Associated Press October 13, 2003

Joe Strummer's Final Album Released

Former Clash-frontman Joe Strummer's last album has been launched in the United Kingdom. The gravel-voiced lead singer of the legendary punk band died at his home in Britain in December. He was 50. Strummer's family and friends gathered in London for the launch of his last album, "Streetcore." Former Clash bandmate Mick Jones was there, as was UB40, Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet, and photographer Pennie Smith, who shot the "London Calling" album cover for The Clash. Strummer's widow, Lucy, announced the Strummerville charity at the event. The charity aims to help youth groups and individuals buy instruments, studio and rehearsal time. "Streetcore" will be released Oct. 21 in the United States. The Clash is best known for its hits "London Calling" and "Rock the Casbah," which electrified the punk scene in the 1980s. The band, which split in the mid-1980s, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March.