All's I Need

Joe Strummer!

So, Joe Strummer died nine years ago today. On my birthday. That day is commemorated in an amazing video here (sorry about the ad).

Lori and I have been to see that mural twice: Niagara Bar, 112 7th and Avenue A, NY.

That day Joe died, I picked up James in the morning. He was wearing his green Clash shirt. We went to a Clash-themed place for breakfast (yes) and they were playing, I think, London Calling, and a man in the next booth said to his son, who looked around 9—“That guy singing, he’s Joe Strummer. He died today.”

You felt like you were part of a (big) club. Still do. He’s one of my (few) heroes. 

From a tribute site: 

“When he played at the Troubador, before he walked off the stage he said ‘It’s a sad and beautiful world! Goodnight!’

If you don’t know, find out more about him.

Joe Strummer Mural, Niagara Bar, New York City

Highlight of any trip to New York City. You can see this being painted after Joe’s death in the video Redemption Song. East Village: 7th Street & Avenue A, corner of Tompkins Square Park. This time we remembered to bring a candle.