Passion is a Fashion: The Real Story of the Clash

The definitive biography of The Clash—now fully revised and expanded for the band’s 50th anniversary. 
 
First published to universal acclaim and widely regarded as the essential account of The Clash, Passion Is a Fashion returns in a major new edition to mark fifty years since the band detonated onto the London scene in 1976.  
 
Drawing on Pat Gilbert’s unrivalled access as a former MOJO editor, this book reveals the untold story of a group whose ferocity and creative ambition shaped modern music. 
 
This landmark biography includes: 

• Exclusive interviews with The Clash—Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon—plus managers, road crew, producers, and other insiders.  
  
• A vivid, behind‑the‑scenes chronicle of the band’s meteoric rise. 
  The cultural and political forces that shaped The Clash and defined their uncompromising vision. 
  
• Fresh insights and newly added material from surviving members of the band and other major figures close to them, appearing for the first time in this new edition.
• Packed with the energy of punk’s golden age, Passion Is a Fashion takes you inside the real story of The Clash—capturing not only their brilliance but also the chaos and heartbreak that forged their enduring legend. 

This is the indispensable Clash book, now more essential than ever.

Author: Pat Gilbert
Publisher: Aurum
Page Count: 448pp
Size: 5 x 7.75
Notes: paperback, b/w, Revised & Updated 50th Anniversary Edition
Release Date: May 26, 2026
ISBN: 978-1805704133