Donovan Letts is a British film director, disc jockey (DJ) and musician. Letts first came to prominence as the videographer for the Clash, directing several of their music videos. In 1984, Letts co-founded the band Big Audio Dynamite with former Clash lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist Mick Jones, acting as the band's sampler and videographer before departing the band in 1990.
Letts during his tenure with Big Audio Dynamite, San Francisco, 1987
The Clash were an English rock band that formed in London in 1976 and were key players in the original wave of British punk rock. Billed as "The Only Band That Matters", they used elements of reggae, dub, funk, ska, and rockabilly, and they contributed to the post-punk and new wave movements that followed punk. For most of their recording career, the Clash consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, lead guitarist and vocalist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon, and drummer Nicky "Topper" Headon.
Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, and Paul Simonon in concert with the Clash in 1980
The cover of London Calling, from a photo by Pennie Smith.
Paul Simonon of the Clash performs at the Palladium, 20 September 1979. (Photo: S. Sherman)
Graffiti in Rijeka, Croatia, commemorating Joe Strummer