the band's highest charting single worldwide.The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of UK punk.Along with playing punk, they.