The Clash, Bond International 40th anniversary limited edition silkscreened poster.

In 1981, The Clash cemented their cultural status as The Only Band That Matters, when they played an unprecedented 17 shows at the Bonds International Casino in Times Square, New York. In homage to the 40th anniversary of this significant moment in rock history, we worked with Global Merch to create a new art print edition of this truly classic concert poster.

After spending almost the entirely of 1980 recording their fourth studio album, Sandinista, The Clash headed to New York in May and June of 1981 to play eight dates at the Bond International Casino in Times Square. What has now gone down as a pivotal moment in the band’s worldwide popularity, as well as in rock history, was an unprecedented run of 17 shows, after promoters oversold each or the original dates by double the venue’s capacity. Legions of fans slept in the streets, the demand for tickets was so great.

The Only Band That Matters was a mantle often levied upon The Clash at this time. After releasing London Calling in late 1979, their popularity soared throughout 1980, during which time they wrote and recorded the 36 track, triple-vinyl album, Sandinista. It was this album they took on tour in 1981, insistent that the people see performed its broad-ranging contents, and the string of now-legendary New York dates were the only shows to happen in America that year.

With a special focus on this particular moment in rock history, and to commemorate The Clash’s cultural impact and indelible influence on music, the good people at Global have curated a superb selection of prints and apparel. Included is this screenprinted reproduction of the Bond International show poster, which illustrates the eight original dates. The artwork has been carefully recreated from the original poster, and prepared specifically for the screenprint process. By indulging this process and print method, what we have is both a faithful reproduction of a classic gig poster and a beautifully vivid and weighty new art print.

The Clash, Bond International was screenprinted at the White Duck Editions studio, in a 3 colour limited edition of 100 + AP’s. Printed on beautiful 310gsm Somerset Tub-sized Satin paper, and hand-numbered in the studio, these prints are now available from the official Clash Uk store.

A big thank you to Global, for coming to us with this one. It’s been a fantastic project to work on.