The Time Mick Jones Mixed A Dub Version Of “The Call Up” Just To See If Radio Would Notice

April 1, 2025

Mick Jones stood in the dimly lit recording studio, surrounded by a tangled mass of wires and blinking lights. It was 1985, and he was at a crossroads in his career. As a founding member of the iconic band The Clash, he had spent years pushing the boundaries of punk rock. But lately, the music scene had become stale, and Jones felt an urge to experiment. One night, inspired by the rhythms of reggae and the expansive world of dub music, he decided to take a bold leap: he would create a dub version of “The Call Up,” a song that had already stirred so much passion and energy.

The original song was a powerful anthem that explored the horrors of war and the impact it had on young lives. It was a song that made listeners think and feel deeply, but Jones wanted to turn it upside down. “What if the message of the song could be conveyed through a different musical lens?” he wondered. So, he spent hours in the studio, mixing the haunting guitar riffs with a heavy bassline, adding echoes and reverberation to create a swirling atmosphere. With each twist of the knob, he felt like a painter adding colors to a canvas, transforming the stark reality of the lyrics into something that felt dreamlike yet urgent.

After completing the new version, Jones had a mischievous idea. He would send the dub track to radio stations without telling anyone it was him. He wanted to see if anyone would notice this unexpected twist on a familiar song. Would they recognize the soulful echoes and pulsating beats? Would listeners connect with it in the same way they had with the original? With bated breath, he sent the track out into the world, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.

To his surprise, the radio stations picked it up—many of them played it, captivated by its unique sound. Listeners began to call in, curious about this new version. “Who is this?” they wondered. Some loved it; others were confused, but everyone was talking. This unexpected attention rekindled his passion and confirmed his belief in the power of music to surprise, challenge, and evoke emotions. Jones felt a rush of exhilaration; he realized that by stepping out of his comfort zone, he had created a bridge between genres, something that connected long-time fans of his music with new audiences.

This experience fueled his creativity and gave him a renewed sense of purpose. It reminded him that music is about exploration and the willingness to take risks. Jones began to experiment even more, blending different styles and collaborating with various artists. His career continued to evolve, and he became known not just as a punk legend, but as a musician unafraid to cross boundaries and reinvent himself. He learned that sometimes, all it takes is a leap of faith and a little bit of curiosity to remind the world why you fell in love with music in the first place.

Years later, as he reflected on that night in the studio, Mick Jones realized that mixing the dub version of “The Call Up” was not just about experimentation; it was a reminder of his own resilience. Even when faced with doubt and uncertainty, he had found a way to redefine his voice, proving that music is a journey of constant evolution. In the end, it wasn’t just a new version of a song—it was a celebration of creativity and the endless possibilities that come when artists dare to dream.