“People can change anything they want to, and that means everything in the world. ”
― Joe Strummer

As the unique and inspiring frontman for one of the most influential bands in the short history of the genre, Joe Strummer (lyrics, lead vocals, rhythm guitar) led the Clash, and punk itself, to define a youth movement. From 1976 when they began rocking the Roundhouse, London to 1982 when the four talented musicians became too full of big ideas to fit in the same band, Joe led the Clash with incessant guitar and powerful lyrics. Bandmates Mick Jones (lead vocals, lead guitar), Paul Simonon (vocals, bass guitar), and Nicky ‘Topper’ Headon (drums, percussion)* along with Joe went on to form or play in numerous other great acts from The Pogues and 101’rs to The Mescaleros. In my opinion, they made their greatest impact throughout the years, on the fans and musicians whom they chose to share almost every facet of their lives. Because of this, people involved with a variety of musical styles credit Joe Strummer and the Clash with influencing their Music or the role of music in society. During the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, The Edge ( David Howell Evans , lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals for U2) described just how much impact The Clash had on “…a thousand bands in Garageland.”, stating, “There is no doubt in my mind that Sunday Bloody Sunday wouldn’t and couldn’t have been written if it wasn’t for the Clash.”

As much as he was inundated with fame and anointed the leader of a punk movement, Joe by all accounts enjoyed connecting with people one to one around a campfire or while on one of his many walks with his dogs out into the countryside. He was as likely to be found pounding out lyrics with one finger as he was to be spotted sharing his views on a range of topics over a pint at the pub.

Donovan ‘Don’ Letts, founder of Big Audio Dynamite with Mick Jones, recorded numerous videos of the Clash allowing fans onstage to sing, dance, stage dive or just check out the scene from the musicians point of view. Sean Egan, a leading music critic summed up The Clash’s impact this way: “ When considered in a broader social context, The Clash stand as one of the most important musical acts in rock history. Original punks who transcended the music’s minimalist origins, The Clash lived and breathed the idea that they could change the world with their art.” And at the heart of this idea was Joe Strummer.

In 2002, having returned to the limelight again as an elder statesman of music, suddenly Joe was gone, passing away from a heart attack at home. Leaving behind a fan base the world over and more importantly, whole new sounds and unique expressive styles.

In most cases, this is where the story might end. Instead, we have been gifted a new form of campfire revolution thanks to Joe’s wife Lucinda, daughters Jazz and Lola, and artist friend Damien Hirst, in the form of the Joe Strummer Foundation (JSF). The JSF often referred to as “Strummerville” was formed a year after his death to give “…opportunities to aspiring musicians and support to projects around the world that create social mobility through music.” With the support of established artists, record companies, and donations, they are able to provide musicians with low cost recording space, free venues, publicity, connections to the music industry, access to instruments, an online forum to post music and plan careers, and following Joe Strummer’s lead… a booth and campfire at events in multiple countries.

The hard work of Charity director Jamie Webb and Digital Media Instigator, Steve Mullen have brought the JSF to impact international populations through music rooms in Japan and Sierra Leone, rehearsal space in Belfast, a music center in Malawi and many charity events and recording spaces in the USA. Some notable festivals and charities here include SXSW (including the Strummerville tour bus), Billy Bragg’s “Jail Guitar Doors”, StrummerJam Global Concerts, support of Oxfam with the “Strummerville A Go-Go” albums, along with creating rehearsal space in Detroit commercial buildings to combat urban blight.

Jake Burns, who formed Stiff Little Fingers in March 1977, said in an interview for the BBC News, Entertainment and Arts (Dec. 2012), said “The Clash’s big influence on us was showing us there was more to punk rock than the initial ‘shock value’.”, “It was thanks to them we saw the direction we could, and should, take.”

The most important part of this revolution lies with you. Which direction will you take? How can you become involved, connect with venues, gain valuable rehearsal and recording time and offer your music to the world? Please see the information and links below to get started. I have reached out to the JSF for more concrete information about access to their activities and will pass that along if it is forthcoming.

* Original drummer Terry Chimes left in the first year and only later played a few gigs on their USA tour the same year. He spent short periods with Billy Idol and Black Sabbath as well. All five bandmates were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

1. The Joe Strummer Foundation , For a full review of everything JSF, check out The Joe Strummer Foundation website or their Facebook page.
2. Strummerjam 2017 , August 1-31 “Rocking Locally, Acting Globally.” Presented by JSF, organized by YOU. This was a huge success in 2016 and if you are looking to get involved and have your music added to the world stage, please check out the link at: Strummerjam. Organize, or join an event near you to “… promote local music scenes to a global audience, create sense of community and raise funds for non-profits.” This is done by submitting an event proposal via the website & nominating a local music non-profit or nominating The Joe Strummer Foundation.
3. Concert in Honor of Joe Strummer , Keggers, Lyric Room and Beer Garden. Green Bay, WI [email protected] or 920-884-1158
4. 16th Annual Tribute To Joe Strummer , Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY  716-852-3900
5. The San Franscisco Tribute to Joe Strummer and Benefit for Strummerville January 14, 2017 (Keep in touch for the 2018 event on Facebook).