Today is Joe Strummer’s birthday!
The late co-founder of The Clash formed the band in 1976 during the rise of punk in the US, following bands such as the Ramones. The Clash made an impression with their second album, Give ‘Em Enough Rope, in 1978, when it reached number 2 in the UK charts. Unlike many of their peers in England and even in the US, The Clash earned critical acclaim for their raw combination of political strife and teenage angst in their music. They had a major hit in the US with their iconic 1979 “London Calling”, despite the backlash punk faced after the Sex Pistols’ failed tour.
The band’s peak came in 1982 with Combat Rock, when it reached number 7 on the US charts and went double platinum, making them one of the biggest bands in the world. The Clash’s music had a huge impact on alternative rock, and there is hardly a band that doesn’t cite them as a direct influence. They were called “The Only Band That Matters”, a title that has always been associated with their name.
In the late 80s, all members of the original group left the band and Strummer attempted to continue The Clash on his own, but he eventually went solo and also performed with other groups such as the 101ers, the Latino Rockabilly War, the Mescaleros and the Pogues. He began acting and composing music for television shows and films, and even hosted the BBC radio show London Calling.
In 2002, Joe Strummer died of a congenital heart defect after it was announced that The Clash were to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He was 50 years old. One of the greatest rock pioneers of his time, Joe Strummer will be remembered for generations after his success in the 1970s, as his music still resonates in the hearts and minds of the youth today.
Happy birthday, Joe.
