Joe Strummer has died at the age of 50 of an apparent heart attack.
The Clash were probably my favourite punk band and my appreciation for them has only grown over the years. This is also sad news because Joe was still making music, having scored several films as well as recording with his band The Mescaleros. Another one of punk’s pioneers is gone. Godspeed, Joe…
Indeed. I was pretty young when I discovered the Clash and came to know them only near the end. But I always admired their defiance, their politics and their insistence on being musicians in a genre where that isn’t always respected. Like you, James, as I’ve grown older, I’ve respected them more.
It’s a shame the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame induction will be televised during SXSW. I would have like to have seen The Clash get their due.
Sail on, Joe. We will miss you.