The funeral for punk-rock legend Joe Strummer was held Monday (December 30) in West London. The former leader of the Clash, born John Mellor, died at the age of 50 of a heart attack at his home on December 23 after taking his dog for a walk. It is believed that Strummer had a hereditary heart condition, according to the BBC.
Strummer’s funeral was held in private at West London Crematorium. His widow, two daughters, and a step-daughter added the service. It’s believed that Strummer’s former Clash mates, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon, also attended the funeral.
The funeral cortege passed what used to be known as the Elgin pub, where the Clash played some of its first gigs 25 years ago, according to New Musical Express website. According to the Guardian, Strummer’s coffin was decorated with a Stetson hat and sported the slogans “Vinyl Rules” and “Question Authority.” Also in the procession was a firetruck, a nod to Strummer’s final performance at a recent benefit concert for striking firefighters.
Prior to Strummer’s death, the band was considering a one-time reunion in March to celebrate its induction to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. In November, Strummer reunited with Jones for the first time in 20 years, at a benefit concert by Strummer’s band, the Mescaleros.
Stummer’s widow has requested that mourners don’t send flowers, but instead donate money to an AIDS charity concert in South Africa that Strummer was set to play in February.
