now maybe the shock of losing such a wonderful inspiring man who had real integrity and commitment will wake up the hundred of thousands who were inspired bt thre clash's political stnce to get get out of their comfortable middle aged apathy, smell the (niguaraan)coffee and get on the streets and oppose this coming bloody war,

that would be a true tribute to him.

Sad day indeed . The CLASH and JOE ,were the true leaders of the political side of PUNK. Nearly every song written by the band had political overtones. while as a 14/15 year old this band told me more about the world ,than news at ten !!!
from tunes like , WHITE RIOT - GUNS OF BRIXTON -TOMMY GUN -
SPANISH BOMBS-AND DOZENS MORE . The clash and Joe ,opened my eyes to a horrible and unjust world and i know im not alone in being politically "activated" at an early age by the music of THE CLASH .
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
When they kick in your front door
how you gonna come ?
with your hands on your head
or on the trigger of your gun.

you can beat us
you can bruise us
but you'll have to answer to
THE GUNS OF BRIXTON

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
FAREWELL TO A WORKING CLASS HERO

The Clash were very good. Their first album said all you needed to know about Britain in 1977 - riots, unemployment, run down housing, crap politicians, racism ... '1977' has some of the best anti rich lines in it ("it is easy to be rich, sten guns in Knightsbridge") .... "Spanish Bombs" has the great line "you raise a red flag, I raise a black one". The Clash were one of the bands that were the back bone of RAR and raised support for the freedom struggle in central America. It is fitting that Strummer's last gig was in support of the firefighters. A great band that did great things (despite selling out in the end!)I'm off to play 'Lost in the Supermarket'!

the clash was the reason i made it through my teenage years...the clash was an inspiration to anyone that dared to think for themselves...and joe was a phenominal figure, and great artist...it all makes me think about the first time i heard them, sitting in a beatup volvo listening to my newly aquired used cassette of sandinista...its been a great journy ever since...THANKS JOE...

BREAK GLASS FOR MR. STRUMMER-tribute to Joe Strummer-----oh and No Bitchin the FBU band are welcome to these lyrics


Young Man,Old Man, the safety shoes
Break glass for Mr. Strummer
Radio Clash breaks the shopping news
Break glass for Mr. Strummer

There's no work on Monday Morning
The fire alarm fire is singing
All the damned party's singng
There is no party's singing
Break glass for Mr.Strummer
Break class for Mr.Srummer

No penny, no pound the union dues
Break glass for Mr.Strummer
The buskers, Punk stars, the FBU
Break glass for Mr.Strummer

There's no work on Monday Morning
The fire alarm fire is singing
All the damned party's singing
There is no party singing
Break glass for Mr.Strummer
Break class for Mr.Strummer
Young Man,Old Man,Busker,Punk Star,Dead Man broke the
Glass.

I do not advise workers or others to break the glass of fire alarms without there being a real fire or other risk, however if you feel the need check the consequences with you union rep first. If your at the funeral on Monday than celebrate or commiserate in your own way--it is in the afternoon and near Holland park--sorry,that is all the details I have got--all are welcome.

got this book about Joe and the Mescaleros yesterday ( http://visionofahomeland.com)
right at the end it reveals just how much Joe had the authorities running scared in 77/78 - seriously. Special Branch kept tabs on his movements.

should have said this before - this thread was/is a real tribute.