Redemption Song: The Definitive Biography of Joe Strummer

Redemption Song: The Definitive Biography of Joe Strummer
Chris Salewicz

The definitive biography of Joe Strummer, released with a new epilogue to mark the 60th anniversary of his birth.Chris Salewicz was an intimate friend of Strummer’s for over 25 years. Drawing on more than 300 interviews with family, friends and associates, this is a comprehensive, compelling insight into the man behind The Clash.The Clash was the most influential band of its generation, producing punk anthems including ‘London Calling’, ‘White Riot’ and ‘Tommy Gun’. For countless fans across the world, they are the ultimate iconic mainstays of their generation.With his talent, extreme good looks and laid-back attitude Joe Strummer was the driving force behind the band: he was the archetypal punk frontman. His untimely death in December 2002 shook the world to its core.Written with full approval and co-operation of relatives, companions and fellow musicians, this is the ultimate account of one of British rock & roll’s most fascinating idols: his life, his work and his immeasurable impact on the world.Redemption Song is the best and last word on the subject.

Redemption Song

The Definitive Biography of Joe Strummer

Chris Salewicz

CONTENTS

COVER (#ubb96c034-9e9e-5a92-ab03-7ee01eb10641)

TITLE PAGE (#u688326b1-2aa0-54cc-ba7e-f46bf0578019)

1  STRAIGHT TO HEAVEN (#ue275f90c-933d-5c7c-aa55-0ec77dba0c8d)

2  R.I.PUNK (#u2a3a8da0-a298-546d-b209-248f8d07d22f)

3  INDIAN SUMMER (#uf698214c-bf0c-56ac-b46a-50c836472f9a)

4  STEPPING OUT OF BABYLON (ONE MORE TIME) (#u19b2ee0f-c82c-5d46-a1e6-2fe0cf0d1725)

5  BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL (LIKE YOU WOULD TO YOUR GIRL) (#uf1060371-6864-5445-b190-b5f51c768861)

6  BLUE APPLES (#ue91070e4-170c-5b7e-a6b5-310adeafb3ae)

7  THE MAGIC VEST (#u2e1e3aaf-abac-5ee1-bdd4-b371b6fe8cfb)

8  THE BAD SHOPLIFTER GOES GRAVEDIGGING (#u054f85d3-4b8e-5881-9847-eafee3225c64)

9  PILLARS OF WISDOM (#u65a6a49e-21dd-5b4f-970a-c60be2052e74)

10  ‘THIS MAN IS A STAR!’ (#u31b0cbb7-359e-5d3d-af91-9a2a2146772c)

11  I’M GOING TO BE A PUNK ROCKER (#ufdd3c3a4-1de6-5647-af8a-c99d29c7661f)

12  UNDER HEAVY MANNERS (#litres_trial_promo)

13  THE ALL-NIGHT DRUG-PROWLING WOLF (#litres_trial_promo)

14  RED HAND OF FATE (#litres_trial_promo)

15  NEWS OF CLOCK NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

16  1 MAY TAKE A HOLIDAY (#litres_trial_promo)

17  THE NEWS BEHIND THE NEWS (#litres_trial_promo)

18  ANGER WAS COOLER (#litres_trial_promo)

19  SPANISH BOMBS (#litres_trial_promo)

20  MAN OF MYSTERY (#litres_trial_promo)

21  SOLDIERS OF MISFORTUNE (#litres_trial_promo)

22  ON THE OTHER HAND … (#litres_trial_promo)

23  THE RECKLESS ALTERNATIVE (#litres_trial_promo)

24  THE COOL IMPOSSIBLE (#litres_trial_promo)

25  THE EXCITEMENT GANG (#litres_trial_promo)

26  LET’S ROCK AGAIN! (#litres_trial_promo)

27  CAMPFIRE TALES (#litres_trial_promo)

28  BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME (#litres_trial_promo)

29  CODA (THE WEST) (#litres_trial_promo)

EULOGY (#litres_trial_promo)

PICTURE SECTION (#litres_trial_promo)

INDEX (#litres_trial_promo)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (#litres_trial_promo)

PRAISE FOR CHRIS SALEWICZ’S REDEMPTION SONG (#litres_trial_promo)

BY THE SAME AUTHOR (#litres_trial_promo)

ROOTS OF HEATHEN (#litres_trial_promo)

COPYRIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER (#litres_trial_promo)

1

STRAIGHT TO HEAVEN

2002

This is how I heard about Joe’s death: Don Letts, the Rastafarian film director who had made all the Clash videos, called me at around 9.30 on the evening of 22 December 2002.