Rock the Casbah" is a song by the English punk rock band The Clash, released in 1982. The song was released as the third single from their fifth album, Combat Rock. It reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US (their second and last top 40 and only top 10 single in the United States) and, along with the track "Mustapha Dance", it also reached number eight on the dance chart.
Clash drummer Topper Headon wrote the music and the original lyrics. In an interview, singer Joe Strummer claimed that "the real genius of 'Rock The Casbah' is Topper. He banged down the drum track. Then ran over to the piano and then the bass. Combat Rock was recorded at the Electric Ladyland studio in New York. Topper Headon recalled to Mojo magazine November 2008: "I loved New York, the 24-hour city. I was a teen in the late Seventies and The Clash's Combat Rock was the first punk album EVERYBODY BOUGHT (oh yeah, they bought Joan Jett too). It would have been better if they kept on hating it and left me and my music alone!
The Clash - Rock the Casbah (Official Video). 100. Rare footage of Joe and unreleased songs.
01. The Clash-Rock The Casbah.
According to the Rock The Casbah Songfacts, Clash Drummer Topper Headon wrote the music and the original lyrics. Vocalist Joe Strummer then decided to take Headon's lyrics in a different direction, to tell the story of an Arab ruler (the Shereef) who hates music, but is defied by the citizens. According to former Clash co-manager Kosmo Vinyl, Headon's original words were a filthy ode to his girlfriend. Should I Stay or Should I Go. The Clash.
5 Studio Album CD Set. One of the few remaining unreleased Clash treasures, the recordings have long been sought after by fans and they were unearthed by the late Joe Strummer while packing for a move. More than an album, it's an event. Bristling with energy and attitude, it is destined as one of the greatest live recordings of all time! The Clash, opening for The Who on their farewell tour of the US, played two nights at the legendary Shea Stadium, Oct. 12th & 13th, 1982. Exclusive discount for Prime members. Sample this album Artist (Sample). Rock the Casbah is totally different than any version you have heard. I loved it. It is like a new Clash song almost.
Rock the Casbah Lyrics. Now the king told the boogie men You have to let that raga drop The oil down the desert way Has been shaken to the top The Sheik he drove his Cadillac He went a' cruisin' down the ville The Muezzin was a'standing On the radiator grille. Rock The Casbah was the second single from Combat Rock and the band’s most successful in the US, reaching It also performed well in the UK, peaking at The song’s music and original lyrics were written by drummer Topper Headon. He then wrote the rest of its lyrics about people being lashed for owning a disco album in Iran – something he was once told. By the time Rock The Casbah was released, its original songwriter Headon had been kicked out of the band.
Rock The Casbah (With Rankin Rodger) 02. The Clash - 1982-11-27- Jamaica - The Magnificent Seven w Armagideon Time 03. Bankrobber 1981-05-10 Amsterdam 04. Police and Thieves Lochem Festival, Holland 1982 05. Ghetto Defendent Lochem Festival, Holland 1982 06. Revolution Rock Demo 07. The Clash - 1982-11-27 Montego Bay Jamaica - Straight To Hell 08. Rudi Can't Fail - Demo 09. Guns Of Brixton Alternate Mix 10.
