Re: Joe Strummer Documentary
Date: November 28, 2007 19:52
I get choked up every time Strummer is mentioned. One of the greatest losses to music of our time.
Besides the crucial impact and influence of his band and their amazing music, he was one of the truest souls to ever enter the business.
I saw him with The Mescaleros twice and once with the re-formed Clash.
Anyone I have met that had encountered him personally had only great things to say about what kind of person he was -- my high school friend met him after a Clash concert in the early 80s. He talked to her like a truly interested person, and shared half of his ham sandwich with her (and, no, she was not a sexy punky groupie, she was as 'preppy' as they came in those days!) as a catering bartender several years ago, we had a client from a law firm who lived in London for several years as an attorney over there. Joe Strummer was his neighbour, or, I should say, Joe's family were their neighbours. He said Joe was the most down to earth, nice, regular guy who loved to play with his dog and was always friendly, never pretentious or trying to hide. Not a 'rock star' by any means.
Joe and The Clash certainly spouted a lot of rhetoric and ideals, but their heart was always in the right place, they never forgot their fans, and Joe was truly conflicted by the economics of the business and how to justify playing high-paying stadium gigs with the 'punk' ethic he strived to spread.
He may have been the only middle-class/ambassador's son 'outlaw' in punk/rock n roll, but he earned his stripes and lived the life. And he always admitted his mistakes with humility. Watch "Westway To The World" and see how The Clash, as men, have aged gracefully, and the honesty they all bring to assessing their history.
Music could certainly use another Clash led by another Joe Strummer these days. But both are one in a million. I only wish I had the chance to meet him myself.
J