ABSTRACT
The evolution, layer-cake like, of "punk values" has meant that authenticity conflicts and conceits are perhaps more resonant within punk than across other genres where performers have less desire to express "meaning" beyond the consumption of entertainment. It is also key to understanding the way in which Joe Strummer of the Clash is perceived and why volumes such as this consider his meaning to be worthy of investigation. The dominance of the Clash in punk narratives and Strummer's beatification is troubling for someone who, perhaps naively, took some of the initial statements about punk at face value. Strummer spent the latter interview toying with a flick-knife and making veiled threats to the journalist, who attempted to point out the pitfalls of songs like "White Riot". Strummer showed later in his life that he had some genuine political ideology, which he tried to practice.
