The Clash Have Fallen
Mortality and rock 'n roll simply don't mix. When the two shake hands, especially with notable, groundbreaking artists, there is a profound sense of loss among longtime fans. Such is the case with the news today that Joe Strummer of The Clash has died at the relatively young age of 50 from a heart attack.
I own pretty much all their records, with "London Calling" holding an anointed spot as one of the most pivotal, well-worn albums from my teenage years. Just a week ago I watched for the first time Westway to the World, an excellent documentary about group, with plenty of interviews, never before seen live concert footage, and insight into what made the group one of the most under-appreciated, important bands in the history of rock. Since then I've been pulling out a number of their old records, including most notably "Sandinista!", which I felt luke-warm about at the time but today sounds quite fresh and bursting with ideas.
But with the news of Strummer's passing, any hope that The Clash would one day regroup and reclaim some of their past glory is sadly gone.
Comments
I too felt a pang of sadness upon hearing about Joe Strummer. I was never a huge Clash fan until college, but then only listening to my girlfriend's vinyl copies of "London Calling" and others. I enjoyed some of B.A.D.'s stuff as well, although it lacked much of the fire and anger that made the Clash, well, The Clash.
Finally, this news didn't affect me as much as, say, SRV's death did, but it's still sad news for the music world. Strummer's contributions will not be forgotten.
Posted by: Bob at December 23, 2002 12:14 PM
There's a great semi-documentary called "Rude Boy", shot as the band was recording some of both "London Calling" and "Give Em Enough Rope," with awesome live footage from a UK tour at the time. Well worth checking out, it's one of the most fully realized films to come out of that first wave of punk.
Posted by: mike at December 23, 2002 1:37 PM
This news has thrown me into a deep pre-Christmas depression. I've always tried to eschew the idea of "heroes" but Joe Strummer was one of mine. He shaped my music, my art, my politics, and the lens through which I view the world. If you don't have his latest CD, with the Mescaleros, called Global A-GoG0, you should go plunk down your $18. Ho-Kay Bambinos! RRRRock Esta Noche! All Exits Final.
Posted by: Tom Dolan at December 24, 2002 5:28 PM
One more for old Joe. Free download of "Minstrel Boy" (an extended instrumental is on the above mentioned Global A-GoGo LP). This, I believe is from the Soundtrack of Black Hawk Down. Viva la Revolution Rock.
Posted by: Dolan at December 26, 2002 11:45 PM
Bug ... there are now 5 comments.
Posted by: Dolan at December 27, 2002 10:37 AM
