Complete Control
The Clash, 1977, from non-album single. Solo by Mick Jones.
Strummer shouts about guitar heroes while Mick Jones plays a solo that mocks the idea and fulfils it.
Complete Control is The Clash's angry response to their record company, and its solo carries a joke inside it. As Mick Jones plays, Joe Strummer shouts about guitar heroes, mocking rock's worship of lead guitarists even as Jones delivers a sharp, exciting break. The solo is fast, raw and melodic, fulfilling the very role Strummer is mocking. It captures the band's mix of punk attitude and rock and roll love. Listen for the interplay between Strummer's shouts and Jones' playing, and for how the solo builds energy with quick, biting phrases, pushing the song into its furious final section with real momentum.
Complete Control by The Clash is featured in our Punk (#11) list. The solo is played by Mick Jones and the song was released in 1977.
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Who played the guitar solo on Complete Control?
Mick Jones played the solo on The Clash's Complete Control (1977).