The Clams was an indie rock band based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area active from 1985 to 1989. The group was led by Cindy Lawson, with her bandmates Patty Jensen on bass, Roxie Terry on guitar, and Karen Cusack on drums.
During their four year span, the rock group released several singles and an EP. Common venues for the band included the Uptown Bar and the 7th Street Entry, but their most remembered concert was the one played at the Stillwater prison.
The Clams were influenced by popular rock acts like the Rolling Stones, Runaways, New York Dolls and David Bowie. Their single “Let Me Drive” is included in the Local Show’s intro every week. The group drew inspiration from other all-girl bands, like Têtes Noires.
In 1989, The Clams parted ways. Afterwards, Lawson moved to New York and played in a band with Sara Lee of the B-52's and Steve Jordan, a studio musician who had done some production work for Soul Asylum. After that, she finished her college degree, played in a few other bands and now occasionally sits in with groups.
