|
Joe Strummer: 7 years Later
 Posted
12/24/2009 2:23:00 PM
On December 22nd 2002 Rock n Roll lost one of its greats contributors. Known to very very few as John Mellor; Joe Strummer was (and still is) one of the most important and influential artists in the history of popular music.
In 1977 The Clash released their self-titled debut album, by December of 1979 they were onto their 3rd record 'London Calling'. It was THE record of 80s, the greatest double album of all time in a lot of peoples minds and one of the most important records ever made. London Calling wasn’t just punk rock; yes, at its core it was simply 3 cords and the truth, but London Calling was so much more. The record melded rockabilly, blues, funk, reggae, and countless other genres together; it was simply the masterpiece of 4 men named Topper, Paul, Mick and Joe.
The Clash would make 6 Studio records in all (and yes I’m counting 'Cut The Crap' even though I probably shouldn’t) plus a Live at Shea record, the compilation 'Black Market Clash' and more. They sold out shows around the world and did it with a scowl on their faces the entire time.
It saddens me greatly to say that the only band that mattered in their purest form broke up before I was born. The group officially came to an end in 1986 but were really over in early May of 1985, I was born in late May of 1985. Joe kicked Mick out and tried to go it alone 'Cut the Crap' being the byproduct of Strummers arrogance.
This is the first song I ever knew all the words to, that wasn’t something my pre-school teacher taught me. Thanks mom. No joke. My mom loved it and introduced me to the Clash.
Years after the Clash broke up Joe worked under the title 'Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros' the most famous effort to come out of that project was the soulful rendition of Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song'
Bottom line is this Joe Strummer was the raddest motherf#cker to ever grace this planet and he is sorely missed. 50 years old is far too young to loose a man who gave so very much to the world of music. Joe's gone, but the music will live forever.
The day comes as a double whammy for the tear ducts as well because it simply wouldnt be right of me if I were to neglect to mention another badass motherf#cker that the world lost much more recently, and the biggest Clash fan I've ever met Marty Streek. I don’t know if there’s a heaven I don’t even know if there’s and afterlife but if there is the first thing I’m going to do if/when I get there is get a spot front row center to see Marty say; "Please welcome to that stage Joe Strummer"
There is a documentary called " The Future is Unwritten" its 3 hours all about Joe and might be the best Rock Doc I've ever seen. Check it out if you havent seen it. Click HERE for the trailer.
There is also an excellent book about the Clash called. "Passion is a Fashion" by Pat Gilbert. here's what it looks like, pick it up.
Joe is gone but not forgotten.
PEACE
Adam
|