The counterfeit Clash

CLASH REBEL WHO DEFINED AN ERA

Joe Strummer was a rebel with a cause. As front man of The Clash, he encapsulated the pain and anger of growing up in London in the 1970’s. They ultimately transcended punk and will be remembered as one of the greatest rock and roll bands the country has produced.

Joe was a musical pioneer, a genius who fused reggae and rock, tackled issues such as racism and brought politics to the forefront of stagnant British music scene. He helped change the scene for ever, with a vocal power attitude and musical prowess his fellow punks could only spit at. The Sex Pistols hit the head-lines. The Clash had the tunes. White Riot, Should I Stay Or Should I Go? , London Calling and Bank robber still sound relevant.

Strummer's honesty and conscience made him the voice for a Generation disaffected with urban life an desperate to rebel. He influenced a host of bands. Without The Clash, there would be no U2 - they were the first band Bono saw live - Nirvana ors Oasis. Strummer toured relentlessly, playing just days before his death, and won a new generation of fans. He would hope that his passing inspires a kid on an estate to borrow one of his dad's Clash albums, pick up a guitar and fight against the establishment, sticking two fingers up to manufactured pop.

e-mail: counterfeitclash@sky.com