Bernard Rhodes - Biography

Bernard Rhodes is the former manager of English punk rock band The Clash. He previously worked with Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren and once claimed to have "invented punk".

Management

Rhodes claims he was responsible for spotting John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) in the Kings Road and recommended that he audition as singer for the Sex Pistols in McLaren and Westwood's shop SEX.

After his offer to co-manage the Sex Pistols was rejected, Rhodes was instrumental in The Clash's formation in 1976. His acceptance from CBS Records of an overly onerous and poorly financed record contract on behalf of the group caused tensions, and he was replaced in 1978 by the journalist and Release founder Caroline Coon. In turn Coon was replaced by management company Blackhill and, in 1981, Rhodes was brought back in and managed The Clash until their break-up in 1986, having been instrumental in manipulating the departure of principal songwriter and musical overseer Mick Jones.

Rhodes also managed Subway Sect, Dexys Midnight Runners and The Specials in 1979, shortly after these bands formed.

Cut the Crap

According to guitarist Vince White, the working title of the Clash's last studio album, released in 1985, was Out of Control; the title was changed to Cut the Crap by Rhodes shortly before its release without consulting the band. Rhodes also produced the record, using the alias of Jose Unidos (presumably to suggest Joe Strummer was the producer). He is credited, together with Joe Strummer, for co-writing all the tracks of that album.

Clash Culture incident

On 2 May 2007 Rhodes caused outrage at an event called "Clash Culture", which took place at Central St Martins College of Art and Design in London, when he said "If you want to sort out crime in London, sort out the niggers in Peckham". In the July 2007 issue of Mojo magazine, Rhodes said he had been taken out of context.

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