Joe Strummer

**John Graham Mellor** (21 August 1952 – 22 December 2002), better known as **Joe Strummer**, was a British musician, singer, songwriter, composer, actor, and radio host who was best known as the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist, co-lead vocalist of punk rock band the Clash, formed in 1976. The Clash's second album Give 'Em Enough Rope (1978) reached No. 2 on the UK charts. Soon after, they achieved success in the US, starting with London Calling (1979) and peaking with Combat Rock (1982), which reached No. 7 on the US charts and was certified 2× platinum there. The Clash's explosive political lyrics, musical experimentation, and rebellious attitude had a far-reaching influence on rock music in general, especially alternative rock. Their music incorporated reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap and rockabilly.

Strummer's other career highlights included stints with the 101ers, Latino Rockabilly War, the Mescaleros, and the Pogues, as well as solo music. His work as a musician allowed him to explore other interests such as acting, scoring television shows and films, hosting radio shows, and as a radio host on the BBC Radio show London Calling. Strummer and the Clash were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January 2003. In his remembrance, Strummer's friends and family established the Joe Strummer Foundation (initially known as Strummerville), a non-profit organisation which gives opportunities to musicians and support to projects around the world that create empowerment through music.

## Links to Kershaw

Kershaw was a big fan of the Clash, including its singer, Joe Strummer, who later became a personal friend of his. Apart from The Clash, Kershaw played much of Joe Strummer's projects especially his collaborations with other musicians.

Kershaw also invited Joe Strummer on his 07 October 1999 show to play some of his favourite records, as well as his collaboration with the Mescaleros.

On his 27 December 2002 show, Kershaw paid respect to Joe Strummer, who died recently by playing several of the Clash's songs on the programme.

## Shows Played

   Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
* 07 October 1999: Tony Adams (CD - Rock Art And The X-Ray Style) Mercury
* 07 October 1999: The Road To Rock 'n' Roll (CD - Rock Art And The X-Ray Style) Mercury
* 07 October 1999: Sandpaper Blues (CD - Rock Art And The X-Ray Style) Mercury
* 21 October 1999: Sandpaper Blues (CD - Rock Art and the X Ray Style) Mercury
* 28 October 1999: Yalla Yalla (CD - Rock Art And The X-Ray Style) Mercury
* 04 November 1999: X Ray Style (CD - Rock Art and the X Ray Style) Mercury
* 18 November 1999: Sandpaper Blues (CD - Rock Art and the X Ray Style) Mercury
* 30 December 1999: Sandpaper Blues (CD - Rock Art and the X Ray Style) Mercury
* 13 July 2001: Cool ‘N’ Out (CD - Global A Go-Go) Hellcat
* 28 September 2001: Global A Go-Go (CD - Global a Go-Go) Hellcat
* 12 October 2003: All In A Day (CD - Streetcore) Hellcat
* 12 October 2003: Silver And Gold (CD - Streetcore) Hellcat
* Andy Kershaw Podcast Episode 19: Sandpaper Blues (album - Rock Art And The X-Ray Style) Mercury

Joe Strummer
* 23 November 2003 (& Johnny Cash): Redemption Song (4xCD - Unearthed) American

## External Links

* Wikipedia
* Discogs