We are delighted & honoured to announce Ashes to Activists – A Poetic Celebration of Joe Strummer is now available for download from this page (see below).
Ashes to Activists is a collection of works from selected poets, musicians and authors. The body of work has been born and painstakingly compiled by Stephen Watt, a poet & Joe Strummer Foundation supporter from Dumbarton, Scotland.
The foreword of the book:
Without people, you’re nothing
The essence of The Clash’s frontman Joe Strummer’s message continues sixteen years after his untimely passing in 2002. It is my outright privilege to be invited to curate this small poetry collection, Ashes To Activists, on behalf of the Joe Strummer Foundation (JSF).
Selected poets, musicians and authors were invited to kindle memories, thoughts, impressions and endearment for Joe, or address personal passions which resonated with the punk principles Joe led his life by. Most of the contributions will be in poetic form, and gather exactly what it was that made him so special in the eyes and hearts of the world. People were what galvanised Joe and in return, we listened and carried his values long after his music stopped. From his ashes, campaigns have fought for social change and a better world for everyone to live in. No mean feat.
My thanks go to the JSF for printing this work, to Joe’s widow Lucinda Tait for endorsing this momentary testimonial, and to the stellar writing from all our contributors.
Stephen Watt
We would like to thank Stephen for his support and drive to get this wonderful body of works together to celebrate the memory of Joe Strummer. As well as to congratulate him on his recent inauguration as makar for the Scottish Federation of Writers for 2019.
And a special thank you to all of the authors included in this book who have contributed such personal & honest written work.
Opening poem by John Cooper Clarke – Armagideon Times (from The Clash Sound System 2013)
1. Stephen Watt – Tribute
2. Attila The Stockbroker – Commandante Joe
3. Martin Figura – Blue Apples
4. Johnny Green – A Riot Of Our Own (excerpts)
5. Kevin Williamson – Solastalgia For The People
6. Jah Wobble – Air
7. Pauline Black – LA Calling
8. Kevin P. Gilday – A Song of Revolt
9. Murray Lachlan Young – The Richest DJ’s in the World
10. John Robb – Can I Buy Your Coat?
11. David F. Ross – Planning A Comeback
12. Mike Garry – The Clash
13. Thick Richard – Music For The People
14. Nick Harper – The Rebel Spirit
15. The Big J – Janie’s Drones
16. Victoria McNulty – Queen Street
The Joe Strummer Foundation
Stay free ✊
