Wayne State College’s radio station, KWSC FM, will be participating in International Clash Day on February 7th.  

The annual event originated at the KEXP Seattle studio in 2013 when their radio personalities began to play songs by London-based punk band, The Clash, all day. It eventually became a global event when radio stations around the world joined in.   

The Clash was formed in London in 1976 and started spreading awareness on issues such as drug use, racism, poverty, war and many other matters concerning human rights. Throughout their career, they released six studio albums, each considered culturally significant to the punk movement and music in general. Alongside the studio albums, they also released two live albums, two EPs and nine compilation albums. 

There are many reasons people choose to celebrate the band. Professor Sean Ahern believes The Clash is politically introspective. The band has been known for writing protest songs, with pieces like “White Riot” detailing the events that took place during the Notting Hill protests, where Clash members Paul Simonon and Joe Strummer stood alongside black youth against the authorities.  

Frontman Joe Strummer’s family created a foundation in partnership with the Single Homelessness Project that helps striving creatives who are struggling with homelessness find the support they deserve.  

The Clash also brought attention to many different music genres from cultures around the world. “The Magnificent Seven” combines a dance beat with rap-influenced vocal rhythms. Songs like “(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais” combine the rhythmic reverberation from reggae music with the aggressive execution of their punk rock origins. They even recorded an EP in 1979 titled, “The Cost-of-Living EP” protesting Margaret Thatcher as she came into power in the United Kingdom.  

“To us, it’s a unifying force,” Ahern said.  

The Clash brought many genres, innovations, and cultures together through the power, influence and message of their music.  

Members of KWSC FM will have a booth in the atrium of the Kanter Student Center on Feb. 7, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.  

“It’s a pretty fun day to listen to good music and spread a good message,” Quin Otto, a KWSC FM DJ, said.  

The booth will have pins available that spread the message of The Clash and will also inform people about their importance and influence.  

“I want to make content that will add to the cultural milieu of Wayne,” Ahern said.