Joe Strummer
(1952-2002), Musician; co-founder and rhythm guitarist for The ClashJoe Strummer (John Mellors)
Sitter in 3 portraits
Born in Ankara to a British diplomat, Joe Strummer (real name: John Graham Mellor) spent parts of his early childhood in Cairo, Mexico City and Bonn before boarding at a school in Surrey. He attended a several art schools in his early adulthood, but eventually dropped out and became a busker. In 1976, he co-founded legendary punk band The Clash and would be the band's lyricist, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist until their break-up in 1986. In the 1990s, Strummer collaborated with a succession of bands. He died suddenly in December 2002, aged 50, of an undiagnosed congenital heart defect.
The Clash (Nicky ('Topper') Headon; Mick Jones; Joe Strummer; Paul Gustave Simonon)
by Pennie Smith
bromide fibre print, 1977
NPG x87825
by Pennie Smith
bromide fibre print, December 1980
NPG x127357
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