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Chris Salewicz
This compelling new biography, written by a long-time Strummer acquaintence, sets us straight on a number of assumptions implicit in that reaction: Strummer was indeed loved by almost everyone who ever came into his orbit, but he was maddeningly full of contradicitons. Despite his undeniably generous spirit, lack of pretense and joyous energy, he had a deep, dark sadness about him and could be ruthless in his dealings with fellow musicians, friends and family. His early death was due to an irregular heart not his consumption of alcohol and drugs, though they were more gargantuan than seems humanly possible. And, his post-Clash work was as full of brilliance as the music for which he will be forever known. In short, in his restless and tireless pursuits in his life and his art, Strummer was that rarest of creatures: an even greater and more interesting figure than his iconic status would suggest. --Frank Reiss |
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Several years ago, when Joe Strummer died, I suspect that many old-time Clash fans reacted much like I did: "It's sad that such a seemingly great guy died so young,but it's not too surprising, considering what a wild man he seemed to have been. In truth, though, I hadn't really paid much attention to him since the Clash anyway."