Joe Strummer
Joe Strummer was the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the Clash, the British punk band that fused rock with reggae, funk, and political fury in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Born John Mellor, he took his stage name from his rudimentary guitar technique.
After the Clash dissolved, he pursued solo work and film scores.
Strummer became shorthand for punk's conscience—politically engaged, musically restless, authentically working-class: He had that Joe Strummer energy, all leather jacket and righteous anger.
Urgent message from Britain
- 1977Four-digit date
- punk rockStripped-down aggressive rock genre
- reggaeJamaican offbeat music style
- dubAdd replacement audio
rockabilly · British · debut · breakup · reunion
Power to affect others
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- legendUnverified traditional tale
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
documentary · tribute · murals · memorial · posthumous · Rock and Roll Hall of Fame · NME · future generations
Amateur home projects
- rebellionDefiance of established power
- anti-establishmentOpposing dominant institutions
- safety pinsShielded-point fasteners
- leather jacketGarment of tanned animal skin
mohawk · fanzine · squatter · Roxy · CBGB · subculture · underground · raw
Public expression of disapproval
- anti-fascismOpposition to far-right authoritarianism
- NicaraguaCountry with capital Managua
- SandinistaNicaraguan leftist insurgent
- miners' strikePit workers' labor action
solidarity · humanitarian · refugee · social justice · working class · anti-war · direct action
Legendary American tree-planting pioneer
- Redemption SongAnthem about breaking chains
- soundtrackMusic accompanying visual media
- Sid and NancyInfamous punk rock couple
- WalkerOccupational surname
London Calling
Urgent message from Britain
influence
Power to affect others
inspiration · documentary · tribute · murals · memorial · posthumous · Rock and Roll Hall of Fame · NME · future generations
DIY
Amateur home projects
- rebellionDefiance of established power
- anti-establishmentOpposing dominant institutions
- safety pinsShielded-point fasteners
leather jacket · mohawk · fanzine · squatter · Roxy · CBGB · subculture · underground · raw · authentic
protest
Public expression of disapproval
- anti-fascismOpposition to far-right authoritarianism
- NicaraguaCountry with capital Managua
- SandinistaNicaraguan leftist insurgent
miners' strike · solidarity · humanitarian · refugee · social justice · working class · anti-war · direct action
Johnny Appleseed
Legendary American tree-planting pioneer
- Redemption SongAnthem about breaking chains
- soundtrackMusic accompanying visual media
- Sid and NancyInfamous punk rock couple
Joe StrummerTed Nugent
Johnny Ramone · Kid Rock · Gene Simmons · Morrissey · Alice Cooper
Joe StrummerSimon Cowell
Milli Vanilli · Max Martin · Bon Jovi · Def Leppard · arena rock
Joe StrummerMick Jagger