“The world is a sad and beautiful place.” - Joe Strummer

[JimmyJazz]

I was told to put my picture in the original post: (some people are so bossy)



I can’t believe it’s been two whole years since Joe Strummer died.

The picture above is one that was taken one of the times I had the privilege of meeting him. He was a very nice man. How many bands would actually invite fans (not groupies/not hotties, but fans) backstage after a show just to say thanks for appreciating us?

I was raised in a Republican/Fundie household and I am here at DU because of the influence of the Clash and Joe Strummer. Without him, I would have followed the path of my parents. For that, I am eternally grateful.

I am constantly amazed at how worldly Clash lyrics are. If you are a disbeliever, listen to Straight to Hell and feel the pain of the Vietnam War and the repercussions of having American soldiers father children of Vietnamese women. When Joe sings, the usual anger in his voice is missing and what is left is painful resignation.

Listen to the Call Up and apply those lyrics to what is happening in Iraq today – or Hate and War or I’m So Bored with the USA or any of a dozen other songs that express the anger many on this forum feel.

In Washington Bullets, Joe demonstrated again, his knowledge of world events when he wrote:

"As every cell in Chile will tell
The cries of the tortured men
Remember Allende, and the days before,
Before the army came
Please remember Victor Jara,
In the Santiago Stadium…"

If you don’t know the story of Victor Jara, I suggest a Google search – you will cry.

Joe Strummer lived ahead of his time and died before it. I miss him. :cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

[Phillycat]

1. RIP Joe.

A true talent. :cry:

[JimmyJazz]

4. I agree - I think this evening calls for Westway to the World,

followed by Essential followed by Rude Boy!

[miss_kitty]

2. Joe, you'll never know

How much I loved and appreciated you!

:hi:

[JimmyJazz]

10. Miss Kitty

Look at this pic I found today!

[miss_kitty]

17. Sweet

What a gorgeous shot. Damn he's got some muscles going on there!

I was just looking at the site HEAVYHEART Put up...You can see in the later pics how he was deteriorating. Aw Joe. I wish you'd taken better care of yourself, at least later on...I'm glad you were here for the duration though.

[miss_kitty]

20. BTW

THANKS!

:hi:

[HEAVYHEART]

3. Nice

Nice pictures Jimmy!

[FarLeftRage]

5. I've been a follower and a believer

Since I first heard Joe back in '77.

I know all the things here you speak of and Joe was very wise and defintely ahead of his time...

You were very lucky to meet him!

You can always cherish that.
So don't mourn Joe, remember for the wonderful person he was.

[JimmyJazz]

6. Okay - so here's the picture this time for real!

[HEAVYHEART]

8. Wow

Nice picture of him. Are you in it too?

[JimmyJazz]

14. No - it's my picture.

[Phillycat]

11. His hands are ENORMOUS.

Um...yum. Hate to speak horny of the dead, but...DAYUM.

[JimmyJazz]

18. They really weren't , but for some reason they do look it

in this particular picture!

[HEAVYHEART]

7. Check it out

I cry when I see these photos of him.

http://www.bobgruen.com/potda/1202/strummer.html

[Phillycat]

9. *drool*

[JimmyJazz]

12. That was my wall paper forever, but now its:

[Phillycat]

15. MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

[short bus president]

21. Lord! Look at the fingers on that man!

It's no wonder all you ladies love him so. ;-)

[JimmyJazz]

22. Hey - I heard you were getting yourself a little Clashified, too!

:hi:

[short bus president]

23. Yassum.

It's a White Man kinda day. ;-)

[JimmyJazz]

24. are you the all night drug prowlin' wolf by any chance?

[miss_kitty]

53. don't forget your white pages!

:hi:

[tigereye]

16. I really miss him too

I thought he would always be around.( kind of like how I felt about Joey Ramone.) There don't seem to be too many more of Joe's caliber around. Just isn't fair. :(

[JimmyJazz]

27. It really does suck, doesn't it?

[tigereye]

34. it's cool that Joe had such a big effect on your life, JJ

for me it was just that our college boyfriends were obsessed with The Clash. I didn't really uinderstand how great they were until a number of years later. I just thought they were cool at the time.

[mark414]

13. i like this one...

kind of fitting...

[miss_kitty]

19. It's a striking photo

And you KNOW it's him...

[JimmyJazz]

29. No doubt about it!

:cry:

[flamingyouth]

25. RIP, Joe

You'll never be forgotten by me. Thanks from a proud owner of tons of Clash bootlegs. :D

[JimmyJazz]

28. I had a bootleg pin, but Joe took it!

Hey - I got his lighter, though!

[miss_kitty]

30. Can I borrow your lighter?

:evilgrin:

[JimmyJazz]

31. Not a chance!

But, it still works!

[miss_kitty]

32. Is it a Clipper?

or another refillable type?

[JimmyJazz]

35. I don't know what make it is, but it is refillable.

My pin on the other hand was a rare find - It was enamel, not metal and was a red star with "clash" on it - I'd pay just about anything to get another one like it.

[miss_kitty]

52. Dang. Do ya think he kept it?

maybe he kept it close. I have an enamelled red star, but it does not say 'clash' on it...

[JimmyJazz]

54. I don't know. He really wanted it and pinned it to his

vest at the time. :shrug:

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

55. That's so fuckin' cool.

[miss_kitty]

56. that rocks

like you!

[JimmyJazz]

57. thanks Chick Pea!

I know what he meant to you, too. :cry:

[miss_kitty]

58. oooh.........................................

please don't call me 'Xxxxxxxx' Ugh! You know why!

:D

On Edit: Removal of pet name I did not like.

:7

[JimmyJazz]

59. Sorry love - I dinnae mean to do dat!

oops :spank: me.

on edit: I fixed it! :)

[miss_kitty]

60. wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Thanks a million, hon!

:hi:

[the Princess]

26. *SIGH*

What a loss. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[GOPisEvil]

33. Sandinista!!!!

:hi:

[JimmyJazz]

36. Ha! When I saw the message, I thought you were Wat_Tyler

taunting me for a change! Hi, dear.

Broadway and Washington Bullets are two of my favorite Clash songs and are both on Sandinista - what a great mess that album is!

[DemVIctory]

37. Don't forget yesterday dec 22

is the anniversary of another leftist/ punk rocker, D boon of the Minutemen. D's band paid tribute to Joe Strummer as inspiration in their song 'History Lesson Part II.'

D has been gone for almost 20 years now and we have NEVER needed him more. Any music fans/leftys unfamiliar with the Minutemen really should check them out. I could quote D's lyrics all day but I will sum up with this one, 'NO HOPE?!? See thats what gives me guts!'

RIP to 2 greats cut from the same mold, we miss you both.

[JohnKleeb]

38. Is that why they played London Calling at the end of third period today?

I admit I am no punk but I enjoy what Ive heard from Strummer. Shame that he had to go so young.

[JimmyJazz]

39. What kind of progressive school do you attend, Young Kleeb?

that rocks!

[JohnKleeb]

40. heh I guess you could call it progressive

It's pretty damn progressive when our chem teacher teaches us a lot of the stuff through sexual inneudo, so then I realize, thats why I now like chem, because of the sexual inneudo in the course. Plus in pol sic today, we watched some of the daily show.

[Patiod]

41. Kick

I'm hoping my SO will stop by and post (under my name).

He is somewhat Strummer obsessed.

[JimmyJazz]

42. I was looking for you - I had kept your pm for the longest

time, but accidentally deleted ALL of them a few nights ago! :hi: And, I can't say as I blame him for being a little Strummer obsessed! I kinda feel the same way.

You know you are a Clash fan when you actually know the words to Capital Radio :)

[CanuckAmok]

43. "and if you're in the Crown tonight, have a drink on me..."

Cheers, Joe... I'll be toasting you with the last of my Jose Cuevera as soon as I get home.

If there is an afterlife, I hope I end up hanging with Joe Strummer, D. Boon, the Ramones, and Buddy Holly.

[JimmyJazz]

46. Hey there! I thought I might find you here today.

I just did my shot of Cabo for Joe! I would smoke a joint in his honor, but I gave that up years ago! :hi:

[Patiod]

102. Missing Joe

I drank my toast to him as well, I could only smoke 1/2 a joint in his honor, I'm a lightweight.

/note: posted by Mr. Patiod

[Patiod]

44. Missing Joe

Although my S.O. says I'm "Strummer Obsessed" she
does deal with it quite well.
I had the privilege of meeting Joe on a couple of occasions
after being blown away by his sheer energy and commitmnet on
stage. Joe was a sweetheart, no doubt about it. I once was
talking to him after he and the Mescaleros performed a
blistering gig in Hartford.When Joe found out I had already
seen this tour in Philadelphia, he looked at me laughing and
said "you drove 400 miles to see us when you just saw us
three days ago? You must be insane." Probably true but
maddness has its rewards too.
When Joe passed away, like all of you I was devastated. He
went long before his time but you had to admit if there ever
was a life lived to the fullest, Joe had it hands down.
Besides leaving a huge impact on music, he was back recording
and touring. If you were lucky enough to catch Joe the last
few times around you could tell he was just enjoying the hell
out of it.
So boys and girls, tonight grab a lager, put on The Clash or
Rock Art and the X-Ray Style or whatever is your favorite and
drink a toast to our boy. We miss you Joe, Thanks for all the
music and memories.

[JimmyJazz]

45. Hi. Great story - he was absolutely a lovely person.

:hi:

But, don't forget your shot of tequila - mine's Cabo.

[Patiod]

101. Missing Joe

Hi

Exceptional idea, a friend sent me a bottle of agave tequila for Christmas-what better occasion to open it.

[warrens]

48. I'm gonna dig up the Sid and Nancy soundtrack and

Blast Love Kills. One of my favorite Joe moments. I met him backstage two or three times too, and he was warm and interesting and interested. He even introduced me to Bo Diddley, which was a thrill.

[JimmyJazz]

50. I knew there had to be more people here who actually have met

him! The band made a point to meet as many fans as possible.

Do you have any pics? I only have a few because I was trying to be "cool" and not drool on the man!

[Patiod]

103. Digging up Sid & Nancy soundtrack

That's a great story, wasn't he just the nicest guy? AND Bo Diddley?
Fantastic!

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

47. That is a great story.... now can I see one of the great JJ WITH

Joe Strummer?? You know you have one.

God bless The Clash, for without them, JJ might be a freeper. :scared:

:hi:

[JimmyJazz]

49. I know you aren't going to believe this, but I left my pictures on

my desk at work. My scanner is here! I really didn't do that on purpose.

Can you possibly imagine me as a freeper? Passing all those judgments on people and only having sex in the missionary position!

Jeez - Okay, now I'm scared. Hold me close, please. :scared:

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

51. OK, but I expect to see at least one... soon.

You're funny... sex only in missionary position - HA!!

I was doing some Google searches on the Femmes the other day and ran across an interview that they did with The Clash. Of course, I can't find it now. I think they may have run in the same circles in the early 80's?? Anyhoo, it made me think of my sweet JimmyJazz....

[JohnKleeb]

61. I am listening Redemption Song done by him on MP3 right now

really good. If I wasn't afraid, I would lose it and if I could get it to work, I'd bring my MP3 player to the coronation so you could hear it, but you've already heard it eh? I believe I first heard Strummer lol actually in a South Park episode, Chef Aid.

[JimmyJazz]

62. He was in a South Park episode! I'd love to see that!

I didn't know that! That is so way cool, as was he. And I don't think anything is cuter than hearing my 3 year old sing along to the Redemption Song! She's a fan, too.

And at some point, we do need to start firming up these plans, don't we?

[JohnKleeb]

63. Yeah, you ever seen Chef Aid?

Thats the one. Oh and OMG, my three year old brother sings along to it too! Oh and about that, I think there's gonna be a big DU meet up that day, I'll be with friends of mine.

[JimmyJazz]

68. There had better be a meet up! I'm not driving all that way

to not meet anybody!

[JohnKleeb]

69. There most certainly will be

There always is. I gotta find who all is going, but definely me and some of my closest friends. We get the day off of school that thursday, and I plan to ask the folks to let me have the day off that friday, and then I got the weekend so I can have 5 days in DC pretty much, hmm maybe my pal will let me stay at his place lol, its doubtful though.

[miss_kitty]

64. here's the 411

"South Park" playing "Himself" (voice) in episode: "Chef Aid" (episode # 2.14) 7 October 1998

You should be able to rent it, easy!

here's the imDb link:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0835329/?fr=c2l0ZT1kZnxteD0yMHxzZz0xfGxtPTIwMHx0dD1vbnxwbj0wfHE9am9lIHN0cnVtbWVyfGh0bWw9MXxubT1vbg

[JohnKleeb]

65. That also is one of the first south park's Ive ever seen

It's also one of my favorites.
"Hey thats my song, you can't play it without giving me some money, thats against the law"
"I am above the law"
and Johnnie Cochran's Chewbacca defense.
oh and btw :hi: to ya miss kitty.

[miss_kitty]

66. say kleeb!

Happy holidaze!

I may have to rent that tonight or sumpfink!

[JohnKleeb]

67. thanks, we got out for school today

Its gonna be a nice next two weeks.

[frictionlessO]

70. Yep yer right there sweetie!

Sorry for your missings today hon... I still cry over George and John, they saved me from early neocon leanings (along with Tori) as they did so many others.

Tonight I drink a shot to the fallen heroes of peace!!

Thank you for reminding me of what should always be remembered.

:hug:

:hi:

[JimmyJazz]

73. My pleasure. Now hurry up and get your silly self out of that

700 club. :hug:

[frictionlessO]

77. Im trying believe me, Im trying!

:hi: :pals:

[mtnester]

71. You know, hubby and I cringe every time we hear his music selling

a car right now. Our thoughts are he would be rolling over in his grave. Does anyone else believe that to be true as well, or are we way off base? Personally, I consider it the worst sacrilege of the current commercials using artists music now to sell product.

I will really flip if I hear an Elvis Costello song selling a feminine product.

[JimmyJazz]

72. He agreed to have the same song represent Levi's jeans

in England when he was alive. I don't know how he would have felt and I don't know who owns the rights to the songs. I would guess it would be Mick Jones and Joe's estate. If it is, I would not want to second guess their decisions.

Joe was a wonderful man, but a piss poor business person. He also gave a ton of money away. Even when he was with the 101ers and dirt poor, he still gave money to the victims of the CIA backed Pinochet coup in Chile.

He also passed on all royalties on Sandinista so that the album would remain affordable to the common person.

Therefore, I'm not going to pass judgment on that decision. I'm sure the money will be put to good use. :)

[JohnKleeb]

74. umm Donna lol

Its Chile not Chili, you spelled it like the really good food :). BTW good for him for the good he did, shame he's not with us anymore, ahh and if you can, recommend me some music, Ive really only heard a few songs by him.

[JimmyJazz]

78. I'm an idiot! Thanks - it's been a long day!

I think a good place to start would be Story of the Clash - a lovely greatest hits collection - Broadway is better and more complete, but pricier. As far as individual downloads, here are my favorites:

Complete Control
White Man in Hammersmith Palais
Clampdown
Broadway
Washington Bullets
Brand New Cadillac
I'm So Bored with the USA
The Call Up
Death is a Star (way cool song)
and
Train in Vain

Then get back to me :)

[JohnKleeb]

79. cool, I'll get back to you

Thats ok, I spelled my last name wrong on an essay, and I still got an A on it despite the fact I thought I didn't even get the book.

[miss_kitty]

82. Dude. I'd go with Sandanista!

Best. Album. Ever.

Won me over. I HATED :grr: them before that.

[JohnKleeb]

83. You realize I need money lol

I got only 12 bucks after giving the school money for my senior quote, and that money will be used for a Chipotle lunch.

[JimmyJazz]

85. Dude - I'll give you my extra copies of Sandinista and London

Calling next month - It truly is amazing that once you decide a CD is hopelessly lost and buy another, the first magically appears!

[JohnKleeb]

86. Cool, thanks

BTW listened and liked Complete Control. You know there's this one song, maybe you know it, I think its English Punk but it goes something like la la la la I am gonna steal from the rich and give to the poor, I don't know who sings it but knowing what I know about Strummer's politics, it could be him, I dont know and I can't find the video where I saw it because my bro has stopped skateboarding, It was a really cool song.

[JimmyJazz]

87. No se Kimosabe - White Man in Hammersmith Palais

has a lyric about Robin Hood:

Midnight to six man
For the first time from Jamaica
Dillinger and Leroy Smart
Delroy Wilson, your cool operator

Ken Boothe for UK pop reggae
With backing bands sound systems
And if they've got anything to say
There's many black ears here to listen

But it was Four Tops all night with encores from stage right
Charging from the bass knives to the treble
But onstage they ain't got no roots rock rebel
Onstage they ain't got no...roots rock rebel

Dress back jump back this is a bluebeat attack
'Cos it won't get you anywhere
Fooling with your guns
The British Army is waiting out there
An' it weighs fifteen hundred tons

White youth, black youth
Better find another solution
Why not phone up Robin Hood
And ask him for some wealth distribution

Punk rockers in the UK
They won't notice anyway
They're all too busy fighting
For a good place under the lighting

The new groups are not concerned
With what there is to be learned
They got Burton suits, ha you think it's funny
Turning rebellion into money

All over people changing their votes
Along with their overcoats
If Adolf Hitler flew in today
They'd send a limousine anyway

I'm the all night drug-prowling wolf
Who looks so sick in the sun
I'm the white man in the Palais
Just lookin' for fun

I'm only
Looking for fun

[JohnKleeb]

89. Thats what I got on now

I am listening to and downloading em one at a time.

[JimmyJazz]

84. WAAAAA!

How can you hate a song about a condem or a heroin addicted girlfriend or about a riot in the Jamaican part of London! Oh and then there's the one(s) about not having a job - "I won't open letter bombs for you....." - Fucking classic, Lady!

Jeez - aren't you the picky one - Plus, London Calling came out before Sandinista!

:P

[miss_kitty]

88. I told ya the story

I hated them and the I heard Sandanista! After that I could not believe how fucking great they were, how every album had no dud songs and how I could've missed it for so long :shrug: Still a mystery to me. I don't know how I managed it.

[JimmyJazz]

90. I know - I just wanted you to post it! They threw out a few

stinkers, but overall - :thumbsup:

edited for spelling: I seem to be having issues with my keyboard and my fingers tonight!

[miss_kitty]

91. Yeah there were a couple bad 'uns

but not on Sandanista! 36 lovely tunes. No of them make me go "oh fuck gotta skip this one"

[JimmyJazz]

92. My absolute favorite song on that album has to be

If Music Could Talk

Holy shit! You put earphones on with that puppy - you don't even need weed to get high! God Damn, that song rocks! You can almost smell the spliff from the bunker when that one was recorded!

[miss_kitty]

95. Silicone and Sapphire

Street Parade. Look Here. Oh hell! I lurve them all!

[JohnKleeb]

93. 36?! oh yeah a lot of punk songs are short, I forget that

If I recall my now born again and marine recruit good friend liked the Misfits and Dead Kennedys. Don't know if he still does though, he lives in texas and its rare to get in touch.

[miss_kitty]

94. It's 4 sides

9 songs on each side. Perfection! :)

[JohnKleeb]

96. neat

[miss_kitty]

97. It was the best deal around

I mean it...The price was ultra reasonable. CBS kicked up a fuss...

[Patiod]

98. Well, there's only one problem with that

I'm not a Clash fan myself, but the S.O. plays them constantly, so they've infiltrated my brain.

When I'm having a bad day at work, I'll find myself singing "....I hate the Army, I hate the RAF....."

(either that or some Elvis/Oliver's Army... "...and I would rather be anywhere else but here today....")

[JimmyJazz]

99. Clash City Rockers is my work song:

"So don't complain about your useless employment
Jack it in forever tonight
Or shut your mouth and pretend you enjoy it
Think of all the money you've got..."

:P

[mtnester]

75. Not criticizing, just wondering out loud

we figured he may not own the rights to his music. Kind of like the Beatles don't and Michael Jackson may need some cash here soon so look for a flood of Beatles tunes to sell things.

It just hurts our feelings a tiny bit, and was asking because we respect his music.

We felt the same way when we heard music from The Who, Zep, Aerosmith, etc. pop up in commercials. Wonder if the next generation will freak out when they hear Metallica songs selling hybrid cars.

[JimmyJazz]

80. I didn't think you were critizing at all. I do understand.

I'm just saying that it's hard to say why they did it. Besides, I'd rather hear a few licks of Should I Stay or Should I Go on a car commercial than here Rock the Casbah whenever a crisis in the middle east occurs! I really hated that. :grr:

[name not needed]

81. It will only revive hatred of Lars Ulrich.

[miss_kitty]

76. Also, they may donate proceeds

Chumbawumba sells rights to their songs, and they give that money to charity.

He or his estate may not own the rights to that song-or they do, and need the money. They made little off their stuff as it was released

[electricmonk]

100. Joe on using London Calling for Jaguar

"Yeah, I agreed to that. We get hundreds of requests for that and turn 'em all down. But I just thought Jaguar...If you're in a groupand you make it together, then everybody deserves something. Especially twenty-odd years after the fact. It just seems churlish for a writer to refuse to have their music used on an advert and so I figured out, only advertise the things you think are cool. That's why we dissed Coors and Miller."

That was in one of the essays in Let Fury Have the Hour: The punk rock politics of Joe Strummer. That's a pretty good book. Mostly a compilation of essays, reviews and interviews over the course of Joe's career. It has some typos and some bad editing in the author's intro like he says that London Calling was recorded in NY but overall it's worth picking up.

[name not needed]

104. kick