The thing you notice quickly about any member of The Clash is just their genuine honesty of spirit. They are all different individuals with their own personalities, but none of them ever put on airs. These are people who gave the world some of the greatest music ever recorded, but when you watch them in interviews now you realize you'd want them just as regular friends. A wonderful quirk of life that they all ended up together for a few brief years.
dropway9 Broke my heart when Joe passed The Clash were my first musical love The only band that ever topped them for me was Nirvana Joe knew he fucked up when they kicked Mick out It was so cool when they played at that fireman’s benefit so many years ago
I met The Clash in the 80,s after their gig at Festival hall Melbourne.Topper came over to me sitting on back step waiting for my friends.We went onto party with them at The Jump Club in Collingwood,they were genuine good blokes.Great memory
Topper made The Clash great. The first album was cool without him but he took the band to another level. His beats made songs like Train In Vain, I Fought The Law and Rock The Casbah hits. Enjoyed this interview. And Topper, if you ever read this comment, thanks for the music and I'm inspired by your recovery!
Hey Topper YOU were the best punk drummer ever my friend. The clash took me out of a hole and energised me like no other. Nearly 59 and still living the dream of equality for all and righteous anger at the system. Keep on rocking Topper, never let go ....
@@helenamacedo398 Yes of course. 100%. Everyone does. Who doesn't want democratic control of everything rather than individuals owning resources and trying to make the most profit. Capitalism is taking advantage of everyone else to try to make money. Poor people slaving away at rote jobs just to get food and shelter while rich people suck millions of dollars from society. It's insane not to hate it.
Topper, to me you will always be one of the most inspiring, accomplished, and favourite drummers of the 70's & 80's. I put you right up there with Neil Peart and Stewart Copeland.
Oh yeah, Topper got that one right.....out of all the bands I've ever seen ( and I've seen PLENTY, folks!) the Clash were the only ones that ever took the time to really get to know their fans. They threw open the backstage door for us and always treated us with the utmost respect, especially Joe and as a result I had the privilege to meet Strummer and Co many times during their heyday. Thanks guys.
When a Drummer that really love,s what they do, join,s a pretty good band , the hole thing elevates . It`s not our job , it`s our pleasure . All Respect to Topper .
I adore Topper’s drumming - easily one of my all time favourite sticksmen - well done for getting clean Topper - good on yer !! You’re an inspiration. Your drumming on London Calling (The complete album) is breathtakingly amazingly beautifully brilliant !! Thank you from the heart. God be with you - keep on rockin !! Rxx
Riki Newton unbelievable brilliance on that album. The syncopated rhythms and fills on guns of Brixton, swing rhythms on jimmy jazz, down to him they turned brand new Cadillac into a hard rock masterpiece
I think Topper would have regarded himself as 'a Soul styled drummer'....having played on 'the live circuit'...very little of his drumming with the band is jazz based - an exception being 'evil talk(?)' from the 'Rat Patrol..' sessions .
Topper is great bloke, I rember him coming to get Cymbals in the CBS soho shop and he smashed the whole rack making big ben sound like a toy bell. Craaaashshsh!
When I was 13 years old, some friends and I decided to call London directory and ask for the number of Nicky Headon. We actually got put through to him. It went like this: Me: [Call] Topper: Alo? Me: Topper! Topper: Yeah - whose this? Me [Shat my pants and hung up] So I froze. Fuck it. But I was THE G around my school when I was validated in having had a conversation with Topper Headon over the weekend. Ha ha
Great interview with one of the best drummers, if not the best, and a great musician who many have called, "A human metronome." Thanks, Spike, and Mad, Bad, and Dangerous. Cheers.
one of my all time favorite drummers...and i play guitar! seriously, he was the sh!t in the clash, had an amazingly "loose" way of playing the tightest beats, tasteful fills and pickups in any style, never played over anyone, but could blow your socks with raw pounding power. just top notch. top notch topper!
Topper is still my favourite all-around the sound his drumming technically was brilliant Topper was The Clash without Topper just wasn't the same fantastic fascinating interview ⭐⭐🥁⭐⭐
I wish to know which series of Pearl drums he used while he was playing with The Clash. Seems kick was 24"x16", tom 14", floors 16" and 18", all with Remo CS heads. And his snare (metal, I presume it was also "one" of the Pearl models, 14"x6,1/2") was superb. Also, Zildjian cymbals, but which ones, beside 15" main and 14" (under his Ride cimbal, whose pedal was pressed with brick! His roadie Baker was great and very responsible guy) New Beat hi-hat, but other cymbals, is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, like most of interesting stuff about Topper drums&cymbals and other things.. During recording Combat Rock he used Ludwig kit, no other specifications.. Is there anyone who knows this kind of stuff?
i don't know more but i appreciate your insight! i've recently been pretty curious about his hi-hats by his ride and with the brick it makes sense now. i could see that being useful in playing the straight to hell chorus(among other songs), that quick right hand reach from the snare rim to the hi-hat is tricky and even terry looks strained playing it live lol (never seen topper play it)
Although Topper was a great drummer ,Terry Chimes 'Clipped dry sound' is perfect for the 1st lp & may have fitted in musically if he had stayed.. It seemed with Topper joining they became a really good live group .( it was actually 7nights at the Lyceum( in '81) not 5)
Bob Way Watching rude boy recently and it's embarrassing looking back at how naive and dirty/ violent it was back zennnnnnnnnn ??? ☠️👽🤡👻💕😱💈🌸💥💀💔⚡️😟🐳🎆🚀💈💥💀💀🕉
2:54 🤣🤣 Amooo alguien tenía que decirlo, es Canon! Lo quiero mucho señor Topper! Un tipo muy talentoso y subestimado! Me alegro de que no haya muerto joven y se recuperara ❤
How can you say that a decent band needs a good drummer? ... look at merdallica, ops metallica (unless high density of mistakes on childish rithms is a pro for you).
Only way to do it is have Ian Hunter or Bob Dylan front it much like they had McCartney front Nirvana for a spell. Hunter would do a wonderful job. Love to see it probably never will
The thing you notice quickly about any member of The Clash is just their genuine honesty of spirit. They are all different individuals with their own personalities, but none of them ever put on airs. These are people who gave the world some of the greatest music ever recorded, but when you watch them in interviews now you realize you'd want them just as regular friends. A wonderful quirk of life that they all ended up together for a few brief years.
ayesha
dropway9 Broke my heart when Joe passed The Clash were my first musical love The only band that ever topped them for me was Nirvana Joe knew he fucked up when they kicked Mick out It was so cool when they played at that fireman’s benefit so many years ago
I met The Clash in the 80,s after their gig at Festival hall Melbourne.Topper came over to me sitting on back step waiting for my friends.We went onto party with them at The Jump Club in Collingwood,they were genuine good blokes.Great memory
he kinda looks like john paul jones now lol
Brits--at least the older ones-- have a natural politeness about them that equals the best.
Topper made The Clash great. The first album was cool without him but he took the band to another level. His beats made songs like Train In Vain, I Fought The Law and Rock The Casbah hits. Enjoyed this interview. And Topper, if you ever read this comment, thanks for the music and I'm inspired by your recovery!
So good to see Topper healthy and sober. Lovely,sweet man. Love Joe, Mick and Paul as well 😊👍💖
Marjorie Dieudonne I love joe
"Tommy Gun" has one of the coolest drum intros ever recorded. Topper is a real gent.
"How would you describe the relationship between Mick and Joe?" Topper answers: "Gay". I fell out of my chair laughing.
Me too...😂😂😂
I didn't get that... figurative or were they really gay?
Hey Topper
YOU were the best punk drummer ever my friend.
The clash took me out of a hole and energised me like no other.
Nearly 59 and still living the dream of equality for all and righteous anger at the system.
Keep on rocking Topper, never let go ....
LOL! XD Anger at the system! What do you want instead? Communism, as The Clash did?
Some sound comments on here!😅 for theese guys!!love em!
@@helenamacedo398 Yes of course. 100%. Everyone does. Who doesn't want democratic control of everything rather than individuals owning resources and trying to make the most profit. Capitalism is taking advantage of everyone else to try to make money. Poor people slaving away at rote jobs just to get food and shelter while rich people suck millions of dollars from society. It's insane not to hate it.
That was joe ,don't think any of the others went for that bollocking.
More than just a drummer, every aspiring drummer should listen to Topper's drumming
It's out of this world...real next level hardcore drumming
The rhythm on Straight to Hell is one of his best, in my opinion.
It's a drumming masterpiece
Topper, to me you will always be one of the most inspiring, accomplished, and favourite drummers of the 70's & 80's. I put you right up there with Neil Peart and Stewart Copeland.
Way too underrated as a drummer. So musical. Also just a lovely bloke
He’s widely highly rated and known for making the clash great
When Topper joined it took The Clash to all-time greatness.
Please do more Q&A sessions with Topper. Never get tired of listening to his stories
We'll try and do some more Q&A's at some point soon - glad you like them!
My all time favourite drummer. So musical and inventive. Seems like a really nice bloke as well. Glad he's healthy!
Glad you enjoyed it - and yes he is a really nice guy!
I saw The Clash in Chicago at the Metro for $10 bucks! My all-time favorite band!
I was at that show, too. They were AMAZING!
Jealous!!!
Ahhh The Metro! One of my favorite venues in my favorite city.
Oh yeah, Topper got that one right.....out of all the bands I've ever seen ( and I've seen PLENTY, folks!) the Clash were the only ones that ever took the time to really get to know their fans. They threw open the backstage door for us and always treated us with the utmost respect, especially Joe and as a result I had the privilege to meet Strummer and Co many times during their heyday. Thanks guys.
Met them backstage at Bond's in '81. Genuine guys.
That’s awesome Topper was a great drummer but I was always a Joe guy
The day Topper went, the Clash were no more.
One of the best drummers in Rock, no question.
Could listen to Toppers Clash stories all day.
I love Topper and I hope he is well these days...brilliant drummer
When a Drummer that really love,s what they do, join,s a pretty good band , the hole thing elevates .
It`s not our job , it`s our pleasure .
All Respect to Topper .
Glad you’re still with us and looking well Topper. Really pleases me.
Really great drummer topper , he gave the band another dimension and they were able to evolve musically ,unlike many ,
thank you! and im so glad Topper got to chime in with his insight after all these years ❤️
I adore Topper’s drumming - easily one of my all time favourite sticksmen - well done for getting clean Topper - good on yer !! You’re an inspiration. Your drumming on London Calling (The complete album) is breathtakingly amazingly beautifully brilliant !! Thank you from the heart. God be with you - keep on rockin !! Rxx
Riki Newton unbelievable brilliance on that album. The syncopated rhythms and fills on guns of Brixton, swing rhythms on jimmy jazz, down to him they turned brand new Cadillac into a hard rock masterpiece
Topper was the real driving force behind The Clash. It all fell apart when he left. A fantastic drummer.
Also when they give Mick Jones the boot.
Mick Jones was the driving force.
Topper Headon is such a great drummer and musician thanks for the good music Topper.
topper headon.not your typical punk,rock drummer at all.much more like a jazz drummer in a punk,rock band.
I bet you read that up didn't you?
I think Topper would have regarded himself as 'a Soul styled drummer'....having played on 'the live circuit'...very little of his drumming with the band is jazz based - an exception being 'evil talk(?)' from the 'Rat Patrol..' sessions
.
@@andchat6241 Jimmy Jazz and Card Cheat too
So glad this man's back.
Topper is great bloke, I rember him coming to get Cymbals in the CBS soho shop and he smashed the whole rack making big ben sound like a toy bell. Craaaashshsh!
Such a fan. Love his honesty. Named my cat after you Topper 🙃
Best drummer from best band ever!
Best drummer of his generation. Easily the best of the punk movement.
Maurício Amaro
Don't forget John Maher...not much in it between him and Topper.
Topper Headon & Rat Scabies
The Clash are In the top 10 of the Greatest Bands of all time and London Calling in the top 10 greatest Albums of all time.
Well, Topper can rest safe in the knowledge he was the best drummer of his generation. Not a bad thing to be.....
Love hearing from you Topper.
The beat Topper played on Guns of Brixton is a stone cold classic, thanks for sharing this
When I was 13 years old, some friends and I decided to call London directory and ask for the number of Nicky Headon. We actually got put through to him. It went like this:
Me: [Call]
Topper: Alo?
Me: Topper!
Topper: Yeah - whose this?
Me [Shat my pants and hung up]
So I froze. Fuck it. But I was THE G around my school when I was validated in having had a conversation with Topper Headon over the weekend. Ha ha
Conversation? 😅
Absolute legend, would love to meet and chat with Topper. Brilliant drummer and fella.
Topper was next to Stewart Copeland my favorite drummer of that period. He was great! 'Working for the Clampdown sticks out in my mind.
Great interview with one of the best drummers, if not the best, and a great musician who many have called, "A human metronome." Thanks, Spike, and Mad, Bad, and Dangerous. Cheers.
2:51
great guy, brilliant drummer, the Clash without topper were a ship without sails.....
great interview! one of my favorite all time drummers.
Glad you enjoyed it thanks!
one of my all time favorite drummers...and i play guitar! seriously, he was the sh!t in the clash, had an amazingly "loose" way of playing the tightest beats, tasteful fills and pickups in any style, never played over anyone, but could blow your socks with raw pounding power. just top notch. top notch topper!
Great Interview!..Great Player!
Top drummer, top guy. Toppest!
Thanks so much for this! Love from Japan♥
"Gay." It got me LMFAO
Ikr XD I literally died.
You literally died? How did you type your response?
amo tanto esse cara
my favorite playing of his is on The Magnificent Seven
really enjoyed that chat , cheers
Te admiro Topper! Sos un baterista enorme!
Topper is still my favourite all-around the sound his drumming technically was brilliant Topper was The Clash without Topper just wasn't the same fantastic fascinating interview ⭐⭐🥁⭐⭐
It's interesting, Topper seems to be the most well spoken of the Clash guys.
Great interview
Thankyou - glad you enjoyed it - he's a great guy!
I will always be a Topper fan
Waking Up is a great album
“We had become everything we set out not to become.”
Excellent interview.
So many fave tracks, but his playing on Revolution Rock and Train In Vain (two in a row!) are real stand-outs for me.
I wish to know which series of Pearl drums he used while he was playing with The Clash. Seems kick was 24"x16", tom 14", floors 16" and 18", all with Remo CS heads. And his snare (metal, I presume it was also "one" of the Pearl models, 14"x6,1/2") was superb. Also, Zildjian cymbals, but which ones, beside 15" main and 14" (under his Ride cimbal, whose pedal was pressed with brick! His roadie Baker was great and very responsible guy) New Beat hi-hat, but other cymbals, is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, like most of interesting stuff about Topper drums&cymbals and other things.. During recording Combat Rock he used Ludwig kit, no other specifications.. Is there anyone who knows this kind of stuff?
i don't know more but i appreciate your insight! i've recently been pretty curious about his hi-hats by his ride and with the brick it makes sense now. i could see that being useful in playing the straight to hell chorus(among other songs), that quick right hand reach from the snare rim to the hi-hat is tricky and even terry looks strained playing it live lol (never seen topper play it)
Although Topper was a great drummer ,Terry Chimes
'Clipped dry sound' is perfect for the 1st lp & may have fitted in musically if he had stayed..
It seemed with Topper joining they became a really good live group .( it was actually 7nights at the Lyceum( in '81) not 5)
Chimes was great but no Topper no Clash as we knew it
They both are fantastic.
Love this interview
Thanks - glad you enjoyed it!
Good to see he got through the heroin demons and is doing well..great drummer.
I was a young punk back zen and saw em a lot between 78 - 82 Gr8 band live but it all ended badly and Joe said the fame did fuck him and the band up
"back zen"...😎
Bob Way Watching rude boy recently and it's embarrassing looking back at how naive and dirty/ violent it was back zennnnnnnnnn ??? ☠️👽🤡👻💕😱💈🌸💥💀💔⚡️😟🐳🎆🚀💈💥💀💀🕉
My inspiration to learn drums. A true artist.
Great stuff. Keep it coming...
Great interviews these.
Thanks - glad you're enjoying them!
Well said Topper. It takes guts and power to clean up. But you always had that and your boogie
well you live and learn don't ya, I never knew norm watt roy played on clash songs, amazin. I still love paul though.
Just the 1 Clash song!
Mag. 7 only. Great Bass groove too!
Can you do a piece on Pete de Freitas please?
GREAT DRUMMER of a GREAT BAND!
We meant it... We felt it
Legend Topper.
What does "Hey, say, Wang" mean?
i cant explain what topper gave to the band but with out him it aint the clash
2:54 🤣🤣 Amooo alguien tenía que decirlo, es Canon! Lo quiero mucho señor Topper! Un tipo muy talentoso y subestimado! Me alegro de que no haya muerto joven y se recuperara ❤
Hahaha
Legend!!
He forgot "and I basically did everything on Rock the Casbah".....
WHERE IS THE SPOTIFY documentary podcast NARRATED BY CHUCK D ???? It was EXCELLENT and it’s not on Spotify anymore !! 🤬
How come Mick Jones didn't have to cut his hair?
good stuff thanks
They Call Alan Myers Of Devo The Human Metronome ??? But Topper Has Got Him Beat By A Mile !!!
Think about a legendary musician
Bless im, him and Clem Burke greatest rock drummers of all time
@Mojohnny Steedland
Don't forget John Maher...
But a failed Ramones drummer 🤘
How can you say that a decent band needs a good drummer? ... look at merdallica, ops metallica (unless high density of mistakes on childish rithms is a pro for you).
Back when being on the left meant not doing what you were told. Gone.
I'm round people who are drunk all the time, they are not annoying!
The drummer having no star appeal bit is dead wrong though! Look at Keith Moon, Bonzo, Ginger Baker etc etc!
Chuck. U. Farley
But these are exceptions to the rule that for the most part, drummers are unsung heroes.
I wish the Clash would Reform and have a reunion.
Bit hard Joe is dead
Can't call the clash without Joe Paul's not interested in music anymore
Only way to do it is have Ian Hunter or Bob Dylan front it much like they had McCartney front Nirvana for a spell. Hunter would do a wonderful job. Love to see it probably never will
@@paulgrahamedwardspencer5161 isn't he in The good The bad and the Queen?
@@krisscanlon1265 Ian Hunter would be a perfect fit, half of the Clash played on his 1981 album
King
SOULJAHZ ROCKERZ
Wow he looks way different than how he used to look during Clash peak years
I saw them in Toronto '82, when Black Uhuru opened up for them.
Nothing about the air rifle prize pigeon shooting Incident ,shame.
Mad Bad Dangereous
Introducing to
an Interwiew
with a
Legend
Mitology
Tales
Musicista
nickname Art
Fantasy Name
Topper Headon
Batteria
Drum
THE CLASH
great to see Topper well.but I need subs!
Well their accent is really difficult to understand. Some parts really were unintelligible to me hahaha
He wrote the music for one of their most popular songs. Think about that, the drummer wrote their biggest song.
This interviewer talks too much. Needs to let Topper answer the questions without interrupting
Agreed. Stop interrupting and let the conversation breathe