Pennie Smith

Pennie photographed by Joe Strummer while on Bullet Train in Japan

Writing in the NME in December 1978 Pennie stated:

I take photographs. I am not in the rock business to perpetuate intentionally glossy images – the only thing that should do that is a mirror.

Perhaps best known for her pictures of The Clash – “they know that photography is not about presenting the best profile.” She hit the nail on the head when she said “Live pictures are basically luck plus a quick trigger finger.”

Pennie worked on NME as staff photographer until the early 1980’s and published a best selling book The Clash, Before and After.

Pennie’s photos were used for two iconic album sleeves – London Calling (see below) and she was also chosen by the Slits to do their iconic nude Cut photographs after it all went pear-shaped with Dennis Morris.

Pennie Smith is best known for two iconic punk covers - The Clash's 'London Calling' and The Slits 'Cut.'


TalkPunk

Post comments, images & videos - Posts are checked and offensive or irrelevant ones will be removed

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.