When The Clash released "Should I Stay or Should I Go" in 1982, they likely never expected it would take nine years for the track to hit the top spot on the charts.
The song, which was included on The Clash's LP Combat Rock, was written by band member Mick Jones, according to American Songwriter. Billboard's Top 100 in the United States ranked the song at No. 45 in 1982, released as a double-A side single alongside "Straight to Hell."
However, while the song was a modest success in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, it didn't really catch fire with listeners. But, nine years later, the song rocketed to the top spot on the British charts after its placement in a 1991 Levi's Jeans commercial.
According to Far Out Magazine, the band members allowed Jones, the song's writer, to decide whether or not they should allow "Should I Stay or Should I Go" to be used for commercial purposes. Reportedly, The Clash previously refused Dr. Pepper and British Telecom's desire to use the song.
Parade Daily? SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox ?
The outlet wrote, "Jones, perhaps seeing the benefits ahead, agreed to the song being used in a commercial, rationalizing the brand as being a rock music institution, rather than a brand that the group would object [to] on moral grounds.” To double the return on his investment, Jones added not "Straight to Hell" as the second side of the reissued single, but instead, his new song "BAD."
RELATED: On This Day in 1984, a ‘Profoundly Weird’ New Wave Hit Became Duran Duran’s Last UK No. 1 and First U.S. Smash
The commercial features young actors in a pool hall, while the song plays in the background. A young pool shark takes on an older player in the spot.
RELATED: ’80s New Wave Legends Say Late Lead Singer Would Be ‘Proud’ of Rock Hall Nod
Due to the commercial's popularity, the song found a new generation of fans. By March 1991, according to a Facebook post on the band's official page, "Should I Stay or Should I Go" reached the top spot on the U.K. charts. Ironically, the band had broken up five years prior, in 1986.
Hence then, the article about 1982 punk rock classic becomes a surprise no 1 hit 9 years after its debut was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( 1982 Punk Rock Classic Becomes a Surprise No. 1 Hit—9 Years After Its Debut )
Also on site :
- Crocs’ 'Supportive' $30 Platform Sandals at Walmart Feel Like 'Walking on Air'
- Behind Big Oil’s first-quarter beat: The quiet rise of trading desks
- Alt-R&B Singer Cast as Jazz Age Icon in Major New Biopic