Joe Strummer’s Pre-Clash Era Gets Boxed
Before he was the explosive voice of the Clash, Joe Strummer was living a distinctly bohemian life in London, squatting and playing the pubs and clubs with a band named after their temporary address. Now, that formative chapter of Strummer’s musical journey is finally receiving the archival treatment it deserves.
Dark Horse Records has announced Joe Strummer 003: The 101’ers Years, a definitive collection of studio and live recordings from Strummer’s band from that era. Scheduled for release on November 20th, the three-CD deluxe edition will gather 48 tracks and be housed in a 48-page hardback book with slipcase. A two-LP version will also be available for those who prefer a more streamlined format.
The story of the 101’ers begins in 1974 when Strummer and his companions formed the group while squatting at 101 Walterton Road in Maida Vale. This was more than just a band; they became fixtures on London’s burgeoning pub-rock circuit, blending rock, R&B, and rockabilly across pubs, clubs, and squat benefits throughout the city.
Strummer reflected on the context of that time, noting how societal shifts influenced his path. He recalled the difficulties of the era, referencing the introduction of the Rent Act and the subsequent housing crises that led to derelict buildings and the need for alternative living spaces. It was against this backdrop of social unrest that the band found its voice.
The recordings collected in this new release capture the band at a pivotal moment in British rock history—the precise time when traditional pub rock was rapidly giving way to the explosive energy of punk. The 101’ers were right in the thick of this transition.
In April 1976, the band took a dramatic step, sharing bills with the Sex Pistols at London’s Nashville Rooms. This encounter helped propel Strummer toward the emerging punk movement. Just two months later, on June 5th, the 101’ers played their final show, with future Clash members Mick Jones and Paul Simonon among the audience.
The recordings themselves document this rapid evolution. Disc one features the band’s studio work, including newly mixed material. Disc two delves into basement tapes and demos, including the incredibly intimate recording of Full Moon, a track Strummer made alone in his squat. Disc three compiles live performances, featuring early versions of songs that would define his future work, such as Junco Partner and Jail Guitar Doors (then known as Lonely Mother’s Son).
Revered producer Paul Hicks meticulously restored these demos and live recordings from original cassette tapes and soundboard sources. The deluxe book further enhances this journey, featuring a foreword from Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock, a history penned by band member Richard Nother Dudanski, and Strummer’s own personal writings and illustrations.
Strummer’s musical career spanned decades, and Dark Horse continues to explore his archives, having previously released the 32-song compilation Joe Strummer 001 in 2018 and Joe Strummer 002: The Mescaleros Years in 2022.
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