In 2003 The Clash were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. According to bassist Paul Simonon he wanted nothing to do with a reunion performance, but Strummer, Jones, and Headon were all for it. I find that somewhat hard to believe but the truth will never be known. Joe Strummer as the result of an undiagnosed heart condition December 22, 2002.
Simonon tells Rolling Stone: “Mick Jones, Joe and Topper Headon were very keen. The proviso was that, I think, if we got together and played, then we got the award. But to be honest, I didn’t really want to reform the band, full-stop, especially not in that environment.
“My point was that if we were going to reform, it can’t be in that corporate environment. Joe was unaware that the tickets were something like $1000 a seat, maybe more. I think if the Clash is going to reform, it should be somewhere where the seats don’t cost $1000. Joe was unaware of that and, of course, he died a couple of days later, so I wasn’t able to send him a message and give him that information.”
Simonon says: “Rather than be childish about it I thought, ‘Well, I’ll go to support everybody and the memory of Joe.’ But I had no interest in being part of any reformation.” “It was more than just a band – it was a lifestyle as well. It’s really an intense burst of energy and passion and creativity; the only thing you can compare it to is a shooting star.”
Check out Paulie being all martyr like. That sorta cracks me up because in no way was Paul ever the martyr. I’m not the type to wonder what Joe would have done, it doesn’t matter. We lost Joe and the world is a much dimmer place. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the lamest institution of all and holds no prestige in my eyes.
Still I’m glad there was never a Clash reunion. I want my memories to remain pure and true. Everything happens for a reason- and sometimes someone want to take credit for it when none is due.