The first time I saw the Clash was in 1980, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. When the album London Calling came out, my roommate and I were so enamored with it, that we bought tickets to see the band, and bought the album - on 8 track tape - so we could listen to it in her 1970 Volvo on our way to the show. Amazingly, we weren't jumped and killed by the punks - I was wearing my new bright blue spandex pants, and Liz had on black satin ones I think. They had taken out all the seats for the show, so it was just a crowded dance floor. The things I remember about the show was how great London Calling and Train in Vain were, how awful Joe Strummer's teeth were (he had them fixed shortly thereafter), and how friendly the band members were. At one point, someone threw his leather jacket on the stage. Mick Jones returned it to the owner, saying politely, "thanks, mate, but I already have a jacket." Later in the show, the barrier between the crowd and the stage started to collapse, so between songs, the guys jumped down to help security fix it.

Now they are being honored at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - On Saturday, "Revolution Rock: The Story of the Clash" opens to the public and will be on display until April 15, 2007. Among the exhibit's pieces are instruments, including Simonon's famous smashed bass from the cover of "London Calling" — regarded as one of rock's finest recordings. The exhibit also includes stage clothing, memorabilia and original manuscripts from songs like "Know Your Rights" and "Clampdown."

Long live the Clash!