Joe Strummer, one of the greatest anti-racist, political musicians of his generation, has died, aged 50.
Strummer’s group The Clash headlined the momentous Rock Against Racism carnival in Victoria Park, London on April 30 1978, part of the RAR movement that played a massive part in halting the rise of the Nazi National Front. For many people, The Clash epitomised the anger they felt against racism, and their desire for a better world. They inspired countless numbers to get involved in the struggle against the NF and were one of the main reasons punk got political.
Joe Strummer’s life ended in the same way his public life began – supporting others in fighting for a better world. His last performance, with his band The Mescaleros, was at a benefit gig for striking firefighters in West London.
Joe will be greatly missed. LMHR is proud to stand in a tradition that Joe Strummer played a huge part in establishing – using music to fight injustice and to inspire others to fight it too. Many other bands, DJs and performers will follow in Joe’s footsteps in the coming months and years.
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