The Clash @ Trinity 1977

The Clash played at Trinity College, Dublin, in October 1977 as part of their “Sort It Out” Tour—their first-ever show in Ireland. The gig is legendary, not just for the music but for the chaos that unfolded.

What Happened?

  • The Riot: The Clash had a rough reputation, and their Irish debut was no exception. A group of punks and non-students, unable to get in due to ticket restrictions, clashed with the police outside Trinity College. This led to full-blown riots in Dublin’s streets.
  • Inside the Venue: The show itself was raw and explosive. The Clash, known for their high-energy performances, blasted through their set, including songs from their debut album (The Clash, released earlier that year).
  • Cultural Impact: The gig became a defining moment for punk in Ireland, showing the growing tensions between punk culture and authority at the time.
  • It was a classic example of The Clash’s ability to stir things up—both musically and socially.

    At Trinity College, Dublin, on October 21, 1977, The Clash played a blistering set as part of their “Sort It Out” Tour. This gig marked their first-ever performance in Ireland and became infamous for the riots that broke out outside the venue.
    Setlist (Likely Songs Played)
    While an exact setlist isn’t officially documented, The Clash’s typical 1977 setlists included:
    London’s Burning
    Complete Control
    1977
    I’m So Bored with the USA
    Janie Jones
    Career Opportunities
    White Riot
    Police & Thieves
    Garageland
    Capital Radio
    What’s My Name
    Given the time period, most of their set would have been drawn from their self-titled debut album (The Clash, released in April 1977) and some early non-album singles like Complete Control.
    Other Bands on the Bill
    The Clash were supported by:
    The Vipers – A Dublin-based punk band known for their raw energy and fast-paced sound. They were one of the first punk bands in Ireland, making them a fitting support act.
    The Riot & Aftermath
    The show itself was wild inside the venue, but outside, things escalated when punks and students without tickets clashed with the police.
    Riot squads were called in, and fights broke out between fans and law enforcement.
    The incident cemented The Clash’s reputation as a band that didn’t just sing about rebellion—they inspired it.
    Would you like any more details—maybe on the Irish punk scene at the time or how this gig influenced future shows?



    4o
    You said:
    more on the cultural impact

    ChatGPT said:
    Finished thinking.
    Cultural Impact of The Clash at Trinity College (1977)
    The Clash’s first Irish gig at Trinity College, Dublin, on October 21, 1977, was more than just a punk show—it was a pivotal moment for Ireland’s music and youth culture. The combination of raw, rebellious music, police clashes, and growing frustration among Irish youth made this concert a turning point in the rise of punk in Ireland.

    1. The Birth of Irish Punk Rebellion
    Before The Clash’s arrival, punk in Ireland was still underground. A few local bands, like The Radiators from Space and The Vipers, were starting to emerge, but there wasn’t yet a full-blown movement. This gig acted as a catalyst, inspiring many young Irish musicians and fans to embrace punk’s DIY attitude.
    Bands like U2, Stiff Little Fingers, and The Undertones later credited punk’s rise in Ireland—including The Clash’s Dublin gig—as a major influence.
    Stiff Little Fingers, in particular, took The Clash’s socially conscious, politically charged style and applied it to their own experiences in Northern Ireland during The Troubles.

    2. Riot as a Symbol of Social Unrest
    The riot outside the Trinity gig wasn’t just about punks being denied entry—it was a symptom of deeper frustrations among Irish youth.
    Economic Hardship & Unemployment – In the late ‘70s, Ireland faced high unemployment and economic struggles, particularly for young people. Punk’s raw energy and anti-establishment message resonated deeply.
    Police Brutality & Authority Clashes – The Irish police (Gardaí) had little tolerance for punk culture, seeing it as a threat to order. Their heavy-handed response at this gig reinforced punk’s “us vs. them” mentality.
    A New Youth Identity – Before punk, Irish rock was dominated by blues and folk influences. Punk gave a new, aggressive, and unapologetic voice to a generation fed up with the status quo.
    The fact that The Clash’s gig ended in riots made them instant legends in Irish punk history. It showed that punk wasn’t just about music—it was about real-life rebellion.

    3. The Clash’s Lasting Impact on Irish Punk & Rock
    The Clash may have only played one show in Dublin in 1977, but their influence on Irish music was massive.
    The Radiators from Space (one of Ireland’s first punk bands) had already released Television Screen in 1977, but after The Clash’s gig, punk in Ireland became more aggressive and politically aware.
    Stiff Little Fingers, from Belfast, took The Clash’s mix of politics and punk and created Inflammable Material (1979), one of punk’s greatest albums. Songs like Alternative Ulster echoed The Clash’s themes of oppression and youth frustration.
    U2 may not have been a punk band, but Bono and The Edge have often mentioned how The Clash’s energy and political stance influenced their early days.

    4. Punk vs. The Establishment in Ireland
    The media and authorities feared punk – Irish newspapers and politicians often labeled punk bands and fans as “hooligans” or “troublemakers.”
    Venues became wary – After the Trinity riot, many Irish venues became hesitant to book punk bands, fearing similar disturbances.
    But punk kept growing – The Clash’s visit proved there was a hungry audience for rebellious music in Ireland.
    By the early 1980s, Ireland had a thriving punk scene, fueled by the energy of that legendary 1977 gig.

    Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Concert
    The Clash’s Trinity College gig in 1977 was more than just another stop on their tour—it was a defining moment for Irish youth culture. It gave young people a soundtrack to their frustrations, lit the spark for Irish punk, and proved that music could be a weapon against the system.
    Would you like to hear more about how Irish punk evolved after this, or maybe other legendary punk gigs in Ireland?

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    4o