By the summer of 1981, however, the band’s rap homage “Magnificent Seven” and crossover hit “Radio Clash” were everywhere, says Chuck D. It was a harbinger of things to come.

Scott even wrote a song about him, “London Mick,” an upbeat rocker on the Waterboys’ 2019 album Where the Action Is. “I was a Clash kid under the band’s spell,” Scott sang.

Throughout their career, the band wasn’t shy about their left-wing political beliefs, while Strummer was a self-proclaimed socialist. The Clash performed at the Rock Against Racism concert in ...