I think it's mostly self-referential for the Clash but could be applied to many people/groups in general. Once the built up a reputation as a punk band with their first album(s), their fans expected them to keep churning out the same rehashed material-living up to their name. This is saying how this notion is simply part of a game; they wanted to change their sound, ala Combat Rock and Sandinista! (and even London Calling) , so they did without respect to whether or not they were "selling out" or living up to their name. And that's real punk
I think it's mostly self-referential for the Clash but could be applied to many people/groups in general. Once the built up a reputation as a punk band with their first album(s), their fans expected them to keep churning out the same rehashed material-living up to their name. This is saying how this notion is simply part of a game; they wanted to change their sound, ala Combat Rock and Sandinista! (and even London Calling) , so they did without respect to whether or not they were "selling out" or living up to their name. And that's real punk