Where is paul simonon

His passion for painting began as a boy, his father was an avid amateur painter and Paul spent a lot of time in his studio, often sleeping there. It was here, surrounded by books and pictures pinned to the walls that he first encountered the works of nineteenth and twentieth-century masters, from Impressionism to Cubism and beyond. Introduced to an artist friend of his father, Paul began assisting him on projects at an inner city London school, where he learnt the basics of using paint, supplemented by teaching himself at home.

Using his days off when on tour with the band to visit museums and galleries, his enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, the history of art has continued to grow ever since.

Simonon also co-wrote some classic Clash songs, including "Straight to Hell," which would go on to be heavily sampled on MIA's "Paper Planes," and provided lead vocals on the fan-favorite "Guns of Brixton," an atmospheric album cut from London Calling.

Per The Rake : "His contribution to The Clash was as vital as the passion and polemic of Joe Strummer, the flash and guile of guitarist Mick Jones, and the prodigious musicality of drummer Topper Headon. Without Simonon, The Clash would still have been great, but with him they became icons. After The Clash split, Simonon went on to form his own band, Havana 3am, who released a self-titled album in , before Simonon seemingly disappeared from the music industry.

As if Simonon's reputation was ever in doubt, when he finally returned to the limelight in , it was in illustrious company. Topper was the glue, really. I wanted to be the one up front who jumps up and down and throws his arms around. A few years ago you were doing some work—undercover, as I understand it—with Greenpeace and found yourself in the clink , yes? Interesting continuity there. Originally shown as part of the museum's The Clash: London Calling exhibition from November to September , the bass guitar will now be displayed as part of an exhibition that tells the story of London from the s to today.

The destroyed bass — which has previously been displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland — was immortalized on the cover of The Clash's landmark double album, London Calling.