Live On Joe Strummer

Today would have been John Graham Mellor 62nd birthday.

The world knew Mr. Mellor better known  as his iconic stage name Joe Strummer, and so he shall always be known.

Strummer’s mark on the music world is so unbelievably important it’s hard to fathom. It kind of all started in earnest in 1976 with the formation of The Clash, a band that blended rock, rap, reggae, ska and a nice amount of rockabilly with lyrics full of social commentary, youthful angst and politics. The musical style and timing couldn’t have been more perfect. London (as well as NYC) had a new form of music gaining traction in the clubs and streets called Punk Rock and The Clash would come out as the flag bearers of the movement. But you already know all this….

Sure there has always been the, made up by dummies, debate of who were the true ‘punk rock’ gods of the time. Sex Pistols(est.’75), The Ramones(est.’74) or The Clash? Legacies have proven that The Clash had made more impact on future music than the others in this silly argument.

If I had five million pounds I’d start a radio station because something needs to be done. It would be nice to turn on the radio and hear something that didn’t make you feel like smashing up the kitchen and strangling the cat.  – Joe Strummer

Just take a listen to the albums “Give Em Enough Rope” (’78), “London Calling”(’79), “Sandinista”(’80) and “Combat Rock”(’82) and then listen to the alt-rock, rock and the so called punk-rock of today and tell me what band these modern day rockers have been influenced by.

Whatever your thoughts are about about current rock offerings, you shouldn’t deny Joe Strummer’s role in what is out there on the radio and in the clubs today.His legacy will live on forever.

Enough of all that, You Live On Mr. Strummer!