Anniversary of Joe Strummer's Death
. Born in Ankara, Turkey in August 1952, the future Joe Strummer was the son of a British diplomat and a Scottish mother. Little John Graham Mellor's (as he was named) family moved from post to post around the globe, with Egypt, Mexico and Germany serving as ports of call during his early childhood. Eventually, John and his brother were placed in a London boarding school, where they spent the next seven years. For John, boarding school was a steppingstone to artistic pursuits at London's Saint Martins College of Art and Design. For his brother David, life took a darker turn. David joined the White supremacist National Front and eventually committed suicide at just 19 years of age. But John carried on, eventually getting involved in music. Living in Newport, Wales for a time at the age of 21, he began singing in a group called The Vultures (formerly Flaming Youth). He paid the bills during this formative period by working as gravedigger. After about a year, he moved back to London and began busking. Eventually, he caught on with a new pub rock outfit called The 101ers (originally called El Huaso and The 101 All Stars). The group (named after the band's squat at 101 Walterton Road, Maida Vale, London) garnered a decent following on the London club circuit between 1974 and 1976. They even did a bit of recording, though only a single came out while the band was still around. It was during this period that John had exchanged his original stage name, Woody Mellor, for the rather self-explanatory Joe Strummer. more on this story Gibson.com is an official news provider for the Day in Rock. Preview and Purchase Joe Strummer CDs |
On The Record: The dB's- Rick Monroe and the Hitmen- Atlas Maior- Stoned Jesus
Hot In The City: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria Opens in Surprise, Arizona
What's Doing With Dave Koz? Christmas Carols and Cool Cruises!
On The Record: Craft Recordings Announces Record Store Day Exclusives
Live: T Bone Burnett Rocks Phoenix
Three Days Grace Share First Adam Gontier Reunion Song 'Mayday'
Twenty On Pilots Share 'The Line' From Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 Soundtrack
Motley Crue Dr. Feelgood Pharmacy Independent Retail Takeovers Start Today
Nothing More Scores 3rd No. 1 With 'Angel Song'
Frontiers Rock Festival Returning After 6-Year Hiatus
Bury Tomorrow Unleash 'What If I Burn' Video
Converge Added To Fire in the Mountains Festival
Pop Evil Take Fans On 'Deathwalk' With New Video