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So I was impressed when I came across the charity set up by his family and friends after his death, because the words I’ve just used to describe him pretty much describe the work they do, too. Strummerville started out by supplying a rehearsal space at the Roundhouse in London, charging £1 an hour. Eight years later the charity has become a force of nature, with numerous rehearsal spaces available for that same price, including two in Belfast.
This year, it has helped put more than 40 bands in the studio (EMI Music Publishing and Metropolis donate studio time). To give bands the chance to hone their live performances and gain exposure, it organises “campfire sessions” at festivals such as Glastonbury, where they can perform. The organisation has brought bands over to the SXSW music conference in Austin, Texas – and even has a Strummerville tour bus they can borrow.
The charity is run by Trish Whelan, who once worked for Island Records. “We used to have a real culture of developing acts at Island,” she says. “Managers and labels used to be happy to take a chance on acts. They can’t afford to any more.” This is how bands such as Pulp were able to develop, she says, adding that she believes it afforded them greater dignity. “I believe in DIY, but I also realise that’s not enough.”
This year sees the eighth anniversary of Strummer’s passing on 22 December 2002. If he was still alive today, I bet Strummer would be doing exactly what his foundation does: reaching out to people in need and giving them the tools to fulfil their dreams through music. Strummerville is proof of how one man’s passion can live on long after his own untimely death.
