St. Joe Strummer Celebrated On The 15th Anniversary Of His Passing

"Raise a toast to St. Joe Strummer, I think he might've been our only decent teacher" - 'Constructive Summer', The Hold Steady (2008)

"That idea comes from the Clash-that you could come out of the audience, get up onstage, grab the microphone, and if you had something to say, then you have a valid reason for being there. That idea changed my life: It's the reason U2 exists today." - Bono

It's been fifteen years since Joe Strummer's mighty lion's heart gave out, and to celebrate a life that changed so may others, ClashJamWallop!, Trouble Pilgrims and The Dubtones present a knees-up tribute in Dublin's Grand Social tonight, Dec 22nd.

Earlier this year, a symposium was held in Trinity College to mark the anniversary of The Clash gigs that took place there. ClashJamWallop's performance at that academia/punk rock mash up saw them granted the official nod of approval from Strummer's estate.

Hot Press talked to event organiser Eugene Connolly, "‘Clashjamwallop! are hosting the event, but Trouble Pilgrims will tear the place up as usual too, fronted by long time Strummer associate Pete Holidai. Dubtones play to the spirit of The Clash & watching singer/guitarist Whelo, you’d swear the spirit of Joe resides somewhere within. I can promise special guest vocalists on the night too, very special guests!"

Speaking of former Radiator man and now Trouble Pilgrim, Pete Holidai, I asked what Joe Strummer meant to him. "Philip Chevron and I always felt more aligned towards The Clash more than most of the first division 'punk' bands both on a musical flexibility level and substance of lyrical content. The Strummer/Jones or Chevron/Holidai balance was the main thing we had in common. Personally I felt Joe was more aware of and appreciated a broad range of musical influences imported into the UK by the cultural diaspora of the Empire. His intense delivery and passion for the subject of interest was totally convincing. I never spent anytime with him but Philip built a close mutual appreciation of their former bands while they played together in the Pogues."

Pete cites 'London Calling' as his favourite Clash tune, Stuart Clark, in our 40th anniversary issue earlier this year, opined that "the stomping duung-duung-duung intro would make a corpse jump around". I myself have argued several times, over several glasses, that it has all been downhill since The Clash broke up.

Things kick off at 8:15 tonight, admission is a bargain €10, and tickets are available at the door.

The Grand Social