The Clash LIVE AT SHEA STADIUM

Audio Mixers: David Bates; Mark Frith.
Liner Note Author: Bob Gruen.
Recording information: Shea Stadium (10/12/1982/10/13/1982).
Photographers: Joe Stevens ; Bob Gruen.
Arranger: Joe Strummer.
On October 13, 1982, the Clash opened for the Who at the venerable New York stadium where the Beatles had once performed, and by all accounts, the crowd went nearly as wild for the punk vets, who were then at the height of their commercial clout. And while the band's explosive live energy and charisma were best suited for clubs, LIVE AT SHEA is a testament to a quartet that drew an audience right into their righteous intensity, no matter what the setting. Highlights include ferocious takes on early favorites "Career Opportunities" and "Tommy Gun," as well as bassist Paul Simonon's expertly laconic vocal performance on "Guns of Brixton." But hearing a reinvigorated "Rock The Casbah" is indicative of just what a lean, no-frills, powerful live machine The Clash had become. SHEA is a crucial document in the annals of a band whose legacy will likely never be exhausted.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Rock and Pop