The Punk Rock Politics of Joe Strummer : Radicalism, Resistance and Rebellion

Drawing on Strummer’s lyrics, interviews and bootleg recordings, as well as interviews with friends and contemporaries like Billy Bragg, __The punk rock politics of Joe Strummer__ reveals the wide-ranging political influence of one of the twentieth century’s iconic rock’n’roll rebels. Joe Strummer was one of the twentieth century's iconic rock'n'roll rebels. As frontperson, spokesperson and chief lyricist for The Clash, he played a major role in politicising a generation through some of the most powerful protest songs of the era, songs like ‘White Riot', ‘English Civil War'and ‘London Calling'. At the heart of this protest was the struggle for social justice and equality.The punk rock politics of Joe Strummer examines Strummer's beliefs on a range of issues – including socialism, alienation, exploitation, multiculturalism and humanism - analysing their credibility, influence and impact, and asking where they came from and how they developed over time. Drawing on Strummer's lyrics, various interviews and bootleg recordings, as well as interviews with those he inspired, The punk rock politics of Joe Strummer takes the reader on a journey through the political influences and motivations that defined one of the UK's greatest punk icons. Front matter Dedication Contents List of figures List of insets Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction Studying Strummer: issues and approach Perceptions of Strummer’s politics Strummer’s politics and philosophical perspectives Rebel rock and its ramifications Rocking against the rich Advocate not activist Straying from socialism Strummer’s influence: secondary sources Follower testimony Conclusion References Index Drawing on Strummer’s lyrics, interviews and bootleg recordings, as well as interviews with friends and contemporaries like Billy Bragg, The punk rock politics of Joe Strummer reveals the wide-ranging political influence of one of the twentieth century’s iconic rock’n’roll rebels. -- .