Happy Birthday John Graham Mellor.
Born today in 1952.
Joe Strummer has to be the biggest and most enduring of all of my rock and roll heroes. From 101’rs through The Mescaleros he has always remained true to himself.
I really don’t think that anyone can call him a sell out at any point. His style always had its world beat roots and his message always the same.
Its actually pretty hard for me to write this because I’m not quite sure what you say about someone who did so much intangible.
Face it you either felt Joe or you didn’t. I can say I certainly did and actually still do.
There was a calm strength an almost zen like prophet quality to him.
I recall feeling nothing more than reverent. In the presence of greatness really. I’m overly dramatic but if you have ever had the opportunity to sit in his circle, you could well have felt the same.
His death was abrupt. Still shocking to this day.
But what he left behind was great influence on musicians of today and a recorded history that can be revisited as often as you feel.
I can listen to Sandinista a thousand times more and still pick up things I hadn’t heard before. Same goes for Global a Go Go. Great stuff.
That gruff voice that gentle demeanor. Such a contradiction.
Today I will play the a mad Joe Shuffle. I will celebrate the guy who opened my musical mind
Its a great day. Celebrate accordingly