Former guitarist and singer Joe Strummer died on this day in 2002. He was co-founder and lyricist for The Clash. Joe and The Clash were inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Rolling Stone magazine awarded The Clash’s London Calling album of the 80’s.
Strummer had hit a violent member of the audience at a performance in Hamburg, Germany with his guitar. This action facilitated reflection, “I nearly murdered somebody, and it made me realise that you can’t face violence with violence. It doesn’t work.”
The Clash were given the title of “The Only Band That Matters “, which was conceived as a promotional slogan by their recording label CBS Records. They were one of the original punk bands and were widely acclaimed for their highly charged, politicized lyrics and experimental instrumentation. They were one of those bands that constantly pushed the boundaries of music for themselves and their audiences.
Some of their hits in The USA include “Should I Stay or Should I Go”, “Rock The Casbah”, “London Calling” and “Train In Vain”. Many artists attribute their desire to be musicians to Joe Strummer and the Clash. Their influence reaches far beyond the Punk scene and maybe even beyond Rock itself.
Joe, you are missed but not forgotten.
