The Museum of London are set to host a free exhibition of items belonging to The Clash, in celebration of forty years since the release of their third album, ‘London Calling’. The album was released on December 14, 1979. Curated by Robert Gordon McHarg III and Beatrice Behlen, the Barbican exhibition will run from November 15 into the spring of 2020.

Among the collection on display include a note book by Joe Strummer, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the punk band, containing lyrics under a heading ‘Ice Age’, lyrics that would take shape to become ‘London Calling’, drumsticks by Nicky ‘Topper’ Heado, and a damaged bass guitar by Paul Simonon, famously damaged while on stage at New York’s The Palladium on September 21, 1979.

Other items in the exclusive collection include a handwritten album sequence penned by Mick Jones and a typewriter by Joe Strummer, used by the frontman during the lyric writing process.

On October 11, Sony Music will be unveiling a special edition of ‘London Calling’ on CD, vinyl and cassette. The sleeve’s design will depict the famous artwork by Ray Lowry and photography by Pennie Smith.

The senior curator of the Museum, Beatrice Behlen, said of the prestigious anniversary collection, “At the Museum of London, we tell the stories of our capital through the objects and memories of the people who have lived here.”

She adds, “This display will provide a brand new, exciting and vibrant take on this, showcasing rarely seen personal objects and telling the incredible story of how London Calling was, and for many still is, the sound of a generation.” 

The release of a book will coincide with the exhibition show, entitled the London Calling Scrapbook. It is set to contain notes, lyrics and rare unseen material during the time in which the album was produced. With the book, the ‘London Calling’ CD will be included.