Thinking About Joe Strummer

Nine years ago today my idol Joe Strummer passed away suddenly and the sadness I felt on this day in 2002 still lingers within. It’s left a heaviness of sorts, to this month in particular, that I imagine will always exist. In December, I find myself listening to Joe’s music more, watching more video of him and reading more interviews and articles about him – it just sort of happens with the turn of the calendar page.

Photo Viliam Hrubovak / Jolie Fejer from Forever Strummer Calendar

I miss Joe even though he lives in all he left behind and in the people, like myself, that he continues to influence. I still think about him pretty much every day at some point. Whether I see, hear or read something that reminds me of him. Or something comes up in my business or personal life that I run through my Joe filter to make sure I’m staying true to me and my adult punk self. That’s how Joe has been influencing me since he first came into my life when I was a confused 13 year old and that is how it continues 30 years later.

Granted my life has changed greatly over the years but once the square peg in the round hole always the square peg in the round hole regardless of age or status. I didn’t have the family base most have so I’ve always found my own way and have never been drawn to the “normal” trappings or course of life. Whatever everyone is doing or thinking has never appealed to me and Joe helped make me be ok with that. He taught me to stick by my beliefs even when they differ from the masses – especially when they differ from the masses.

That’s the very personal effect Joe had on those drawn to what he represented and it stays with you – as you grow older it gets stronger almost. I get it more now than I ever have. For me he’s been a guiding influence that I didn’t necessarily get from family and I’ve done, and continue to do, alright by him. I’ve never sold myself out and I surround myself with people who would never ask that of me and I’ve still managed to carve out a bit of success for myself.

Joe’s impact on this world far exceeds his short time in it. He lived with passion, generosity, kindness and integrity. He wasn’t perfect but he was the perfect hero to me. He didn’t half-ass anything – he brought his best and never gave up and he made some of the best music ever created. There was something comforting having Joe here but rather than wallow in the sadness today I’d rather be grateful for, and inspired by, his spirit which still exists in all he left us with. Thanks Joe. You are missed every day.

You can purchase the Forever Strummer 2012 Calendar which commemorates the 10 years since Joe’s passing released by Strummerville through this link. The calendar includes 12 months of Strummer’s most inspirational quotes, previously un-seen images and hand-written artifacts from his personal archive. A beautiful tribute to Joe and keepsake for his fans that supports a very worthy cause.

JOE STRUMMER AND THE MESCALEROS – REDEMPTION SONG

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqd85y6KoGQ[/youtube]

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