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Recently
released on DVD, the film steers away from being just another
documentary about punk rock. If it's simply archive footage of The
Clash you're after, then the film 'Rude Boy' would be a better place
to start. Instead, 'The Future Is Unwritten' charts the life of Joe
the person, from his multi-cultured childhood in Iran, Egypt and
Mexico, then on to his first days as musician in Newport when he was
known as 'woody', and later on to his days in the early 70's London
squat scene when he fronted the '101ers'. There's a liberal helping
of live Clash footage, the most interesting of which captures early
rehearsals pre-dating the band's debut album from 1977. Strangely
enough, the period surrounding the band's second album 'Give 'em
Enough Rope' has been skipped, but nonetheless, there are plenty of
snippets taken throughout the band's career as well as footage from
Joe's time playing with The Pogues and finally The Mescaleros.
The film also
features interviews with fellow band members Mick Jones and Topper
Headon joined by a wealth of musicians who's careers are truly
indebted to Joe's influence, although the relevance of Bono in such
a film remains questionable.
I've heard many
musicians say that they would never have picked up a guitar if it
weren't for The Clash. As a musician myself, I'd have to agree. Like
so many of us, Joe was my first musical hero too. 'The Future Is
Unwritten' does well to remind us of Strummer's heartfelt political
views, the very thing that gave his music it's exceptional worth.
It's a lesson that many of today's lyric-lacking crop of indie
art-school wannabes could do well to learn from.
From aging punks
to younger music fans alike, 'The Future Is Unwritten' is a fitting
tribute to one of rock history's most honest and deserving legends.
Thank you Joe.
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