44 years ago today

44 years ago today. This iconic photo used on the London Calling album cover was taken on September 20, 1979 at the Palladium in New York City.

Paul Simonon explained that he smashed the bass out of frustration when he found out that the bouncers were not allowing the audience members to stand up out of their seats; "I wasn't taking it out on the bass guitar, 'cause there ain't anything wrong with it", Simonon said.

The photographer, Pennie Smith, originally didn't want the photo to be used. She thought it was too out of focus, but Joe Strummer and graphic designer Ray Lowry thought it would make a good album cover.