The Clash’s ‘The Magnificent Seven’: How Early 80s New York Nightlife Shaped a Dance Music Milestone

The Twelve Inch 114 : "The Magnificent Seven" (The Clash)

Unpacking New York Nightlife and Dance Music in the Early Eighties

Have you ever wondered how a punk band from London ended up creating one of the most influential dance tracks of the early eighties? What was it about New York’s nightlife and dance music scene that inspired The Clash to craft “The Magnificent Seven,” a song that still resonates on dance floors today?

When I think of a place and time I would choose to return to if timetravelling becomes possible tomorrow, it would be the early eighties (nightlife) in New York. New York at the start of the eighties was almost bankrupt. The middle class moved out (to the suburbs) and violence & crime moved in. Not really the place for a 17 yo Belgian with no excess knowledge of the world, but still.. the thought is everything !

In this week’s edition of The Twelve Inch, we delve into the story behind The Clash’s “The Magnificent Seven” and explor…