Strummerville Starting
Glastonbury concluded this weekend, and to many, the festival will always be connected with Joe Strummer, the late-great Clash front man and the leader of the Mescaleros. His presence ranges from a memorial stone laid in Glastonbury’s Green Fields to a campfire tended by Strummerville--organization which nurtures young musicians and continues Strummer’s “Yes We Can” attitude to important causes. The same organization makes an annual appearance at the Palace of Wonder bringing many of the same cast and characters. Here is a video from Day 1 of Glastonbury.
Of note this year is the auction off Clash drummer, Topper Headon’s beloved Mini Cooper. Headon says, "This car has been my pride and joy. I had it two-tone customised and it was the first car I drove when I got clean, so you can imagine I've been attached to it and have loved it a lot. Tickets are ￡10 each and the auction will be held July 13th with proceeds supporting Strummerville's work with up and coming bands.
Another Strummer legacy was a headlining slot at the festival for Bruce Springsteen. Strummer had a lot to do with this American icon, also known as “The Boss” breaking into the UK market. Take a look for yourselves. Or read the full Guardian article here.
As it would turn out, this letter inspired Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis to do an 8-page proposal to persuade Springsteen to appear at the festival, something she not to have done for any other artist in the past. She says it was all for Joe, and many festival goers might agree…it was all very worth it.
//sean s.
