Manchester’s Tribute to the clash
ABOUT Death or Glory
Death or Glory are a young tribute to the only band that mattered – The Clash.
Formed on International Clash Day in 2023 by Tom Mannion, Death or Glory was created with one clear aim: to build a tribute to The Clash that was as authentic and like-for-like as possible.
Tom was soon joined by Sam Smith, a Joe Strummer tribute act with an eye for detail and love for The Clash that matched that his own. With the addition of the razor-sharp drums of Danny Shaw and the melodic guitar and vocals of Darren McDowell – the band had everything needed to recreate the sound of The Clash on stage, not simply as a punk band, but with the depth and variety heard across their studio records and live performances.
Early gigs in Manchester proved incredibly successful, with attendances increasing show by show as the hype surrounding the band got louder and louder. By just their fourth gig, Death or Glory were playing to sold-out crowds, building a reputation as one of the most exciting new Clash tributes around.
The band pride themselves on recreating not only the sound of The Clash, but the look, feel and attitude too. From equipment and clothing to stage presence and performance, every detail is considered in an effort to capture the energy and spirit of The Clash and deliver an experience as close to the real thing as possible.
Death or Glory have just one aim: to keep the music, spirit and message of The Clash alive in music venues for All the Young Punks (and the not-so-young) to experience for many years to come.
Punks of ’77 have called them “the closest I’ve ever seen to the real thing… since I saw the real thing,” while younger fans get the chance to experience a live show they never thought they’d see.
If you’re looking for The Last Gang in Town, look no further.
the band
SaM smith
as Joe Strummer
A born-and-bred energetic Manchester punk rocker, Sam brings a pace and energy inspired by the life of Joe Strummer himself. A self-professed Clash superfan, Sam previously formed punk rockers’ ‘Sam Smith & Company’ and alternative rock collective ‘The Parish Church Fire’ before joining Death or Glory.
Darren McDowell
as Mick Jones
Hailing from Belfast, Darren brings the swagger, energy and attitude that defined Mick Jones’ role within The Clash.
His guitar playing combines the raw edge of punk rock with the melodic hooks and infectious riffs that made Jones such a distinctive guitarist.
danny shaw
as Topper Headon
A hugely talented and versatile drummer, Danny brings the groove, precision and energy needed to recreate Topper Headon’s unmistakable playing style. Equally comfortable driving the band forward or sitting deep in the groove, he captures the versatility that made Topper such an integral part of The Clash’s sound, ensuring the rhythmic backbone of Death or Glory fires on all cylinders.
Tom mannion
as Paul Simonon
After sharpening his skills playing gigs for anyone who would pay him, Tom founded Death or Glory with two simple goals: to keep the spirit of The Clash alive, and emulate the coolest bassist ever to grace a stage. Simonon inspiration evident; Tom brings the same combination of driving basslines, presence and swagger to Death or Glory.
It’s what the people are saying
“The best Clash tribute band in the country”
The Spinning Top, Stockport
“I’ve seen quite a few Clash tribute bands, the Clash are my all time favourite band! This is probably the youngest and they have only done a handful of gigs, but tons of energy and great selection of songs”
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“Simply something else, and we’ve seen them all”
Phil Fitzpatrick, Strummercamp Festival