London Calling – The Sneaker

Converse announce new design

Iconic American company Converse are set to produce a new design in honour of The Clash’ seminal album ‘London Calling’.

Released in 1979, ‘London Calling’ has gone on to become one of the definitive statements of The Clash. Capturing the band are they began to branch out from punk’s limited musical palette, the album contains a dizzying array of influences.

From lounge room jazz to ska, rhythm and blues to all out punk the album blasted apart narrow minded notions of what a rock act could achieve. Famously named as Rolling Stone’s favourite album of the 80s – due to the LP’s Stateside release date – ‘London Calling’ turns a very healthy 30 years old this month.

Due to be re-released in an expansive new format, ‘London Calling’ has been spruced up to sound better than ever. The album’s iconic artwork is also set to be celebrated with shots from the cover session due to be sold at auction.

Taken by Pennie Smith, the shot of Paul Simonon smashing his bass has become indelibly linked with The Clash. Now the cover art is set to feature on a new trainer by iconic American company Converse.

Adopted by The Ramones, converse became one of the definitive punk trainers. Resurrected by The Strokes the brand is now closely linked to anyone who has ever picked up a guitar.

Converse are set to launch a new design later this month. Containing the words ‘London’ and ‘Calling’ in the green and pink used on the original album cover, the sole of each shoe is embroidered with the release date of the album and the black tongue carries the names of each of the band members.

Converse launch their new ‘London Calling’ special edition on December 14th.

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