Topper Headon (The Clash) talks about 'Mad, Bad and Dangerous'

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 124

  • @michaelwoodacre1186
    @michaelwoodacre1186 8 місяців тому +4

    Nicky 'Topper' Headon, is undoubtedly, one of the best drummers of his generation: hands down, but life has a way of throwing a spanner in the works! Seeing The Clash - for the first time - at Manchester Apollo changed my life. I play in my band still. Indelible. Watching the finest R&R band implode walloped me and what transpired was even harder to take, but I'm pleased 'Topper', that he's broken the habit. I miss Joe every day but the spirit of The Clash lives on and 'Topper plays a massive part in that. How we could with a Clash right now in this world. Viva Joe Strummer & The Clash.

  • @deathfromabove77
    @deathfromabove77 11 років тому +21

    As Joe Strummer said, once Topper had left the band , they were never the same again....Strummer always stressed how important Headon was to the Clash when he joined the band..great drummer, and a great bloke..nice to see him healthy and in good spirits..i still get teary eyed when I remember how who great The Clash really were

  • @liamwalsh2467
    @liamwalsh2467 4 роки тому +6

    I remember meeting the clash after their 7 nights at the london lyceum in 1981.I had all their photos and got them autographed.Topper signed and said sorry I thought I was writing a cheque.So signed it again underneath topper headon.So I actually got his autograph twice.Seems strange in those days you could just wander upstairs and talk to the band after the gig and nobody minded.Try doing that with one direction today .I don't think you would get very far.Amazing days and an amazing band.Gave me and my friends so much joy in our youth.
    Love Liam x

  • @sheikhyaboooty
    @sheikhyaboooty 11 років тому +43

    It`s good to see that Topper is getting the recognition he deserves as one of the greatest drummers not only of the 70`s and early 80`s but of all time. His power, versatility, and style are up there with the best of them. Currently I think only Charlie Watts has such a range of skills.

  • @georgeharrison70
    @georgeharrison70 11 років тому +16

    Topper Headon is an excellent drummer, the man could do ANYTHING. Jazz, funk, punk, hard rock, gospel, dance, you name it. Topper Headon is such an underrated drummer.

  • @aaronlanders9488
    @aaronlanders9488 6 років тому +10

    It warms me up to see Topper healthy as an elder statesman of the best band of all time❤️

  • @YesOkayButWhy
    @YesOkayButWhy 3 місяці тому +1

    Great interviewer and Nick's the best; great drummer and fella.

  • @jimmythecreep
    @jimmythecreep 12 років тому +6

    did not know pete helped out topper during his time of darkness...very cool.

  • @thomasandersen6719
    @thomasandersen6719 9 років тому +13

    I love Topper and I hope he's well these days..brilliant drummer

  • @MadBadDangerous
    @MadBadDangerous  11 років тому +20

    Thanks for all the kind comments on the interview everyone. For those who want more we've recently sound down with Topper again and got a second interview, and got him to answer some fan questions! Check out the channel to see!

  • @justme_66
    @justme_66 6 років тому +6

    Great seeing Topper! So happy he's well and reconciled with himself. Thanks for the interview and posting. :) Glad they are still making money from all that crazy talent.... Makes me feel good they all got the recognition and money.

  • @gedda6262
    @gedda6262 11 років тому +3

    I met Topper after a Clash gig in Leeds in the late 70's. What a wonderful human being.

  • @davidorocks62
    @davidorocks62 7 років тому +6

    So good to see Top looking and sounding well.....Thanks for this.

    • @spikewebb8783
      @spikewebb8783 7 років тому

      You're welcome - glad you enjoyed it! There are a couple more recent interviews with Topper on this channel where he tells more about life with The Clash!

    • @davidorocks62
      @davidorocks62 7 років тому

      I'll check em out. Thanks.

  • @Bobocanenero
    @Bobocanenero 12 років тому +4

    In 1979, I happened to work freelance for a local music fanzine, and got the chance of interviewing The Clash in their dressing room at the Vigorelli velodrome in Milan. We took funny pictures and spent some time together, eating cold rubber-ish pizza: we had great fun, and they were very helpful with this very young lad trying to do his homework. Topper and Joe were the real core of all that energy, to me.

  • @stedontsurf44
    @stedontsurf44 11 років тому +3

    Been a Clash fan for years but never heard TH interviewed before.
    Many thanks for posting

  • @alanjamesh.zamorano1677
    @alanjamesh.zamorano1677 6 років тому +13

    His drumming on Straight to Hell is one the most interesting rhythms I've heard in a rock group. I read somewhere that Joe Strummer was hitting a plastic bottle to accompany the beat. Sounds great, they were very inventive.

    • @Clash_CT_Rocker69
      @Clash_CT_Rocker69 3 роки тому +6

      Glass bottle was wrapped in terry towel up, to beat in front of bass drum. This was the "instrument" Topper gave to Joe while others recording some support vocal parts. Whole rhythm on "Straight to Hell" was actualy, playing on with bossa-nova rhythm wich Topper played on snare drum with snare-off, after that came rims, and whole song is over-overdubed with some drum sound of snare rims, and hi-hat (mainly recorded the moments where he was opened hi-hat, just like he done on studio version of song "Armagideon time").
      Cheers to all The Clash fans, and esspecialy musitian whom Topper was unavoidable part of learning and developing their drumming style..

  • @nickturnbull4105
    @nickturnbull4105 Місяць тому

    Many thanks for this ,a great relaxing chat about drums and life and great to see Topper looking so happy and well , apologies for not knowing who Topper was talking with,you did a great job thanks 😂❤

  • @evaluacionmonitoreo3484
    @evaluacionmonitoreo3484 5 років тому +3

    Te admiro Topper, gran baterista! I admire you, you're a great drummer!

  • @TAKETHE5TH
    @TAKETHE5TH 12 років тому +1

    Loved listenig to Topper. Great to see him looking so good ... would be fantastic to hear him play again.

  • @AnthonyMonaghan
    @AnthonyMonaghan 4 роки тому +1

    Nice interview with a genuinely nice man. Great drummer, the only drummer for the clash. Thanks.

  • @MadBadDangerous
    @MadBadDangerous  11 років тому +2

    Hey Stephen - thanks for the kind words about the book, glad you enjoyed it!

  • @wk4max
    @wk4max 12 років тому +1

    hi topper saw you at erics liverpool in1978 great to see you happy and well again ! its still hard to belive joes really gone! saw b,a,d a while back and its good to see micks still around too! so glad your drumming again ill never forget that clash gig years ago i still think of it often ,thanks for the great memorys,max. wirral..merseyside

  • @ovepayne
    @ovepayne 3 роки тому +1

    Topper is a VERY good drummer who can handle anything and it´s good to see him in such a good shape and spirits. I hope he is as fine nowadays and The Clash is one of the best rock bands ever and a constant inspiration!

  • @HarryJoiner
    @HarryJoiner 5 років тому +2

    Topper is the man. So smart and classy -- not to mention incredible on the drums.

  • @katewild2194
    @katewild2194 10 років тому +19

    Really good to see Topper looking so well and happy.
    Last time I saw him some years ago he was in a bad way.
    I am not going to go into details but he was not in a good place.
    All credit to him for getting his life back together.
    I remember Topper telling me just how much money he earned with the Clash.
    Not going to say what that figure was but it was a lot of money.
    Take it from me you have no idea how bad life has been for Topper in the past.
    Please give him my regards an old friend.

    • @spikewebb8783
      @spikewebb8783 10 років тому +2

      Will do!

    • @skc7450
      @skc7450 7 років тому +3

      As the vast majority of people who get caught up in heroin addiction,...especially those who are professional touring musicians...dont make it out the other side...those that do,are an inspiration,and a beacon of hope,(but very few and far between)...and that even after all those years...you CAN come out the other side,if you really WANT it.....and its highly unlikely you'll be able to do that,...without help.....but you know,for many,many years,Topper was hardcore,...being a taxi driver for as long as it took to get enough to score,on a daily basis,...so FairPlay to him for being able to turn it round like he has......would love to read his autobiography if he ever did one........

    • @danmseattle975
      @danmseattle975 4 роки тому

      My goodness,he DOES look really good. He is one of my favorite drummers, along with Charlie Watts and Mick Fleetwood.

  • @WyattScott
    @WyattScott 5 років тому +3

    My favorite drummer from my favorite band, Topper rules!!!

    • @emanuelveragarcia5304
      @emanuelveragarcia5304 4 роки тому

      I love your covers from the clash. You are epic playing the guitar

  • @leighsaunders1004
    @leighsaunders1004 10 років тому +2

    Great to see your getting the recognition you deserve , ive seen you play at a few gigs and your a great friendly , talented bloke , keep up the good work

  • @wuckle
    @wuckle 11 років тому +1

    Great to see Topper looking good and giving a great interview - This man is such an inspiration.

  • @GoCotton
    @GoCotton 8 років тому +2

    Haha brilliant. Love hearing this Topper stuff, could watch one of these every few months. Such a cool guy and a great drummer, glad he's turned it around and he's got a house and money coming in still from the Clash. Toppers story is the least told out of The Clash and he has a very real way of talking about it, very open. Awesome

  • @No1ClashFan
    @No1ClashFan 11 років тому

    Many thanks for posting!Thanks for all the great gigs back in the day Topper....best memories ever!xxx

  • @brandnutopian
    @brandnutopian 12 років тому +1

    Topper, never doubt your genuis. Your drumming is impeccable.

  • @mozdickson
    @mozdickson 10 років тому +12

    Spike, I want to finish off your question: "So, Rock the Casbah was written in the kazi?"
    All respect Topper! (Kids, when you see an unassuming old geezer in a blazer never assume...you just don't know what he's done!)

  • @rafastrummer
    @rafastrummer 11 років тому +2

    i luv topper, simply THE BEST!!!

  • @Attanasio21
    @Attanasio21 12 років тому

    So fantastic to see Topper looking so well!! Great interview, all the best Topper!

  • @beefheart1410
    @beefheart1410 8 років тому +2

    One of my fantasies would be to become reasonably successful as a musician (I am a musician currently finishing an album) and to be able to ask Topper to contribute to at least one number. I'd love to be successful enough to pay him a fortune for this to pay him back for all I got from him in my teenage years. It's such a different world now from then; very difficult to explain to young people nowadays I imagine (with all the entertainment mediums available to them) how essential bands like The Clash were to kids.

  • @ukkk1964
    @ukkk1964 12 років тому

    Good to see you looking so healthy again Topper, thanks for the greatest years of my life and all the memories

  • @Loshia2002
    @Loshia2002 11 років тому +3

    Thank Christ Topper's doing so well these days. I nearly fainted when I saw him in Westways of the World....I couldn't believe just how horrific he looked. Honestly, if someone had come and told me that Topper'd died a month after filming his piece it wouldn've surprised me, but he didn't and bless his wee heart, he's back in the land of the living. Wonder if he still has that gangster suit with the pink shirt...

    • @justme_66
      @justme_66 6 років тому

      Loshia2002 agreed

  • @Heston68
    @Heston68 12 років тому

    Great interview. I also enjoyed the book which I read a year or two back,

  • @hankspangle3867
    @hankspangle3867 Рік тому

    You were talented and hardworking Topper! Thanks for my education and my youth.

  • @candydormizzi2500
    @candydormizzi2500 4 роки тому +1

    Legend !

  • @Bobocanenero
    @Bobocanenero 12 років тому

    I must say that I never made it to become a journalist, but I occasionally crossed paths with Joe again as a monitor engineer for the Mescaleros, years later. I still love this band with all my heart and grieve the loss of Joe. And I am really glad to see Topper back in good shape.

  • @SuperstarNeilC
    @SuperstarNeilC 12 років тому

    great little interview x

  • @douglasnorrie5925
    @douglasnorrie5925 2 роки тому

    Ridiculously brilliant drummer. Looking very well too ♥️

  • @calboy64
    @calboy64 12 років тому +1

    Topper,An amazing drummer

  • @waynedaly100
    @waynedaly100 7 років тому +3

    Topper is a legend

  • @erinkwalsh
    @erinkwalsh 12 років тому +2

    you asked if drummers are somewhat mad, personally speaking, I think it kept my sanity growing up when I was playing. I had the blood blisters, went to Jr high with a box of bandaids to cover my blisters, at home it was gauze and electrical tape so I could keep practicing. I wish I still had my drum set!!!!!!! was the best anger management program for a misfit young girl who had left Catholic school to go to public school, back in the early 80's.

  • @tidepoolbay
    @tidepoolbay 10 років тому +1

    Nice work.

  • @SuperAce5150
    @SuperAce5150 11 років тому +1

    God Bless ya, Nick. A top man!

  • @bsg2112
    @bsg2112 5 років тому

    So good to see Nicky looking healthy and gracefully aged. Thanks for this Spike!

  • @robparenzan1086
    @robparenzan1086 10 років тому +1

    Topper is one of the greatest drummers to ever play. The Clash was not the Clash without Topper

  • @gallaghim
    @gallaghim 10 років тому +1

    Great interview(s). Been a Clash fan for a long time and Topper is one of my favourite drummers. If i may can i suggest someone to interview? Ffye Ewing, ex-drummer for Therapy?. Another of my favourite drummers, he had a great dancey, tribal style but he would batter the drums so hard. Would love to see an interview with him :). Keep up the good work.

    • @spikewebb8783
      @spikewebb8783 10 років тому

      Hey thanks for your post - We'll see if we can contact Flye Ewing of Therapy! Glad you like the interviews!

  • @rabsmiff
    @rabsmiff 12 років тому

    great stuff

  • @ottodidakt3069
    @ottodidakt3069 3 роки тому

    Hey Topper don't forget to mention Rachid Taha when ya talk about his song heh ?

  • @SuperAce5150
    @SuperAce5150 11 років тому +2

    He has a draft written called Headon Collision

  • @Warpcox
    @Warpcox 11 років тому

    remember talking to him in Manchester...great guy

  • @fuktifinoy
    @fuktifinoy 11 років тому

    Glad you came out the other end Topper x

  • @Chevy75100
    @Chevy75100 12 років тому +1

    New interview! Houray! Still a hottie :)

  • @Lindsay_Brunton
    @Lindsay_Brunton 11 років тому +1

    totally sheikh.topper and charlie werent boombastic neil peart drummers,but what they did sounded so effortless but swung so much.god bless topper,love to have a pint with the man...

  • @josephedery
    @josephedery 12 років тому

    great!!

  • @TimeMarchesOn
    @TimeMarchesOn 10 років тому +3

    Topper got drumming phycology absolutely correct.

  • @smkxodnwbwkdns8369
    @smkxodnwbwkdns8369 2 роки тому

    Amazing drummer

  • @fasthracing
    @fasthracing 5 років тому

    Top top man the backbone of The Clash.

  • @TheKoss44100
    @TheKoss44100 9 років тому +3

    Oh this is good , gives such hope for us in a bad place, respect to pete towshend for paying for toppers recovery

    • @justme_66
      @justme_66 6 років тому

      kerry kat much respect to Townsend! Glad to hear they are all like a family.

  • @grahambigvan
    @grahambigvan 12 років тому

    Topper looking really well, nice to see.

  • @ElmerFishpaw
    @ElmerFishpaw 12 років тому

    I love The Clash and Baseball...I wonder if he'd sign a baseball for me if I get to the UK again

  • @burb3868
    @burb3868 11 років тому

    I think people who know drummers have him in those ranks. good to see him healthy

  • @rgatoski
    @rgatoski 10 років тому +1

    About Rock the cashbah: I'm not sure by seeing this interview... did Topper play guitars on it as well? Because he doesn't mention any musical contribution by the others...

    • @spikewebb8783
      @spikewebb8783 10 років тому

      hi thanks for posting - to clarify I remember Topper saying he wrote the song in the band's absence on keyboard and played drums on the track - possible laid down bass and keys as well - Joe wrote the lyrics in the loo - took about half an hour I think!

    • @rgatoski
      @rgatoski 10 років тому

      Spike Webb
      Thank you, Spike - that's what I had understood: he wrote the music and played drums, bass and piano. But I'm still not sure about who played guitars.

    • @spikewebb8783
      @spikewebb8783 10 років тому

      White Rabbit I think it was probably Joe but I'll try and clarify for you.

    • @spikewebb8783
      @spikewebb8783 10 років тому +2

      Spike Webb just confirmed with Topper it was Mick Jones who put the guitar track down over Topper's drums, bass, keyboards and percussion.

    • @rgatoski
      @rgatoski 10 років тому +1

      Thank you so much!!! That's really valuable information. Keep up the excellent work!

  • @remi7932
    @remi7932 11 років тому

    Could someone PLEASE re-release the Waking UP cd?

  • @lars-fenin
    @lars-fenin 5 років тому

    great drummer !

  • @wuckle
    @wuckle 11 років тому

    btw - I've got the book and it's a great read for anyone who has been in a band - especially the drummers :)

  • @wk4max
    @wk4max 12 років тому +1

    TOPPER, you look happy and healthy, it could not have happened to a nicer bloke!- bin into the same drug scene and quit 8yrs ago this xmas so i know the score on that one - great to be clean though eh ? fucking hard work though! i like your dog he's sound! good on ya lad-max, liverpool.u.k

  • @infocado
    @infocado 12 років тому

    I never realish how eloquent Topper is

  • @666cliffy
    @666cliffy 12 років тому

    kasbah ... brilliant drumming topper ... a fan

  • @salvadory1103
    @salvadory1103 12 років тому

    go topper= looking healthy and younger then 10 years ago! Legend!!!

  • @Khultan
    @Khultan 10 років тому +3

    It would be great if Kenny Jones and Topper were interviewed together.

    • @spikewebb8783
      @spikewebb8783 10 років тому

      Yes good idea - we've started doing some multiple interviews!

  • @neilb224
    @neilb224 4 роки тому

    A fine, fine gentleman.

  • @GriefTourist
    @GriefTourist 11 років тому +1

    really interesting this
    ironically he looks better than the other surviving members of the Clash
    the drumming on tommy gun has rarely been bettered

  • @strumbolli
    @strumbolli 11 років тому +1

    This fella should be up there with the likes of Moon and Bonham, I prefer his drumming to anyones

  • @GriefTourist
    @GriefTourist 11 років тому

    Topper should do a book

  • @TheMagmagoblin
    @TheMagmagoblin 12 років тому

    Good ol' Topper .

  • @jasonhicks9891
    @jasonhicks9891 11 років тому +3

    Being a drummer is like being a goalie in a football team, thankless thank, no credit and stuck at the bank. Goalies are mad in general as are drummers!

    • @mick5137
      @mick5137 2 роки тому

      My American version of that was the drummer as pitcher and the bassist as catcher.

  • @viktorlogi1
    @viktorlogi1 11 років тому +3

    Topper looks amazing considering he did Heroin for years and had Hepatitis C

  • @Hiajarock
    @Hiajarock Рік тому

    The best drummer evet

  • @OA-zis
    @OA-zis 12 років тому

    Topper baby!Looking so good,Man!A clean,happy,healthy gentleman...Cool. :)
    I wish good health for You Dear,my favorite,dearest drummer!!!Glad to see You!
    And your sweetie dog is really cute!Likie You! ;)

  • @leahflower9924
    @leahflower9924 2 роки тому

    Now Topper told the boogie man you have to let that raga drop

  • @camwells9726
    @camwells9726 5 років тому

    Responsible for giving the clash their unique sound , very different drummer to the rest of the punk bands at the time .

  • @calboy64
    @calboy64 11 років тому

    The best FUKIN ever xxxx

  • @2001lextalionis
    @2001lextalionis 12 років тому

    welcome to your house very funny

  • @TheKoss44100
    @TheKoss44100 11 років тому

    great comment, it made laugh, true though

  • @westartfromhere7704
    @westartfromhere7704 2 роки тому

    His band mates must learn from his resurrection!

  • @3340steve
    @3340steve 3 роки тому

    A band is only as good as the drummer. I am a bass player and willingly pay the drummer a bit more. They deserve it for all the work they are doing.

    • @mick5137
      @mick5137 2 роки тому

      A drummer who knows how to listen to and sync up with the bass are the drummers people are willing to pay.

  • @viktorlogi1
    @viktorlogi1 11 років тому

    No... They use their drumsticks and drum the book so they know what it says, a bit like Braille

  • @johnmusk7007
    @johnmusk7007 Рік тому

    Why is fury on tip toes lol he’s tall enough ain’t he

  • @aaronlanders9488
    @aaronlanders9488 6 років тому

    whats in his glass? pickle juice? yerba matté?

  • @jasonhicks9891
    @jasonhicks9891 11 років тому

    This is riveting. Sadly they kicked topper out and his song was a 10 ten hit on TOTP!

  • @MrBazzabee
    @MrBazzabee 12 років тому

    I love the hairstyle and dress-sense of the interviewer he doesn't look stupid or ridiculous at all !!!

  • @sallysmith1484
    @sallysmith1484 12 років тому

    They're all rich old buggers now.

  • @fuktifinoy
    @fuktifinoy 11 років тому

    Can drummers read?

  • @jakeenan
    @jakeenan 11 років тому

    Like FUKIFNOY said, great to see Topper out the other end. Warms the aul' cockles. Yeah, and that Spike fella looks f**king mad, the eternal 25 year old....but he's enjoying himself, good luck to him. You'll find its mostly the middle-aged, bald bastards whose bottom-drawer has long gone that slag him off. Hahaha

  • @jasonhicks9891
    @jasonhicks9891 11 років тому

    back not bank haha...