In Remembrance of Joe Strummer:

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THANK YOU

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In memory of a wonderful, inspiring,man,musician,socialist.
I miss you,
Paul Emerson.

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I'd hate to miss out on being among the 26,000-plus soul siblings who have here expressed their sorrow about losing Joe. The world is now a more lonely and boring and less safe and interesting place for me, and I can only imagine how much more so for his family and friends. I send my condolences especially to Lucinda and Joe's three daughters, but also generally to us all and to the few odd people who've never heard of Joe Strummer--they'll never know what they missed. Nell

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I just got back from a large peace rally here in my small Kansas town. As I was there, lyrics from many of Joe's songs ran through my head and I missed him once again. What a force he could have been at this time. Thank you Joe for having the courage of your convictions and always speaking out against injustice. I am a teacher and educators often talk about role models. Joe, you were a great role model for today's youth. As we stood in a crowd of 1,500 near the gazebo in city park, the organizers led the crowd in singing a rather lame song called "solidarity forever." I said to my wife, "I wish they would lead the crowd in singing White Riot by the Clash." A young kid next to me with blue hair turned to me and said "That would be cool by me!" You live on in our hearts Joe and the message will not be stopped!
Love,
John

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Joe, you were a beautiful human being,
and your premature sudden death is painfully unfair...

Thank you for your remarkable soul.

Sincerely,
J (in Toronto)

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Joe, you were a role model to me of humility, lack of pre-judgement, sincere love of music and kulture, and careful observation of the human species. So impossible to believe, even now, that your physical presence is no longer with us. I hear you're rustling things up a bit in Heaven, just as it should be. I know I'll look for you when I'm on the other side, cuz you'll have the best music, best vibe, and most interesting people around you! With so much love......

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You were so good to me Joe, you gave me so much. I will carry your inspiration with me always. Thank you.

Love, Wally

P.S. "THANKS FOR THE BLUES"!

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Whomever reads this. I want you to know what a deep sense of loss I have felt for almost two months now with the loss of a truly inspirational human being. I have listened more intently to Joe Strummer's music and lyrics than any other singer/songerwriter. I was moved and challenged by Joe's music. I am a Vietnam veteran and was touched by Straight to Hell and Charlie Can't Surf. Easily, my favorite album was Sandinista. I always refuse to listen to it unless I have enough time to listen to each of the three albums. Like Joe, I love vinyl records. I even got to meet Joe once and talk a bit with him at an X concert in Denver in about 1982. I got to talk to Joe Ely (who toured with the Clash) about Joe. I remarked that Joe seemed like a really intense, committed individual. Ely laughed. It was obvious he had deep admiration for Joe Strummer. I love every bit of music Joe ever made, including Cut the Crap. I will miss you forever Joe. Fred.

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My uncle died last week; I will miss Joe more.
"You're my guitar hero!" I love you so much and I always will.

("Gung ho, gung ho!")

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I WISH TO TAKE THIS LATE OPPURTUNITY TO PRAISE AND THANK ALL OF JOES FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR THERE SUPPORT TO THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN THERE LIVES JOE STRUMMER. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND CAN NEVER BE REPLICATED, HIS LEGEND WILL LIVE ON IN MANY WALKS OF LIFE FOR ETERNITY AND MANY WILL TAKE THAT WITH THEM FOREVER, MUSIC LOST A ROCK LEGEND BUT GAINED A HEALTHIER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE. GOD BLESS

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I'm the person i am because of the influence of Joe Strummer. He turned me from a young boy in rural Ireland into a citizen of the world and a rebel!

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Joe was a truly exceptional person and the world is a worse place now he has gone. Its unusual to find someone with principles, who does not change when they come into money. We will miss him, but at least we have his music to remember him by.

Annette and Mark, Deal, Kent, UK

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One of my saddest days.
As a youngster the Clash opened my mind, helped me realize that music could change the world. I was very lucky to meet the man in 1983, he made me feel welcome & that my opinions were important and most of all that I could make a differance.
The world is a better place for knowing this vital & humble man.
As long as I live I will never forget.
Peace & Love, John Gilchrist Calgary Canada

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When a friend first introduced me to Give`em enough rope`, I have to admit I wasn't impressed (too raw, I said, I don't understand the lyrics} but by the time I heard "London Calling" they had become the Only Band That Matters.
My condolences to Joe's friends and family. Music with a Message has lost its' greatest voice.

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Joe, you will truly be missed. Music will never be the same. Its hard to listen to the Clash with out getting teary eyed. I really miss you.

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I was Joe's music publisher from 1977 until 1982 and had seen him on and off since then. He had an amazing 'down to earth' attitude to everyone he came in contact with and in the almost 28 years I have been in music business , he was without a doubt the finest person I met. I was shocked at the news of his sudden death - indeed it has taken me 6 weeks to find the words to express my sorrow. He really will be missed - for his integrity and honesty as well as as his contribution to music over the past 25 years. His lyrical insights survive him and continue to inspire long after his departure.

Love
Dennis Collopy

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It's now February and it's still hard getting used to the idea of Joe not being here. I know it's a cliche to say that he changed my life but he really did. I work for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) in London and have done for some time. Without a doubt, if it hadn't been for the Clash I wouldn't be doing this. I had no interest in politics before that. How many people had heard about things like the Sandinistas? So thanks Joe for showing me that if I think something's wrong, I can try to change it. The best tribute to Joe is for people to look at what they do and how to make this world a better place for all of us.
Tony Myers, London

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Too young for bondage trousers and all that ,got me 1st copy of London Calling when I was 11.Wore that out inside the year.
The clash? more of the catalyst.
Never saw the clash,one chance ,only on the fimal tour,didn't wan't to,mot without Mick in them.
A long time passes,go to see The Mescaleros at the Corner Hotel Melbourne Australia.Just like being 11 again again.
Awe struck, inspired,cynisism falls away.
Bye Joe.
As the redskins put it.
Take no heroes,only inspiration.
Well that's all well and good but Joe was both.
Polx

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For all the isolationism, pain, fear, anger, frustration and hate in this world...music transcends it all. Thank you for bringing worlds together, and creating a common bond between us, where so many feel all alone. -Sherri Millan/Annapolis, MD

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I was looking forward to seeing Joe and the Mescaleros again. I was thinking that a few days before he passed. What an amazing talent. I consider myself lucky to have had Joe Strummer and the Clash as a part of my life for the past 25 years.

I have seen the Clash many times but, the shows at Bonds in NYC stand out as amazing and truly magical and I was lucky to have been there.

The Mescaleros at the Troubadour in October 2001, another magical night. It was lovely chatting with you that night.

Joe, thank you for giving so much of yourself and for being the voice of my generation. I have learned a lot from you.

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London Calling je moje nejoblíbenější album. tvoje smrt mne zarmoutila víc než smrt Johna Entwistla. Bobo

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Heaven calling.
R.I.P., Joe
Nicola, Pistoia, Italia

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I have followed the clash and more recently the mescalaroes since i was 14 , i am 40 now which is a large part of my life .I feel as though i've lost a freind even though the only words i ever spoke to him were great gig joe but iv'e had some greatimes . stay free miss you paul.

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I'm 36 and i have 5.000 records. The first one was London Calling. Thanks Joe

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I'm Gutted. What a sweet, sweet man. Something big is now missing from the world. Like its not a proper, real world anymore. How easy to think he would always be around, taken for granted in the best possible way because a world without him still feels inconceivable. One of the very few 'proper grown ups' I always looked up to and respected and trusted. Goodnight Uncle Joe and God Bless You. His influence on music- inspiring so many other artists and bands to incredible heights- I will always be grateful for; 'If you seek his monument, listen around you.' My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rae.

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So long Joe! Im just another bloke whos course of life you changed forever

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Rock on in heavan!

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stay free
fabrizio milano italia

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UN ETRE HUMAIN, UN VRAI, UN INOUBLIABLE, TU VIVRAS EN NOUS ET PAR NOUS PENDANT ENCORE LONGTEMPS... SO LONG JOE...

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Stay Free !!!!!

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i was always influenced by your music! good bye!

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CI SARAI SEMPRE
ADDIO VECCHIO CARO JOE

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I will try and try and try.
Again and again and again.
Thanks for your GREAT SOUL.
Thank you,Joe!

NAKAI Takahiro,JAPAN

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My guitar hero has gone and a part of me has gone with him.
R.I.P. Joe
Nicola, Pistoia, Italia

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joe, you opened my eyes. thank you.
tom, slovenia

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I woke up one morning and decided to wear my Joe Strummer T-shirt to band practice (a couple of hours before I heard the news). I'm leaving the drummer's house and I get a call on my cell phone. The voice on the other line says "someone we love has died". I got phone calls all day from friends and family telling me about the bad news.Joe Strummer was a nice guy and a great musician. I am glad I had the pleasure of meeting him in Chicago in 2001.

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Good night Joe
with these hands you sculpted melodies
that will dance in our heads
'til the sun ceases to rise.
Rugged fingers, sweaty palms,
this guitar an extension of your soul.

Good night Joe
with these eyes you took in the world
and gave it back to us
in lucid, unapologetic revelations
offered up a glimpse of truth
a vision of the future as it could be
as you were determined to make it.

Good night Joe
with this voice you liberated your mind,
idealistic and incendiary
your rage and passion permeating into poetry
driving your generation and those to follow in your footsteps,
filling them to the brim with hope
and the courage to fight for this troubled world.

Good night Joe
with this heart you sheltered the lost and disillusioned
the rebels and the visionaries
you stretched it so wide to hold us all
still pulsing strong and pure
each beat for the battle
each beat for love
each beat for one more strum on the guitar
one more clench-fisted wail
one more cry for freedom.

With this soul
you shaped who we have become.
Your heart still beats within us
and we will need it in this world.

(but it's so much emptier here without you)

Good night Joe.

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Our hearts are broken having lost such a great person like Joe. All the years of great music, how can anyone begin to say thank you.
These past few years haven't been the easiest, but Joe & The Mescaleros music was there for us and we are so grateful. We send our deepest condolences to Lucinda and family, close friends and band mates at this extremely difficult time.
With sympathy,
Sharon, Donnie and Nancy Fazio
Norristown, Pennsylvania USA

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I have been a long time fan for over twenty tears but finally met Joe Two years ago in L.A. at an in store record release on Sunset Bl. at Tower records. Joe played great. I finally got to meet him. I shook his hand and congratulated him on a great new album. I didn't want to take too much of his time so I left with out saying just how much his music has meant to my lto my life. Joe, your music changed my life. It inspired me to become politically active and think for myself. It helped to make me a better person. I know you don't like the word hero but when I met you in person it was 1980 and I was 15yrs old meeting my hero. I will dearly miss you Joe but I will never forget you and how your music inspired me to be a better person. Thank you for giving so much and God bless you.

Paul

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Joe,
una parte di me è venuta con te.
I'm missing you.
Nicola, Pistoia, Italia

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Joe was the reason I love music.He made me challenge people politically and gave me the confidence to rebel at what I was told.The depth of love and respect for Joe will not diminish through time.A revolutionary hero,who would never turn rebellion into money,he carried the fight to the end.

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I had friends in The Pogues and was happily around for some West Coast shows on the tour when Joe Strummer was their stand-in singer. I have a great memory of sitting in a hotel room, full of Pogues, in San Francisco huddled over a cheap little bedside radio with Joe, searching for some good music. We found a station that was playing old soul music and we sang along to song after song. I have other memories that go back much earlier but this one is my favorite. Thank you for your spirit, your realness, and your beliefs. My warmest sympathies to your wife and children. Sylvia, Santa Cruz,Calif.

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Joe Strummer był super człowiekiem i na zawsze pozostanie w naszych sercach ... Będzie nam Ciebie brakowało, a pamięć otobie niech będzie wieczna....

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When I heard the news about Joe I just cried and cried. Why couldn't somebody stupid die? I just think it's so unfair. Joe was the most amazing person on the face of the earth. Now when I look around I just think " Wow, everything really sucks". So I bought two tree thingies at Future Forests. But I don't think I'll ever get over it. Joe was too great. Rest peacefully Joe...I love you and thank you. ~*Spaz*~

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FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT AGAIN!!!!!!! Sid Vicious, Kurt Cobain and now Joe!!!!! FUCK!!!! How can that be???? I Live in RUSSIA!!!!!!!! AND I WILL DO ALL I CAN TO MAKE JOE STRUMMER'S NIGHT!!!! It will be a biggest tribute in RUSSIA.... and we will play your songs!!! REST IN PEACE JOE!!! I HOPE THERE WILL BE MUCH BETTER THAN HERE!!! I HOPE YOU WILL MEET THERE Sid and Kurt..... We Will meet soon!!!! RIP RIP RIP RIP RIP RIP RIP
P U N X N O T D E A D

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It's still an incredible news for me. The Clash was my favorite band since I was a high school student. I can clearly remind the concert in Osaka Japan about 20 years ago. His songs will be in my heart forever. Thank you Joe.

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When Joe Strummer died we lost a songwriter, musician and man with more passion and integrity than our media and music 'industry' could handle. Would-be songwriters should be locked in a room with Joe's albums & lyrics until they can work out for themselves what music is actually for.

My sympathy to Joe's family, bandmates past & present and friends

Martin Craig

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love ya joe

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Die grösste Stimme des Rock'n Roll ist Tod.Wir werden Dich nie vergessen...
Go straight to heaven,boy...! We'll all miss you,JOE.
Lasse/Annette BERLIN

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I'm so sad. I don't really know what to say. Your music accompanied my life for 25 years. The world has become a lonlier place. My condolences to Joe's wife, daughters and everybody immediately affected by his death. You will always live on in my heart, Joe strummer. RIP.
Joanna

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He was a great person.
We will miss him.
Antonia Joe Lidia

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I had the pleasure of meeting Joe 25yrs ago & even though he has now sadly passed i still feel ,through his music he still communicates with me.I listen daily & will continue to do so. God bless you Joe & thanks for everything. Phil, Lancs. UK

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I knew you meant a lot to me Joe but now i realise just how much, i was lucky enough to see the Clash live in Liverpool as a teenager and later on their individual stuff ( even toppers!) You stayed true 'til the end ,you stayed free 'til the end ,you inspired me as well as a lot of others and i thank you for that and your music. Deepest sympathies to your family , God bless, BEN CRONE, LIVERPOOL.

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A great man. I was lucky to see the Clash in Sydney Australia over twenty years ago. I will never forget it.

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puta que me dio pena, me quedé helado cuando vi en un diario la noticia, partí a mi pieza y busque el video donde tenia grabado a los clash y lo puse a todo volumen con las luces apagadas... preguntandome por qué... por que no mueren todos los demas inmbeciles como riky martin o britney spears o michael jackson... en fin una lista larguisima de musicos imbeciles... PUNK NOT DEAD!!!!Martín desde Chile, Adios joe...

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After ordering my breakfast the waitress handed me the newspaper. I scanned the front page and in the corner is a pic of Joe and some print."Strummer dead at 50". My eyes shot straight to the floor in disbelief of what I just read. I waited a moment before I read it again.
My heart just dropped and kept falling. I didn't want to read the details just yet because my eyes were welling up with tears. So I turned the paper over , ate my breakfast , went to 7-11 bought all the newspapers, got home and read the stories. I took all my Clash pins and buttons out of my closet and just looked at them. I used to wear them on my jacket some 20+ yrs ago. Then I looked at old pics of me in my Clash t-shirts, and then took out all my Clash records. But still can't listen to the music , cuz when I do I'm going to cry so so so bad.
I'm a British born Canadian East Indian . I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. And I wish I could have met you. So many things to say........
How much your words have taught me. Peace be with you Joe.....
Love, Manoj

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Happy trails Joe you mean a lot to us.

Adam.

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A little over a month now and not one second easier.were'nt we lucky to have had Joe as long as we did?Were'nt we lucky to get it,even if sometimes we really did'nt?It was always Joe for me, in Florida in 1979 he seemed to come from somewhere else to tell me things,the truth is he still does.the line"thought about my children grown"sucks the blood ouy of my body every time I THINK about it ,let alone hear it.Cuz now I'm watching mine grow and we had that in common.I played in bands ever since 1981,and even though I only saw Clash once(the band without Mick or Topper)and never actually met Joe ,I've known him well and tried to use that knowledge in my own music,my life,my times.Go easy brother, with love,Bill Butler

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Joe changed my way of looking at things through his music. I appreciate all that he did for the world. He will be sorely missed. Jeff

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I have been in a state of shock since I heard the news of Joe's death. I was just listening to Rock Art and the X-ray Style about a week before and just started getting into the mescalaros music.
I grew up on The Clash's music and then BAD. I had no idea Joe had started a new band until this past summer. Now he is gone. He had so much more to say that we will never here.

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when i learned of the death of joe strummer,i started crying as if i had lost a friend.....THANK U FOR EVERYTHING JOE...rest in peace

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I grew up in far outback Queensland, Australia (small town called Blackall).
My first real inkling that there was a world of music outside of country and western was "London Calling".
I have been in love with the Clash ever since, and to me the Clash were always the voice of Joe Strummer.
A lifelong ambition to see Joe live was fulfilled last year when the Mescaleros came to Sydney.

Joe, you were one of the greatest, and like everyone who submits a message, I will miss you greatly.
The Choir of Angels will now have some real balls.

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so sad

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Your music was the light in my life........i miss you...R.I.P!!!!!

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I missed his concerts with the clash when I was a young punk. I missed his last mescaleros gig in cologne. Now I miss him forever.

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Dear John,
you was a very good man! I´m very sad that you left us.

W E W I L L E V E R M I S S Y O U ! ! ! !

G O D B L E S S Y O U !!!

Sincerly
Gabby

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joe, you were the biggest and had the biggest heart. thanks for everything.

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Joe's words and music showed me there was a world beyond my record collection. I owe him a lot.

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Ill miss you deeply ,you opened this kids eyes to all sorts of stuff,i learned so much from you, thanks .Deepest condolences to his family.


YOUR MY GUITAR HERO

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it's always the same... whenever you've lost a friend, there's hole that never can't be filled again. i never have had the luck to meet you, only through the music you've brought to me, but you and your songs will always have a big place in my heart.
chris from germany, will try to be NOT down!

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Never forgotten.

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i was one of the lucky ones to see joe strummer, my dad was a great fan,i got to see him at the move gig last year i really enjoyed his music, he was one of the best, my heart goes out to his family and friends he was a great man.

god only takes the best xx

amy

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Still hurts.....

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DO NOT THINK OF JOE WITH SADNESS

OK, SO NOW WE'RE CLASH-LESS

FROM AN ELGIN AVE 101'er
TO A CLASH CITY ROCKER
JOE WAS EVEN A MARATHON RUNNER!!!!!!!!
FROM MARTIN W14

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Thanks, i never forget you.
you are and you still be the best.
obrigado....Portugal

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joe, you and your mates raw power,your political and humanitarian consciousness will be missed. i never got to meet you but i think you were a true rebel and a deep profound soul. your music rocked me as a young punk in the early 80's and will and it will surely not die for generations to come. i was deeply touched when i got the news. rest in peace man!!!cyril from BUMCELLO. paris

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Where music and passionate rebelion meet in my heart, there I see you. thank you Joe.
-Zach Lihatsh

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Thank you God for giving us Joe Strummer for 50 years.
What a wonderful man who helped so many people.

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"Should I Stay or Should I go?" Du skulle ha stannat, kära Joe! This is way I don't belive in god, and have never done.... So good persons dies young!!! Carro

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I took a while for me to discovery the Clash. But when I did... I feel so much better when I listen to the Clash. Why is he gone? He was not very old, and he could have done so much more... I thank you, Joe, for everything you gave me. I will never forget you. Ever. Carolin - Sweden

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sei stato il fratello più grande che non ho mai avuto; è come se ti avessi sempre conosciuto anche se non ti ho mai incontrato; le tue canzoni mi hanno fatto compagnia e mi accompagneranno sempre...non penso di aver mai pianto così tanto in vita mia..........nick paranza - italy

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We carry on in the rock and roll trench line. We lost a leader. We learned and grew from his work. We continue to grow. Still we miss Joe...Dave, Rockin' Bones, Nashville

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I miss you,Joe...You changed my life,you've been my hero,and will be my hero forever.Thank you for your SPIRIT and MUSIC.Thank you for your inspiration.God Bless...
Love from Tokyo,Japan
Chieko

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JOE WAS A PERS0N WHO INSPIRED ME AS A YOUNGSTER. He is the first person to pass away that was insprirational to me. It is like what my professor told me, "the older you get, your life becomes a series of good-byes. Joe was the first for me. Keep Rockin. Peace

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que l'esprit de Joe strummer l'insoumis et le résistant nous accompagne longtemps. n'oublions pas la révolte punk qui nous a animé, perpétuons sa mémoire
pascal

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a distanza di un mese sono ancora scioccato
R.I.P. Joe
Nicola, Pistoia, Italia

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I,am very very sad with the bad news, i growp up with his music and his songs will be in my mind forever. That the spirits of the forest be with your soul brother.
hernan. bsas.argentina

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Long will your words and presence live on in our world

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Fuck hell!!!! I'm so fucked till the day that somenone saids me that Joe (the big joe) has died. I love Clash since the day I has heard their songs (the first was "should I stay..." when I was only 11 or 12). We're tryng to make a party homenage to the best punk band ever been in this pinche world, with dj playng clash songs all the night in benefit of the antifascist plataform of our town, near from barcelona. We will never forget you joe, UP THE PUNK!!!!!

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i first listened to the clash when i was nine years old,im now 32 and still listening.to me joe was the greatest song writer in british history,i will never forget seeing him live,ie from the rock againest the rich concerts,and the last time i saw him at t in the park. you will be in my ears forever. leigh

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Joe Strummer and the Clash were one of the greatest influence on our band. The first Clash album is unsurpassed in terms of punk rock spirit and anger. Joe, you'll be sorely missed RIP - MARTIN OF 'CONTEMPT'

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I LOVE YOU U ARE THE MOST AWESOME PERSON TO LIVE WHEN I WATCH AND LISTEN TO YOUR MUSIC I ALMOST WANT TO CRY IT TAKES A PIECE OUTTA ME UR PART OF ME IN MY MIND WHEN I GET LOST IN THE MUSIC CALVIN WRIGHT

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My heart goes out to joes family.I was blessed to spend time with Joe after a show in Columbia,Missouri.His music changed my life,meeting him was/is a dream come true.God Bless Joe,His Family and Friends

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Joe, you gave us an idol to look to, your music, its context and content gave us anthems for our angst...You truly will be a fine icon for us. Thank you. Lynda AUS.

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I RESPECT JOE STRUMMER FOREVER.I LOVE HIS MUSIC,LYLIC,AND ATTITUDE FOREVER.I KEEP ON ROCKIN' FOREVER.FROM HERE TO ETERNITY.
I LOVE ROCK'N'ROLL.I LOVE PUNK ROCK.I LOVE THE CLASH.I LOVE JOE STRUMMER!
I WANNA RIOT!!!!!!

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Bollocks! A great man who saw through all the bullshit. We need more like him. I tell you what, though....that's some band I'm going to hear when I split this mortal coil....Should I stay, or should I go????? The Wilse.

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Joe,you were a beacon burning brightly on the bleak horizon of this earth.You didn't realize it,but you always guided me,(or, should I say,propelled)me along life's stoney path.You were the big brother I never had.You were the real deal,Joe.Though we weren't in constant contact,every 2 or 3 years our paths would somehow cross through your latest musical (ad)venture.Like good friends,we'd always pick up where we left off.Thanks for looking after me,and making me feel like"family."Thanks for all the good fun and laughs we had over the 20 some odd years I've known you.Most of all,thanks for the wealth of great music and positive vibes you've given us.You were truly a blessing in my life.I'm sure our paths will somehow cross again.Til then,may God bless and keep you close. Your pal, Kloogs

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im in love with a rock n roll god

joe you are the man who has made me love the same man for the last fourteen years god bless and rest your sweet soul. always in our thoughts xxxxxx

"Im so bored with the USA" - another classic legacy which sound completley prophetic today . The Clash inspired and did change our lives and gave me the friends iwe have today
RESPECT - STAY FREE

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A great musician, a great pioneer and a great man has left us. There are too few of his kind not to be deeply affected and saddened by this loss. My condolences to his family.

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I'm working at my computer, listening to The Clash. (The call up: I don't wanna die, I don't wanna kill). Social injustice, racism and war is still around. But where is Joe to sing about it? People like Joe should live forever (at least he does in his songs and in the trees of Future Forest).
Anyta

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Mi más sentido pésame para su familia que son los que peor lo estarán pasando en estos duros momentos.

¡Gracias por tu música Joe, descansa en paz!

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Those who are remembered are never truly gone...in our hearts Joe and his music will always live on and on. Thanks Joe! Dawn, Liverpool x

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Thank you for everything. See you in heaven. anita from the netherlands

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you have gone.
but we still live in this world.
and we must do what each of us can do.
maybe you hope so.
after this we will meet you again.
thank you joe.
thank you.

21.jan.2003 toru japan.

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I started listening to The Clash at a young age. they are the band that really got me into REAL punk music and not what people call punk today. Music made me what I am and Joe Strummer was music. He died the day of my 15th birthday.
I want to thank Joe for everything he's done for me through his music. Even though I never even met him, I feel like I've just lost someone really close to me...
RIP Joe... you'll always be remembered.....
-M

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I was fortunate enough to be turned onto the clash early in my life through a primary school art teacher, and have never turned back. Joe's music, thoughts and actions in and outside of the Clash have been and always will be an important influence in my life. When my partner came up to me with tears in her eyes, I knew something bad had happened. I would never had thought the passing of a musician would move me so much, but then again, I guess that's because I never wanted to think about someone as positive as Joe Strummer not being around. Thankyou so much for sharing yourself with the rest of us... Jase Mc

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the death of joe was a shock, the day before i bought super-black clash, the clash was the only band that matter, the took beutiful simplisity that is punk rock and ran with it to a new eperimental place that no other band has even atempted to go, and joe was driving force, only reason why white kids listen to reagea today is cause of joe's love of world music and culture, the clash was voice of concern not anger like the sex pistols total irrevance like thr ramones, they were about society and its ills. White Man in Hammersmith Passilise is about some white dude who is so cool he can hang in a all black nieghborhood nobody thinks twice- i strive for that. I just wonder were did a generation go? i dunno, but your music is a part of me-thanks.

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God bless you Joe! Thanks for everything. Robert

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october 12, 2001, me and my sister hing out with joe strummer for probably over two hours, that was by far the best day ive ever had, a few weeks ago i was woken by my little sister with the worst news....JOe Strummer was dead. i got up thinking it was a dram and went on the computer, and all i read was "Joe Strummer dead at 50". My life has been effected by the clash in every possible way. I gre up off of the Clash, thats what my dad gave me as a kid: Music. The clash was and still is life. Joe strummer wasnt even at his prime yet. Keep on Diggin' the new...
brian

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An inspiration for all. Joe Strummer is the ideal image of what a true hero, legend and rock star should be. He taught everyone through his music to fight for what they believe in and make themselves be heard. Although he's gone and it's the worst thing on the other hand while he was here he did what he could for everyone and for that i'm eternally greatful...I'll miss him forever although i never met him i feel as if i had....sasha

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UN GRANDE EORE MI HA LASCIATO!! UN GRANDE EORE NON MI LASCIERA'MAI!!
GRAZIE JOE !! SARAI SEMPRE CON NOI !! UN BACIO ALLA FAMIGLIA !!

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Merci Joe : pour les 18 cannettes de cidre qu'on a enfilées à Leicester dans le "dressingroom" du Charlotte en août 2000. Pour la soirée mémorable du HMV à Toronto. Pour ce merveilleux concert au Spectrum le 13 Octobre 2001. Pour les trois fabuleux concerts de Brooklyn. When you hugged me at St.Ann's last April, little did I expect then you were saying your goodbyes...
To Luce and Eliza, Jazzy and Lola, my heartfelt condoleances. The sense of loss I'm experiencing can't be compared to yours for losing a husband and father.
To the Mescaleros, three words : I Love You.
To Mick, Paul and Topper : you changed my life. I'll never be thankful enough for the great music you put out. It is still an inspiration and the soundtrack to my life.
Joe's lyrics and music opened my eyes to many causes, made me travel and connect with people. But what touched me most were his human qualities : his warmth, broadmindedness, generosity, honesty, integrity and great sense of humour. Joe was a gentleman, in the most noble sense of the word.
Merci Joe, pout tout...
Dominique (aka BTT)
Montréal (Québec)

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Rock and roll never forgets, we loved you Joe, agreat and honourable man...

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we'd only just signed your birthday card
you will be missed not only by your family
but all the young (and) old punks
stay free
mark gilder

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Thank you for everything, we see us later
Stefan, Berlin

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You will never walk alone.

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No tears, no... Just a terrible sadness since I heard you died Joe.
After Joey and Dee Dee, it's a bad year for punk rock. I heard Clash for the first time when I was 10, and it became my favourite band.
We'll never forget you, we love you forever.
Shit, here are the tears...
S (France)

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Requiem for the Rude Boy
Copyright Gary Robins

From the Westway to the West Indies
The Rude Boy’s standing tall
Shouting out for the brothers and sisters
With their backs against the wall
Fire in the face of failure
When society don’t exist
Living out the dream of the punch drunk
hobo existentialist

Speaking for a generation
Brought up without a voice
Providing the inspiration
For those without a choice
From Dagenham to San Domingo
For every young kid in jail
For every bum and strung out Gringo
he Rude Boy just can’t fail

Taking the sound of the shanty town
Sending it around the world
As they up the political ante
For every Rude Boy and Girl
Standing like Elvis Presley
Singing like Tommy Steele
Living for the live performance
The Rude Boy was keeping it real
A writer for a lost generation
A riot in his head
Too much disinformation
I don’t believe that the Rude Boy’s dead

From the Westway to the West Indies
Joe Strummer standing proud
Playing rock and roll on a Saturday night
And playing it fucking loud

From the Westway to the West Indies
The Rude Boy won’t be cowed
Tearing out his heart on Saturday night
And giving it to the crowd

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it is a sad day as one of yhe good guys has gone i grew up with these guys clash pistols etc ,rip joe

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my thoughts are with joe,s family and friends especially ex clash band mates. The clash and joe strummer meant alot to me and millions of others around the world. the music and the man have their place sealed in history so perhaps we can take comfort in the fact that the legend that is joe strummer will live on not only in our hearts and soul but within the world as a whole. We may not see another band like the clash or indeed a man like joe. I just know i,m a better person for listening to his music and what he had to say. there hasn,t been a day since he died when I have not thought of him and what he means to us. Come on everyone play those records everyday and as loud as possible. Thank you joe and god bless. Dan,cumbria england.

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shock!

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joe will be sadly missed by many people who he influenced and was a hero to .
condolences to his family and friends

mike

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God, You toke him away too early.
Since I was a child I wished I can meet him before I die, but I never thought that he goes first.
I love him, in a strange way, admiration maybe, but I thing that is more, I liked all about him. It´s funny I have seen three persons alike him, and they both are incredible.
I have one thing to say, I will admire to you all my life, my childrens will know who was you, and will listen your music, watch your movies, and admire you like I do.
I send to you, where ever you are, a hug and a kiss.

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Joe and the boy's made me the man I'am today.The music,art, literature,have all influenced me through my year's.
May the goddess watch over you Joe.
Ira

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"London calling" è, e sarà per sempre, la colonna sonora della nostra vita; "Yalla yalla" è la canzone preferita della nostra bimba di 3,5 anni.
Grazie, Joe.
Nicola & family, Pistoia, Italia

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gracias joe, nos encontramos
Ariel soriano - buenos aires - argentina

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Why, why now, Joe ?
I remenber the Shepherd's Bush in London, thursday 11 th July 2002.
J'étais là, devant, à t'écouter et formidablement heureuse de passer encore un moment avec toi. A la fin du concert, il me restait plus qu'à attendre une prochaine rencontre aussi mémorable, pour être là, à nouveau.
Je m'étais promise que je ferai ce qui est en mon pouvoir pour être présente à chaque fois que j'en aurai la possibilité.
Et voilà que tu tires ta révérence, avec toute la grâce et l'infime humilité qui fait de toi le grand Monsieur que tu es et qui restera à jamais gravé dans ma mémoire.
Tu me manques déjà terriblement. You are in my heart, forever.
Meriem.

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Bye Joe, you are my brother. Forever.
Tu me manques.
Dany.

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"London Calling" changed my life.
I will miss your voice and music, Joe.
See you in the big punk-forest over there,

A german fan

peace and fun for all people

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thanx joe im now 40 but clearly remember hearing clash records for the first time in my teens, i had all of them , great music and lyrics,seen so many bands, but if anyone asks the best concert ive seen ,always reply the clash ,was over 20 years ago now in new zealand but what a night it was.never forget the electricity of that great band.cameron wells melbourne

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Joe was/is a legend. He had a huge influence on my life (along with the rest of the Clash). Inspiring me to make many changes at different times in my life, as well as just getting me through the day. I was lucky enough to meet him briefly on his 2000 Australian tour, and although a small moment for him it was a big one for me.
Thankfully Joe will still live on in his music to inspire and influence others for the better. I wish him the best wherever he is now.
Devoted fan,
Peter

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Joe, I am so thankful for your outstanding records like London Calling and Sandinista, these albums blew my mind!
Thank you Joe,RIP.
See you later!

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My deepest sympathy to Joe's family and friends. The world has lost a musical genius and a much loved and much needed fighter against racism violence and inequality of all kinds. I shead more than a tear when I heard and I still think of him often in love and disbelief that he is no longer with us. His music changed my life completely, when I was a teenager, and contines to do so. I feel priviledged to have lived in a world with him in it.
Kerry, Sydney

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Joe, you built the greatest, to the point, kick ass band; EVER!!!!! - Me and my old friends 1994 at the centrum (Mass.) stay free-kenzo

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Long Live Joe Strummer! 1952-2002
by D. Firebrand

Revolutionary Worker #1183, January 19, 2003, posted at rwor.org

We received this correspondence from an RW reader.

"Somebody's got to say the truth and it's a hard job to say the truth."

Joe Strummer, interview in the Revolutionary Worker September 28, 1979

I was pretty fucked up for a few days. Seriously. It's like, in life you prepare yourself for losses and sacrifices. There's a lot of that going on these days and surely more to come. As 2002 was coming to a close, things were quiet in the holiday season. Then in an unsuspecting instant we lost a hero. Joe Strummer slipped away just as he came, making indomitable music. It's as though he was always there. A stalwart.

But he wasn't always there, and neither was The Clash. By the time I was born, The Clash had basically came and went. But in my orbit The Clash was the beacon. They created incendiary music on the threshold of contemporary culture. They were a revolutionary band, who put forward the need for a radical overturning in society and in music. Their music was an audio onslaught. Of all the radical bands, they were the first to really do it, putting it down for the people and sticking it to the system. I have loved The Clash for a long time and although they broke up almost 20 years ago I've always been able to go back to them. Now I've been listening to The Clash incessantly since Joe died.

You just wish people could stick around, even just a little bit longer. After I heard about Joe's passing I put a Clash poster up and bought a small candle in a glass. I scratched the prayer off of the glass and lit the candle in remembrance of Joe. When I woke up the next morning the wax had melted away and the wick burned down. All candles will eventually go out, but I really wish that first one had lasted longer. I have since replaced that candle. I guess that's how it goes, everyone dies, but you just wish that Strummer could have been around longer.

Thinking about The Clash really brings to mind the space and the oxygen provided by the people's bands. The great revolutionary artists do not simply create inspiring music that exposes people to ideas and politics to change the world. They are a force of attraction that people gravitate towards. Millions come to live their lives by what these artists say, do, mean, and come to exemplify.

You see, The Clash had so much disdain for the bloodsuckers running the world, especially the Yankee fools. As one of the seminal bands of the late '70s punk explosion, where various bands embodied a straight-up fuck-you attitude to the status quo, The Clash also had and gave hope for the future.

From the days of '77 until the very end, Strummer was an internationalist. When The Clash jumped on the scene in England their music fostered and promoted common cause between the white working-class youth, Black people, and immigrants, especially the Dreads who had such an influence on them, helping define much of the band's sound. They embraced and fused dub reggae into their music, and even incorporated the early rap sound when hip-hop was only a baby.

Though I never saw The Clash live I did have the chance to meet Joe four or five times, and all in one night. Last year after I saw Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros he brought a few dozen people out to the bars. And all through the night Joe was talking it up with the people--old friends, new friends, people who didn't know who he was. He would approach you, ask you questions, dis you, talk to you about music, politics, the world, all interspersed with countless anecdotes about his many years making music and meeting people all over the world. With whatever struggles they went through as a band, and the bitterly painful breakup, Joe was so proud of The Clash and what they had done. It was so good to see Joe and his new band. He was carrying the torch, and in listening to their albums and seeing them live it felt like they could come to mean a lot to people. When you saw Strummer on stage, with the younger musicians behind him, it was something else. He was beaming with rapture and had more heart than most artists half his age these days. He stepped to each show like it was a battle, and they were gonna win.

Strummer was a living legend. When you were with him, it was written all over him. He would tell you all he knew and thought. There was no pretension. And when we spoke Joe was challenged and excited to cross paths with revolutionaries from a new generation, who had been so inspired by his music. The passion was constantly flowing out of his eyes to his arms (which he used as his own `palm pilot' of sorts to write down important things that you said to him). When you were with him you felt as though you mattered. He was the kind of dude who stood really close to you in conversation. He wanted to hear what you had to say and was curious about the intonations in the way you spoke.

When you listened to his music it was deeply personal and yet at the same time it was as if he were speaking for millions of youth. From The Clash years all the way up to The Mescaleros, Joe faced the facts, and he challenged us to do the same. From "London Calling" to "Yalla Yalla" Joe fought against any notions of saviors coming down and rescuing the people from the horrors of the system. He proceeded from reality as it is, and not definitions--as idealists wish it to be.

There is a famous picture of The Clash standing in front of a photo of Red Army fighters during the Russian Revolution. Emblazoned across the top, over the band it says, "Clash, The Only Group That Matters." The attitude and demeanor of that band in taking themselves so damn seriously is something to learn from. For real. With the war on the world that the U.S. government is raining down around the planet and the police state that it's implementing here in the "homeland" I am reminded of the stance of that classic Clash song, "Clampdown."

The Judge Said Five To Ten But I Say Double That Again
I'm Not Working For The Clampdown
No Man Born With A Living Soul
Can Be Working For The Clampdown
Kick Over The Wall Cause Government's To Fall
How Can You Refuse It?
Let Fury Have The Hour Anger Can Be Power
D'You Know That You Can Use It?

It was this approach of taking all that rage that gets pent up inside and among the people, and diverting it towards the source of all the horrors, and being so fearless about that stand. Politically Joe had become disillusioned by the possibilities of revolutionary change. He never thought that a radically different world was undesirable, but the prospect of that happening in our lives--even if it could stay good-- was a big question for him and he had his doubts. Joe was hurting from defeats and letdowns of the past, but he never gave up on radical change.

In the Mescaleros song "Tony Adams," Joe asks, Somebody tell me clearly - has the new world begun?then declares, We're waiting for the rays of the morning sun.He wasn't sure if it could be done, and knew it would not happen in his life, but he wasn't closing the door on real change. In "Cool'N'Out" again he asks, "what's it all about,"but says, "let someone else figure it out."In spite of this torn-up feeling of change not coming in his life he still would come out and sing with hope for the future and faith in the people. "Well So Long Liberty, Let's Forget You Didn't Show, Not In My Time, But In Our Son's And Daughter's Time"("Yalla Yalla"). He wanted it sooo bad. He was throwing it out to the next generation.

He saw a power in music from all over the world bringing people together. In "Willesden to Cricklewood" he crooned, Come with me and be no good/ Be a madman on the street/ Sing something out like reet petite/ Let's hip-hop at the traffic lights/ Ten thumbs up and smilin' bright/ Crossing all the great divides/ Colour, age, and heavy vibes.

The pain is real, and I feel it in my gut. I wish Joe were with us right now. It felt so good to be out there knowing that Joe was trying to figure it all out with us. He has left with us quite a legacy. His memory will keep on strumming and nothing can take that away. I think Joe would understand that we need to mourn for a little while, then he'd tell us to grab a brewsky or tequila while we thought of him. He wouldn't want us to sit around too long though, he'd tell us to get up and make something better of this mess, and go find some people to get down with too, whether they look like you or not.

Make your moments count, cuz you never know how many more of them you can count on. The torch has been passed, now who's gonna take it towards the finish?

Crashing Head-On Into The Future
It Won't Even Leave A Dent
Just Walk In Like You Own It
Remember, It Ain't Set In Cement"
You Gotta Live In This World
Go Diggin' The New

Joe Strummer, "Diggin' The New"


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This article is posted in English and Spanish on Revolutionary Worker Online
rwor.org
Write: Box 3486, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 773-227-4066 Fax: 773-227-4497

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There's a big hole in my heart. Miss you so much Joe. You inspired, you showed us, you taught us, introduced us to so much new music. We'll never forget Adelaide 23 Feb 1982, the best concert ever. And meeting you and the Mescies at the B.D.O. here 2 years ago. Your forever with us. Thanks Joe, you gave so much. Rest in Peace. Love from Andy Sudholz

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I hear ya.Tragic!bad,bad news-
He is(not was) amazing--quite wow.nothing will replace.
last goodbye-ellen-

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my condolences to the family of my hero.
davide biondi

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It's been 3 1/2 weeks and I still have a knot in my stomach every time I think of Joe's death. I feel a profound emptiness now that he has passed. I think this will take some time to get over.
I can only imagine how his wife and children feel. What a man.

I purchased a tree from Future Forests that I dedicated to Joe's memory.

Jessica Malina .Austin, Texas

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Even though I'm only 14 and Joe left the band before I was born,I'd have to say that he has been a great influence on my life.His anti-prejudice yet still rebellious stance has played a great role in forming my own ideas about life.The band which me and my cousin and friend started have planned to play "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" in memory of Joe at a school function later this year memorial of Joe.Joe will always be missed and never forgotten.

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I was saddened by the news of Joe's death, as well as shocked. He made such an impact on my life in my teen years and his words of wisdom in his lyrics made me more aware of life around me. My deepest thoughts are with his family at this time.

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I will miss you Joe. All my love and sympathy to your family.
I would never forget Athens 85.
Thank you for changing my life.
Adios amigo, Afro.

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por qué tan pronto?

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Thanks for the inspiration you gave to me and my band

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This void will never be filled. You gave us so much, we will never forget.
The big man upstairs gave me a moment with you just 3 weeks before that sad December, in Carbisdale -Highland.
I thank you for that, and for the musical path that you paved for us all throughout your years.
Love always to you & your family
Vince & Jaqqi
xx

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Only the good die young! But the Clash will still be the best Rock Band ever!!

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December 22, 2002.
The world mourns.
December 22, 2002.
How profound for a clean and sober date :( This shit just tears me up. My eyes are wet. I am saddened. I cannot see to write this 'tho I thank God for being able to cry again. Miss you Joe.

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stay free,joe strummer.

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Oh my God! I am deeply saddened by the loss of another great human being. ..my condolences..Sitting here surfing the net, I just found out of his passing and was floored with the confirmation! I was in rehab during this time and have just gotten out a few days ago so I am having trouble dealing with this and that. I don't know what to write at this time except that I am deeply saddened. What a "hot-shot" directly to my heart! Forgive the reference..Perhaps it would be better to reflect back to a time when I would escape safely inside the music in my safe American home years ago when I was in high school. The first time I heard The Clash. Wow! My ears were cropped and glued to the maxxed-out distorted sounds coming out of my nineteen-dollars and ninety-nine cent turntable, radio, and eight-track tape player combo . This machine was chugging out fidelity at it's lowest, but it was playing something far superior, The Clash's singles comp. LP! I would play that wax until it melted into the cheap circuitry beneath it and have to buy another copy. I proudly ranted and raved that this band was the next 'Stones' and that everyone must get a copy for themselves, which most of my friends had done. Soon, the quiet little depressed town, just outside of the industrious Pittsburgh, PA was jamming to the beat of a different drum. A new door had been opened, or should I say "kicked down", and we were all about to surf this new wave forever.. and so the beat goes on..
I recall partying in this little one-dog-town several miles from home shortly after Give'em Enough Rope came out. Upon entering the delapitated old farm-house, I sized-up the crowd as "Southern-rockin-Skynyrd-fans" and I just could not listen to Freebird one more time even if it was for the road. My next thought was "Would they kick my ass if I usurped their airwaves thus providing my own rope to hang myself?". After a few courageous brews and a little more honkey-tonkin', I made my way closer to the stereo and did just that. I slipped the album on quicker than any DJ on the radio could. The music was continuous. Not a soul glazed at me or the stereo. This was good "Mission Impossible completed". Seconds later, I noticed their heads just a bobbin' and their feets a shufflin' to The Clash. Awe man .. beautiful..What a party it had become! I was really enjoying the party now. Everyone was having a good time, not to mention the fact that the only riff made was by Joe and his cronies. After a few songs, I had nonchalantly asked one long-haired dude the question "What was playing on the stereo?" He smiled and replied slowly "It's Rock and Roll maaan!" I was on cloud nine! After the album was over, a few others had asked me who just played. I told them and much to my surprise, I ended up letting the host of the party borrow the album for a while. I would imagine that in rural America that this was the only way that the music and message would travel, by word of mouth, and friends sharing music. It's still true today, but that's another story. Today, I am so grateful to be of sound mind and body when I declare my grattitude, respect, and love for the artists, especially Joe, who have enriched my life and