Rest in Peace Joe Strummer and thank you – please join the Street Parade
Good evening it’s coming up on midnight London time so to my clock it’s as good as December 22nd. You don’t need me to tell you that this marks the 8th anniversary of the death of Joe Strummer which will be the theme for the blog for the next 30+ hours. I wanted to open the blog up to you so that you can write a few words or sentences (as much as you like) about Joe – full explanation here if needed. Quoting a lyric or anything that you wish to share – to honour his loss. Anything goes – just let me know your first name or initials and city or country. You can add comments to this post, email me at tim(at)theclashblog.com, contact me via the facebook page or send a tweet to @theclashblog. Thank you!!!
I’ll add to the blog in real time as we go along so please check back often…thanks so much for the responses. If you wanna add videos or photos that works too – don’t be shy. Let’s start the Street Parade for Joe! You’ve heard how I feel but I’ll get started (someone has to go first):
Lucinda Strummer
Thank you Joe….for helping to raise me into who I am now and reminding me don’t stop trying to do what you love. Always in my mind and coming out of my speakers – this blog is how I try to say thanks. Tim – London and Phoenix
This photo (left) is sweet and sad at the same time,it makes me very emotional… i miss you Joe ..rip Silvia – Rimini, Italy
I’m only 15 years old so I never had the chance to see The Clash nor The Mescelaros, but that doesn’t change that Joe Strummer had a big influence on my music and life. The Clash had that thing that no single band of today have, we need a new Clash, we need a new band that can change the world, we need a new voice of this generation. Joe, Rock In Peace Emile – Deinze, Belgium
oh God, i remember being in Canada on a ski trip and hearing about it on the news there..what a shock…what a big loss too! Kathryn – Valley Stream, NY
You cant help but be inspired by him, a man well ahead of his time Neil
It was like Lennon for me; I know exactly where I was, what I was doing, and what I did when I heard the news. Christmas is almost never the same. Jen – Piedmont, CA
There was 9/11… then 12/22 Merlin – Paris, France
An i wanna move da town 2 da clash city rockas u need little jump from the electrical shockers ! David – Holywell, Wales
Thanks Joe for not kicking me out even though you knew I snuck in backstage to see you (twice). Steve – Toronto, Ontario
Not only today but everyday I love and miss Joe Strummer, he is and always will be the reason I am who I am. He made me believe that it is okay to be exactly who you want to be, I am forever grateful for this. RIP Joe Strummer “Let Fury Have the Hour” Emma
The one and only Joe Strummer will never be replaced nevertheless forgotten! He shall remain in our hearts always and his music shall live on forever! Irma – Laredo, TX
Painful loss. We all are aching still. The phone started ringing early in the morning.. Jo Ann Henry called. Right after, close friends and ones I hadn’t heard from in years called all day long. I felt awful. I remember crying while baking… cookies for my husband’s family Christmas…Jo Ann & I met up the day after Christmas in NYC. It was snowy and freezing cold. We copied set lists, lyrics, sticker sheets and photos. We brought candles and tape. And in the evening, we put up two shrines. One at Electric Lady and one at the bar where the ‘wake’ was. Elisabeth (who clapped with us on Rock the Casbah )met us there. You can see Jo Ann outside that same bar (later that year) in the “Redemption Song” video. She’s sitting on the steps, showing her book of photos and Clash stuff to some kids. Brenda – Philadelphia, PA
1952-2002 Chop down the cherry trees on mango street Ray Gange – London, England
What do I thank Joe for? For EVERYTHING. (..You’d think just for being in the band The Clash it would be enough respect..) His influence on me is beyond words. In fact, I probably wouldn’t be listening to Captain Beefheart right now, or caring about all the obscure hard-working, true artists out there (Bo Diddley, U-Roy, Woody Guthrie, etc.) if it wasn’t for him, and I mean it. Thanks for everything Joe. Damos – Barkhamsted, CT
Joe Strummer was a true rock and roll hero. He was so passionate, he was truly moved by a lot of things and listening to his stories was always a joy. He still gives me the strength to go on every time I feel lost through his lyrics, as he did when I was only 17 and I was thinking about my future and career opportunities. I’m amazed by his humility and his desire to talk to all the people he met. He really listen to them. He really cared. I opened my eyes after listening to the Clash and I learned a lot of things I didn’t know before. In my mind he’s so pure. After all these years I can’t find a real defect, as I did for all the others musicians I love. The thing I appreciate the most is that he lived consistent with his ideas. And I terribly miss him. I’ll love Joe always and forever.
”The way you get a better world is, you don’t put up with substandard anything.” Laura – Treviso, Italy
The Future is Unwritten. I’m still alive and his music is still very much alive and means more now than ever. The Clash – introduced to me by my 
own father who also died in December. The soundtrack to my political and musical ideal. We can be thankful for all we were given – few leave so early leaving so much behind for us. I don’t miss Joe because he’s still alive and kicking with every person who has drive passion and a need to be living. Amanda
Gone, but not forgotten. He shall always be loved and respected by many. And as long as others follow in his steps, he’ll never leave our hearts and memories Melissa – Tampico, Mexico
Joe, my one real regret is that I didn’t wait in the long line to meet you at Amoeba Records in San Francisco 2001. After a great in-store set with the Mescaleros, people started to queue up for the meet and greet, and I thought, “oh, I’ll …catch him another time.” Unfortunately, there would be no other time. But the SF Fillmore show will always be a great memory. When you cranked up the Clash tunes towards the end of the Fillmore set, and the chills started up my spine, I knew I was one lucky bastard to bear witness. Rest in eternal peace, Joe. Jeff – San Francisco, CA
A true working class hero.R.I.P Colin – Oswestry, Shropshire, England
I dedicate all my love to Joe Strummer and his family today! HIS PASSION FOR LIFE LIVES ON IN US ALL – SEE THE LIGHT Billy
Really miss you Joe Angus – Plymouth, Devon, England
Joe did one of these in Toronto around the same time. The Mescaleros did eight songs and Joe was supposed to sign autographs for an hour. Two-and-a-half hours later he was still signing and taking photos. People were bringing guitars, albums, everything. He signed them all and posed for every photo. I think he had come to terms with the fact that people loved him and just wanted to be around him (he had a lot of great stories, too) Steve – Toronto, Ontario
Joe was such an influence on my life, though I never met him personally. I hope he wont mind but I’ve strung a few quotes from him together, which I think ring true today.
“When you blame yourself, you learn from it. If you blame someone else, you don’t learn nothing.”
“I sometimes look at myself, I’m sitting with a biro and a cigarette packet, desperately scrawling dribble on it. And sometimes I put down my fag pack and think, what am I, a grown man, doing at this hour of the night? Then I banish that thought, pick the fag pack up again.”
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistance. Talent will not. There is nothing more common then unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not. Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not. The world if full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
“And so now I’d like to say – people can change anything they want to. And that means everything in the world. People are running about following their little tracks – I am one of them. But we’ve all got to stop just following our own little mouse trail. People can do anything – this is something that I’m beginning to learn. People are out there doing bad things to each other. That’s because they’ve been dehumanised. It’s time to take the humanity back into the center of the ring and follow that for a time. Greed, it ain’t going anywhere. They should have that in a big billboard across Times Square. Without people you’re nothing. That’s my spiel.” Joe Strummer 21 August 1952 – 22 December 2002
I think we need his type more than ever now. Miss you Joe. Gary
“Ha! You think it’s funny/Turning rebellion into money”
Unlike with other bands, I’ve never gone more than a day or two without thinking about the influence the Clash, and Joe in particular, has had on my thinking about the world, my outlook, my life. Joe, with his hit them over the head with a brick then give them a message mentality, taught me so much, and continues to urge me on to become better at being human. I got to meet him twice, luckily, and he did have an amazing ability to listen as if you were the only person in the world, the only thing that mattered to him at that moment. But I didn’t take advantage of those opportunities to just say, Thanks Joe. Tom
R.I.P Our brother Joe you still live on,so long as there is people who ”turn rebellion into money” God Blesse us with you,now God Blesses you my friend xxx Andy
Miss Joe…What would he think of things today? He is gone but don’t we prove he isn’t forgotten. Something happens everyday that makes me think of him…His words are still so applicable. Much love Joe! Charlotte – Rockford, IL
All time ruler! RIP Shannon – Statesville, NC
Joe’s words never hit me as strong as it did a lot of people. Maybe it’s my American ears not being able to decipher the lyrics or just not relating to something happening so far away from home. But, his music did come to hit me hard and was definitely a big influence. ‘Combat Rock’ was my first Clash record and was very different than what all my hippie friends were listening to. That was part of the excitement. Something fresh and different (even if I did get on board a little late). ‘Sandinista!’ was there for me to help me through my first divorce. Magazine interviews, later video, showed that there wasn’t a cooler band out there. And what a sense of humor! Such an important thing to me. I was a little tardy on the Mescaleros stuff but did find songs that are part of me now too. Sad to see him go. I feel so fortunate to have this music as a part of who I am and also to know people that were touched even deeper by it. And now knowing people who were blessed to have known him too. His spirit will never die out.” “W.G.” – Phoenix , AZ
Joe didn’t have to come to my rescue after the crew chased me off the set of Mystery Train. I will never forget “..HEY MATE!???!” stopped me dead right in the middle of the street under the lamps. We talked of music, the film and my band(Jesus Chrysler from Knoxville). Not only that, he came out again later (after he finished his dinner this time) to invite me to his room and a show next night in Memphis. He was the truly honest. Thank you Joe. You are missed! ‘Shirley’ – Oak Ridge, TN
Miss you Joe and music will forever miss you but you’ll forever have a place in it and in our hearts. RIP you true legend. They don’t come like Joe in music any more but when we press play and close our eyes Joe is with us because he’s in our hearts and his music is true as flesh and blood and as timeless as music itself. xXx Morrussy
I was never alive or old enough to see him live… 
R.I.P. Joe Gabey – Woodinville, WA
I was lucky enough to meet Joe in April of 1983 when i was working in the Post Office In The City Of London.I was sitting in a Cafe near my work & Joe & Gaby walked in,i was lucky enough to talk to him for about 1o minutes.They say you shou…ld never meet your heroes,well Joe did not let me down.He was very down to earth & for a 17 year old kid i was on cloud nine meeting him.Joe not only impacted people with his music,but also the countless people he met on a one to one basis.How many times have you heard people say,when i met him he made me feel like he was really interested in what i had to say & about you as a person. Joe,you inspired me & so many people around the world. I will remember you for all the great music,but also the fact that you made me look into where the insperation for the music came from.You made me delve into Music,Films,Books,Art.You shaped my political ethos & how i looked at life.Thank you Joe for being you & that in itself has made a massive impact on my life & so so many people.R.I.P. Joe The PunkRock Warlord Simon – London & Redding, CA
I miss the feeling of knowing Joe was out there somewhere in the world being Joe; he made me feel all was okay with the world, even if it wasn’t. Shannon – Cleveland, OH
I had the great fortune to see the Clash three times, but seeing Joe and the Mescaleros in 1999 was the most memorable. Not because the Clash shows were not amazing, they were, but because seeing Joe in his late 40s, a legend yet so human …and humane, brought home everything that punk rock was supposed to be–energetic, fun, yet purposeful and communal. No BS, no gimmicks, just pure soul being poured out on stage with complete connection with the audience. Joe always said one day truth and justice will reign. Standing there in 1999, it was clear he meant it, he believed it, and he expected it to happen. He made me a believer, too. RIP Punk Rock Warlord. Blain – Engelwood, CO
well, I guess! So, given the above, what am I remembering & am grateful for this time of year? The powerful music, inspirational lyrics, amazing footage of all the concerts out of my reach, space & time-wise, keeping an open mind to all the differentness that surrounds me… And what am I regretting? Never having the chance to meet Joe… because I have the distinct feeling he was a get-up-your-arse-and-come-say-hello-if-you-feel-like-it kind of guy! Thanks, Joe! Know that every year another kid learns about The Clash, knows your name and misses you deeply… as paradoxically as that may sound! Ramona – Bucharest, Romania
was a time when a lot of bands wouldn’t come near us!) But thankfully through footage and wonderful memorabilia I’ve enjoyed just as much as if I had! Long live the inspiration and legend that was Mr.Joe Strummer forever xx Joanne – Belfast, N Ireland
Joe changed a lot of things, and one thing he completely changed is my mind and opinions about everything. I’ve learned so much from this hero, and I know that there’s no one like Joe, he is special and made the world better. I was 6 when he died and I’m 14 now so it sounds funny how it can be so special, but it really is special and important. I’d sell my sister to meet you Joe, I have loads of questions to ask. We miss you. RIP. Siiri – FinlandJoe lives on in all of us! Here’s a link to a clip of a visit to a community TV station in Worcester, Mass. Joe made in October 2001; he was picking up some cigars across the street at the Owl Shop, saw the sign for the station across the street, and walked over and asked if he could get some airtime to talk about the …show. It shows how down to earth he was and why we miss him so: … Brian – Worcester, MA
Without people, you’re nothing. They should have that on a billboard across Times Square. Karl – Banbury, Oxfordshire, England
Long live the spirit of Joe Jimmy – Newcastle upon Tyne, England
For me, this day has evolved into something that is really positive and uplifting. I love to read the first two little chapters of Salewicz’s ‘Redemption Song,’ because it was written with such good spirit and provides a quick snapshot of Joe’s really amazing life. My favorite quote from the book is at the end of the first chapter, where Joe says ‘I’m far more dangerous now, because I don’t care at all.’ What I love about that statement, is that Joe really did care…I think he cared deeply, about people and events that really mattered in his life. I’m so thankful he communicated that to me through his music, as I think it has really helped to shape who I am today. I’ll be forever thankful for Joe, The Clash, and the incredible people I have met through their music. What a gift ~ Kara – Suffolk, England & San Antonio, TX
Thanks for all your words Joe- they still count, more than ever xx Carol – Brummen, Netherlands
I first saw the Clash RAR 78 Victoria Park and many times after that, you changed my life all 4 of ya, I met Joe on many occasion down Portobello Rd always the gent always had the time to talk ,worked with Mick during BAD [and ended up doin his garden many spliffs later ha],and Topper has since become a mate ,tho i aint seen him for quite a few months..best moment Topper comin across the room at one of my gigs ,shakin my hand and sayin ‘hello are you Carl ive heard a lot about you’ gold dust..a total honour and privalidge to have been part of something so important and to have met and hung with my heroes…Joe i miss you..thank you….ANGER CAN BE POWER…SILVER AND GOLD JOE SILVER AND GOLD…thanks Tim for keep keepin on..respec..x Carl – London, England
I’m too young to have been around when the Clash were, and I didn’t start listening to them until about 2007. It wasn’t long after that, that I was talking with my mum’s boyfriend. I was telling him about This Amazing Band, How They’d Changed My Life, The Way I See The World, I Would Never Get Bored Of Listening To Their Songs, and that Joe Strummer Was, By Far, One Of The Best Guys To Have Ever Walked This Planet, when suddenly- “You know he’s dead, right?” I didn’t. And I swear, in that moment, my heart dropped. I was going to change the world, and I was able to ’cause Joe said I could. But if he was gone, there was no-one to follow… What I didn’t realise though, in that moment, was that he hadn’t really gone. The fact his death was such a shock to me is proof of that, because the things he’d said were so relevant, so true, that they’d already lasted 5 years without his help. And 8 years later still, more kids my age are begining to listen and hear, and they too are going to change the world. Joe may have gone, but we’re still prepared to follow his words. R.I.P xx Sophie
Just haven’t had the time to write at any length today, but now just getting ready to go out to North London to see ‘Radio Clash’ who are playing tonight at ‘The Gaff’ as a tribute to Joe. It’s not ‘business as normal’ today because since first light I’ve reflected upon the meaning of today to me and again the weather has matched my feelings as it invariably does at this time of the year. I’ve sent some old photos to some new people today, including the genius in Liverpool that is Pete Wylie….gratefully received I have to say, from a couple of years ago. Hopefully tomorrow evening I will meet up with Chris Salewicz, one of Joe’s close friends, and watch his son Cole’s band, The Savage Nomads, at the threatened 12 Bar Club in Denmark Street. My message for today is “Let’s get out there everyone and support new and live music or die in front of a TV pumping out mediocre sludge 24/7″ Yep, that’s my message for today….!! Everything you’ve all quoted here today is totally valid and relevant and extremely worthy, but you have to convert your thoughts into deeds and get out there, either physically or metaphorically. Pete – Acton, London, England
The saddest part for me is that I knew him the day that he died. Rest in peace Joe, wherever you are. Caterina – Napoli, Italy
Mr. Joe Strummer is here ♥ in my heart and in millions of wonderful peoples hearts who love him. We terribly miss his words and voice, but we ALL know that Joe Strummer is ALIVE ! Unfortunately, I did not meet him, but I’m glad for those who did it. We will never forget you Punk Rock Warlord, thank you! you’ve made me …feel amazingly happy with your lyrics, songs and voice ! Mecha – Buenos Aires, Argentina
I was lucky enough to say thank you to Joe one time face to face as he signed the Earthquake Weather album cover for me. I wish I had said more. Paul – Henfield, West Sussex, England
8 years today since my World fell apart Joe. My inspiration in life. A true working class hero. I seem to miss your more with each year that passes. Much love and respect. And keep it rockin’ up there!! Paul – Leicester, England
Not a day goes by that he doesn’t cross my mind in some way. Justine – Sydney, Australia
Joe was and still is an icon to not just music but a way of life.. It’s a shame most music now is just bubblegum commercial money making material. RIP x Tom – Welling, England
I can still vividly remember spinning London Calling with my brother on our old record player back in ‘80, I was 8 years old. Twenty-two years later we had the opportunity to see him live. We were so excited we got all *&%#ed up on the way to the show. I accidentally walked out of the venue looking for a bathroom during the opening act and couldn’t find my ticket to re-enter. My brother found me outside and we went home missing Joe & the Mescarlos. He passed away 2 months later. RIP Joe Mark
The Future Is Unwritten is a beautiful sentence from Joe. Now, it’s written on my skin…
Thanks for everything, Joe <3 Cindy
“Let fury have the hour” The first person to get how i felt about the world i was lving in & shout it out in a way that was beyond my level of articulation. The world was a less lonely place knowing that at least someone cared enough to stand up & out against the establishment. I recall joe ranting on at a gig in london, ” How we gonna die ?, Is it gonna be in a war ? Or is it gonna be learning how to knit a night dress, Are we gonna die after crawling into a filthy pit at the bottom of the garden with a brown paper bag sealed firmly across your head & aluminium foil gaffer taped to your eyelids. ”
Now you don’t tend to get that kind of comment from the stage off anyone else i ever saw performing live & it was typical Joe & typical clash, prepared to make huge political statements but never afraid to let a little humour get in the way. Thats why i loved yer Joe & thats why im gonna go & get whiskey & strum out some old rebel tune. Cheers Joe Colin
Eight years. Yeah, I remember that day: there were lots of phone calls, all of us who’d bought the singles and the albums and been to the gigs and had our lives changed and our heads turned around by The Clash and all that came after. We needed to get in touch, whether we’d last spoken years ago or just the day before. We were all a bit lost for words: none of us could believe he’d gone. Not Joe. And of course, it’s probably a little part of you that you’re mourning. Some part of your past, which is always (as Joe says) a closing door. And so now, eight years down the road, I spin a couple of his records, and I still can’t quite believe it, but I hear Joe singing “Yalla Yalla” and I think to myself “Distance no object, rastafari…” We can but dream. Steve
R.I.P. The great Joe Strummer. An inspiration alone would an understatement, always evolving, always experimenting. Laying the path for future generations to know what music is and community is and as he said humanity. We’ll always remember the poetic anger and energy that moved mountains, the sweet soul whose words made …millions of dreams a reality. You’ll always be remembered Joe. Beau – Los Angeles, CA
Thank you Joe, you’ve been an inspiration to many and you’ll always continue to be one. Nathalie – the Netherlands
Hi Tim, thanks for doing this it means such alot. I am Liz from Totnes Devon UK. I am nearly 50 and Joe came into my life just 2.5 years ago and quite suddenly my life made sense. Joe connected the threads in my life that I thought were damaged beyond repair. My love for him inspired me to write my dissertation at University on The Clash & Transformative learning, the proudest result ever I got 85% for it. Posters of him adorn my entire house he is with me and a part of me wherever I go whatever I do, he is quite simply my light within. XXXXXXXXXXXX Liz – Totnes, Devon, England
Lots of people don’t understand how I can care so much about a band. But, as I’m sure everyone else here believes, The Clash is way more than a band and Joe is much, much more than a singer. He represents everything I strive to be and I mourn for him every day of the year. Natalie – Pittsburgh, PA
I’m only fourteen so I completely missed everything to do with Joe Strummer. I may have only got into The Clash this year but the inspiration that Joe Strummer has given me is immense; Not just in the music but as a way of living. I can honestly say that John Graham Mellor helped make me who I am. He may have been a so cialist and I an anarchist but really we’re fighting for the same thing and that’s freedom and I am never going to let myself give up that fight. Joe Strummer said ‘Without people, you’re nothing’. Well, in my case ‘Without Joe Strummer, I’m nothing’. Thank you for living. Sam
In honor of Joe, I just wanted to share that I’d been aware of the Clash and considered myself a ‘mild’ fan up until this past summer. I’ve been 
going through a lot of stuff this past year, and one day back in July I popped in the Clash’s ‘Singles’ album and when “White Riot” blasted out (despite having heard it befor…e, years ago) I was blown away. It was like having a revelation or something. I felt like I was hearing them for the first time. Their music suddenly seemed to strike a deep chord within me. I’ve never been so inspired on so many levels. They shook me out of a horrible depression I was in and renewed me to carry on. I love the Clash and I love Joe Strummer, I’m indebted to them far more than I can articulate here, but without Joe and his powerful words, who knows where I would be today. Undoubtedly it’d be a far colder and darker winter without him having been in the world. ♥ ♥ ♥ Christine
Joe’s mark in the world is extraordinary and it will certainly go on for a long long time. Joe Strummer the one & only Punk RockWarlord live forever!!!! Rubi
Well…..it’s me again 2am Phoenix time. That pretty much wraps it up for the day. Thanks for all your posts here and on facebook and your emails and tweets etc. So many wonderful memories of Joe I really can’t do justice to the impact he had but you all took us a lot closer to explaining it today. Take that energy and that message and try and make it impact your world too as I know many of you already do….Clash fans are as unique as they get…I firmly believe that…and the friendships I’ve seen via this blog and extended into facebook make it all so worthwhile. Welcome stranger to this humble neighbourhood if this is your first visit to the blog….please come back in the days and weeks ahead.
Thanks again….this was your day for Joe.
Not only today but everyday I love and miss Joe Strummer, he is and always will be the reason I am who I am. He made me believe that it is okay to be exactly who you want to be, I am forever grateful for this. RIP Joe Strummer “Let Fury Have the Hour”
lovely words Emma…thank you
The Future is Unwritten.
I’m still alive and his music is still very much alive and means more now than ever.
The Clash – introduced to me by my own father who also died in December. The soundtrack to my political and musical ideal.
We can be thankful for all we were given – few leave so early leaving so much behind for us.
I don’t miss Joe because he’s still alive and kicking with every person who has drive passion and a need to be living.
R.I.P Our brother Joe you still live on,so long as there is people who ”turn rebellion into money” God Blesse us with you,now God Blesses you my friend xxx
“Ha! You think it’s funny/Turning rebellion into money”
Unlike with other bands, I’ve never gone more than a day or two without thinking about the influence the Clash, and Joe in particular, has had on my thinking about the world, my outlook, my life. Joe, with his hit them over the head with a brick then give them a message mentality, taught me so much, and continues to urge me on to become better at being human. I got to meet him twice, luckily, and he did have an amazing ability to listen as if you were the only person in the world, the only thing that mattered to him at that moment. But I didn’t take advantage of those opportunities to just say, Thanks Joe.
[note: sorry if the formatting is messed up; I wasn't sure if html would work in this comment box. And, I'd love to be able to link the icon I use that my friend made for me, but I don't know how...]
I posted this at Live Journal on Joe’s birthday in 2008. I eventually did go to that mural.
Today is Joe Strummer’s Birthday. Funny thing, he died on my birthday. That day is commemorated on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRwmZ2bp_B0.
I’d love to see that mural sometime: Niagara Bar, 112 7th and Avenue A, NY.
Like in the video, I remember seeing lots of people wearing Clash t-shirts. We went to a Clash-themed place for breakfast (Yes! http://www.rudyscantfailcafe.com) and they were playing, I think, London Calling, and a man in the next booth said to his son, who looked around 9–”That guy singing, he’s Joe Strummer. He died today.” You felt like you were part of (big) club. Still do. He’s one of my (few) heroes.
From a tribute site (http://www.joestrummer.org/praise.htm) “When he played at the Troubador, before he walked off the stage he said ‘It’s a sad and beautiful world! Goodnight!”
If you don’t know, find out more about him.
JOE STRUMMER will always be a strong part of my life. There is not a day that goes by when i do not think or listen to his songs. He was not only a great singer, lyricist,guitarist but a brilliant family man to. His music has inspired and brought greatness on people all over the world. I would love to see joes stance on things if he were here today. No other has ever came close he was the PUNK WARLORD. joe you are gone but never forgotten. much love x
The best thing we can do today is celebrate his life. Remember what he said “I believe poeple can do anything. This is something I’m starting to learn”. I’m going to work in a few minutes and do just that.
Noelle-Robertsdale, Alabama U.S.A
i was fifteen years old, listened to the radio and listened for the first time “london calling” and since the clash is always in my heart rip Joe and thank you claudio marseille
There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t been said already. After 8 years, it’s still a great loss to everyone who loved Joe. I miss the honesty, humor and uncompromising spirit that was his music and his life. I learned alot about myself through Joe.
Joe changed a lot of things, and one thing he completely changed is my mind and opinions about everything. I’ve learned so much from this hero, and I know that there’s no one like Joe, he is special and made the world better. I was 6 when he died and I’m 14 now so it sounds funny how it can be so special, but it really is special and important. I’d sell my sister to meet you Joe, I have loads of questions to ask. We miss you. RIP.
and I’m from Finland, sorry
It was always a public service announcement with guitars. I miss that.
Saw the Clash in ’77 AND ’78. Joe inspired us all to go and do want we wanted to do, and we did. He was the real deal. We could really do with him now!
We all fell for Joe.
First time I met Joe I was backstage at a Clash gig in Aylesbury…My cousin Mr Jones had put us on the guest list–I had travelled there from London in my old banger of a car. Joe was talking to a fan who was complaining that the hippies at his local pub dominated the jukebox and played all the old hippy records..Joe replied “I thought they were supposed to be all peace and love”…when we all got chucked out of the venue some of the fans went to stay with the band at their hotel- I drove back down the motorway with a few unknown punks on board and got pulled by the police for having too many people in a mini! RIP Joe – I will never stop listening to you.
I first saw the Clash RAR 78 Victoria Park and many times after that, you changed my life all 4 of ya, I met Joe on many occasion down Portobello Rd always the gent always had the time to talk ,worked with Mick during BAD [and ended up doin his garden many spliffs later ha],and Topper has since become a mate ,tho i aint seen him for quite a few months..best moment Topper comin across the room at one of my gigs ,shakin my hand and sayin ‘hello are you Carl ive heard a lot about you’ gold dust..a total honour and privalidge to have been part of something so important and to have met and hung with my heroes…Joe i miss you..thank you….ANGER CAN BE POWER…SILVER AND GOLD JOE SILVER AND GOLD…thanks Tim for keep keepin on..respec..x
For me, this day has evolved into something that is really positive and uplifting. I love to read the first two little chapters of Salewicz’s ‘Redemption Song,’ because it was written with such good spirit and provides a quick snapshot of Joe’s really amazing life. My favorite quote from the book is at the end of the first chapter, where Joe says ‘I’m far more dangerous now, because I don’t care at all.’ What I love about that statement, is that Joe really did care…I think he cared deeply, about people and events that really mattered in his life. I’m so thankful he communicated that to me through his music, as I think it has really helped to shape who I am today. I’ll be forever thankful for Joe, The Clash, and the incredible people I have met through their music. What a gift ~
I’m too young to have been around when the Clash were, and I didn’t start listening to them until about 2007.
It wasn’t long after that, that I was talking with my mum’s boyfriend. I was telling him about This Amazing Band, How They’d Changed My Life, The Way I See The World, I Would Never Get Bored Of Listening To Their Songs, and that Joe Strummer Was, By Far, One Of The Best Guys To Have Ever Walked This Planet, when suddenly-
“You know he’s dead, right?”
I didn’t.
And I swear, in that moment, my heart dropped. I was going to change the world, and I was able to ’cause Joe said I could. But if he was gone, there was no-one to follow…
What I didn’t realise though, in that moment, was that he hadn’t really gone. The fact his death was such a shock to me is proof of that, because the things he’d said were so relevent, so true, that they’d already lasted 5 years without his help. And 8 years later still, more kids my age are begining to listen and hear, and they too are going to change the world. Joe may have gone, but we’re still prepared to follow his words. R.I.P xx
Just haven’t had the time to write at any length today, but now just getting ready to go out to North London to see ‘Radio Clash’ who are playing tonight at ‘The Gaff’ as a tribute to Joe. It’s not ‘business as normal’ today because since first light I’ve reflected upon the meaning of today to me and again the weather has matched my feelings as it invariably does at this time of the year. I’ve sent some old photos to some new people today, including the genius in Liverpool that is Pete Wylie….gratefully received I have to say, from a couple of years ago.
Hopefully tomorrow evening I will meet up with Chris Salewicz, one of Joe’s close friends, and watch his son Cole’s band, The Savage Nomads, at the threatened 12 Bar Club in Denmark Street.
My message for today is “Let’s get out there everyone and support new and live music or die in front of a TV pumping out mediocre sludge 24/7″ Yep, that’s my message for today….!!
Everything you’ve all quoted here today is totally valid and relevant and extremely worthy, but you have to convert your thoughts into deeds and get out there, either physically or metaphorically.
8 years today since my World fell apart Joe. My inspiration in life. A true working class hero.I seem to miss your more with each year that passes.Much love and respect.And keep it rockin up there!! Paul, Leicester.
Joe was and still is an icon to not just music but a way of life.. It’s a shame most music now is just bubblegum commercial money making material. RIP x
I can still vividly remember spinning London Calling with my brother on our old record player back in ’80, I was 8 years old. Twenty-two years later we had the opportunity to see him live. We were so excited we got all *&%#ed up on the way to the show. I accidentally walked out of the venue looking for a bathroom during the opening act and couldn’t find my ticket to re-enter. My brother found me outside and we went home missing Joe & the Mescarlos. He passed away 2 months later. RIP Joe
The Future Is Unwritten is a beautiful sentence from Joe. Now, it’s written on my skin…
Thanks for everything, Joe <3
“Let fury have the hour” The first person to get how i felt about the world i was lving in & shout it out in a way that was beyond my level of articulation. The world was a less lonely place knowing that at least someone cared enough to stand up & out against the establishment.
I recall joe ranting on at a gig in london, ” How we gonna die ?, Is it gonna be in a war ? Or is it gonna be learning how to knit a night dress ,Are we gonna die after crawling into a filthy pit at the bottom of the garden with a brown paper bag sealed firmly across your head & aluminium foil gaffer taped to your eyelids. ”
Now you don’t tend to get that kind of comment from the stage off anyone else i ever saw performing live & it was typical Joe & typical clash, prepared to make huge political statements but never afraid to let a little humour get in the way.
Thats why i loved yer Joe & thats why im gonna go & get whiskey & strum out some old rebel tune. Cheers Joe
Eight years. Yeah, I remember that day: there were lots of phone calls, all of us who’d bought the singles and the albums and been to the gigs and had our lives changed and our heads turned around by The Clash and all that came after. We needed to get in touch, whether we’d last spoken years ago or just the day before. We were all a bit lost for words: none of us could believe he’d gone. Not Joe. And of course, it’s probably a little part of you that you’re mourning. Some part of your past, which is always (as Joe says) a closing door. And so now, eight years down the road, I spin a couple of his records, and I still can’t quite believe it, but I hear Joe singing “Yalla Yalla” and I think to myself “Distance no object, rastafari…” We can but dream.
Fantastic comments everyone…I wish I could thank you all personally…it’s made for a special day…and an inspiring day…
Thank you Joe, you’ve been an inspiration to many and you’ll always continue to be one.
~Nathalie, the Netherlands
Lots of people don’t understand how I can care so much about a band. But, as I’m sure everyone else here believes, The Clash is way more than a band and Joe is much, much more than a singer. He represents everything I strive to be and I mourn for him every day of the year.
Natalie Pgh PA US
I remember I was 15 when Joe passed. I remember seeing Joe on mtv only weeks before, he was talking about the hall of fame induction. It was devastating to see him gone so soon after. I already knew somewhat about the Clash from hearing my mom’s combat rock album but in recent years have come to learn a lot more about them. I saw the Clash exhibit in Cleveland and getting to see Joe’s guitars was the next best thing to meeting him. There was this feeling in the air that he was watching. Less than a year later I saw Carbon/Silicon and met Mick Jones. A dream come true indeed. I would just like to say thank you to Joe and The Clash for all youve done for us and all the memories of blasting your tunes from my Bronco in high school and all through college as people look on wondering what it is theyre hearing. Maybe they should find out.. R.I.P. Joe. Never Forgotten.
Zach, Pennsylvania
Sorry I am late to join the street parade (btw one of the best clash songs joe wrote, in my opinion). But working at Borders this week sapped me of any energy to get on the computer when I got home. Thank God it’s over! and I survived. (both the holiday frenzy and Joe’s sad anniversary).
I could write a book about the things I love about Joe and the Clash. There isn’t a day that I don’t think about them and thank my lucky stars for being able to see them 6 times. Each performance with its own special memories attached. Each one completely different than any other. And unmatched by any of the 100s of shows i have seen in my life. My biggest regret…not seeing Joe and the Meskies or having the opportunity to meet Joe. But that’s another story altogether.
What I really want to say is that Joe is never far from me or my daughters. He is an inspiration to us every single day. He taught us what it means to be a real human being. Sure he was a rock star, but he never changed, and he treated everyone the same no matter who they were, what they wore, or what color their skin was. He walked the walk.
At night sometimes I look up into the sky and find the brightest star and think of Joe. His star still shines brightly and his lyrics will never go out of date. I miss him, but as I said, he is never far. Here is just one very small example of the Strummerdipity that weaves in and out of my life every day. Yesterday I had the opportunity to sleep in, instead of the 6am wak-up that accompanies getting my daughter off to school. I was scheduled to go into work at 10am, but 6am came and hit me over the head like a mallet. Wide awake I made myself some coffee and called my good friend in London. As always, the conversation came around to Joe at one popint. I hadn’t had the chance to read all the comments on the clash blog from Wednesday but my friend mentioned how wonderful they were. When we finished talking I logged on and read them. And then it was time to head off to work. When i arrived at my station at the cash register and called out “next customer” (the line was about a half-mile long…no joke) the customer came down and plopped her merchandise on the counter. I have to admit I was in a foul mood. I was not looking forward to the 8 hours of being polite and friendly. But when I looked at her little pile my mood completely turned around. She was buying the big pink Clash book and Cut the Crap.
As I said, Joe is never far from me…I love him and I feel like he was the big brother I never had. Thank you Joe for always making me smile. xxx
[...] your favourite Joe lyrics, quotes memories or photos. Hopefully we can enjoy it as much as we did on The Street Parade post that we did in December. Just add your name and city to the link (if you like) and I’ll add your input to the blog as [...]