ABSTRACT
Joe Strummer is one of the most lionized figures in punk rock. This chapter examines Strummer's formative influences, his early work with the 101'ers to his supposed wilderness years, to his latter days with the Mescaleros. During his famous wilderness years, Strummer was allegedly adrift, both spiritually and literally, spending time working on soundtracks, going out to see bands, and spending time with his family. London Calling" was Strummer's attempt to use radio as a tool of radical politics and a chance to play his beloved scratchy vinyl for a wider audience. Strummer formed his last band the Mescaleros in 1999 with gifted multi-instrumentalist Anthony Genn, a perfect foil for Strummer and in some ways a musician who inspired him to new heights almost as much as Mick Jones. Strummer continued the show until his untimely death in 2002, and later parts of his DJ work were featured in the documentary, Joe Strummer, the Future is Unwritten.
