Strummer Timeline: Diplomat's Son Turned Punk Icon

ByABC News
December 23, 2002, 2:25 PM

Dec. 23 -- Just because The Clash were set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next March, don't believe the speculation that they eventually would have ever gotten back together and toured.

"No, it's never true," Strummer told ABCNEWS Radio last year, as Clash reunion rumors simmered, as they have since they broke up 15 years ago.

"When they talk about offers, what they mean is a promoter offers you a certain say a million dollars to do a specific number of shows Presumably, he makes several more million than the group does."

We Wouldnt Accept MoneyThe only way The Clash would get back together for a tour, Strummer said, was if the band had something to say. "We wouldn't accept any money off a promoter. We'd try and make a record," he said.

"And if you had a record in you, and you recorded one, then you could feel justified about going out and touring again that's the only way around we'd ever do it."

Rock stars wax poetic when it comes to integrity, shortly before launching their umpteenth farewell tour. But few have ever refused royalties to make sure their fans could afford their albums, as The Clash did.

Here's a look at Strummer's singular journey through popular music as a grandaddy of punk rock. Anarchy in the U.K.

1952: Strummer, the son of a British diplomat, is born John Mellor in Ankara, Turkey.

1974-1976: Strummer performs as front man for the 101ers, a pub rock group.

1976: Mick Jones, formerly of London SS, forms The Clash, with Paul Simonon, an art school student who has never played before, but learns the bass. The band grows to include guitarist Keith Levene and drummer Terry Chimes.

Bernie Rhodes becomes the band's manager, introducing Strummer to Jones.

The Clash joins the Sex Pistols on the controversial, "Anarchy in the U.K." tour.

1977: The Clash release their self-titled first record, a milestone in punk history, featuring songs "White Riot," "Career Opportunities," and "I'm So Bored With The U.S.A." It reaches No. 12 on the U.K. charts.