Paul Simonon

Paul Simonon is a London-born musician, painter and designer who helped establish the Clash’s sound and visual identity. While studying at the Byam Shaw School of Art, he met Mick Jones and began learning bass as the group took shape. His contribution to its appearance developed alongside his musicianship.

Painting became a larger part of Simonon’s practice after the Clash ended. His influences include French modernism, the American Ashcan School and Britain’s Kitchen Sink painters, with a continuing interest in everyday surroundings and subcultural style. His later musical projects include the Good, the Bad & the Queen and his collaboration with Galen Ayers as Galen & Paul.