The Future is Now, or at Least Very Soon

Joe Strummer Documentary on DVD July 8th

The Future is Unwritten - Julien Temple’s stunning documentary focusing on the life of the late Joe Strummer is set to be released July 8, 2008 on DVD. I blogged about this documentary master stroke earlier this year and many of you had asked me to update the DVD release date. For the unititiated, The Future is Unwritten is an intimate portrait of the fiery artist who fronted the “only band that matters”. Joe Strummer of the Clash defined punk rock and went on to become an icon for his generation. Sadly, his untimely death in 2002 sealed a legacy that should have gone on for another fifty years.





Directed with precision, flair and a deep passion for the subject by Julien Temple, the film is his career masterpiece. The Future is Unwritten features Strummer’s own narration as well as interviews with the likes of band mate Mick Jones, Sex Pistol Steve Jones, and Martin Scorsese.

The DVD will include a myriad of bonuses, such as director commentary and 100 minutes of music and deleted footage. Definitive perhaps but I really do miss Joe Strummer’s musical presence. This DVD will go a long way in helping to restore a little of that.

And when you’re finished watching your DVD check this out. I recently heard about this organization on a KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic podcast with Billy Bragg.

Jail Guitar Doors is an independent initiative set up by Billy Bragg with the aim of providing musical equipment for the use of inmates serving time in Her Majesty’s prisons. It takes its name from the b-side of the Clash’s 1978 single “Clash City Rockers”.

Great to see Joe’s politics do live on.

Joe Strummer - The Future is Unwritten

I’ll never forget that December morning I learned that Joe Strummer had died. It seemed impossible to me that death would fell this mighty punk rock icon at such an early age. He had survived it all and his invincibility was quite secure with me; Congenital heart defects seldom emerge with warning though. To this day, I still miss this man’s huge musical and philosophical presence. Born John Graham Mellor in Ankara, Turkey in 1952 to British diplomat parents, he transformed without much forethought from a self-described "mouthy little git" into a formidable musician and activist. He profoundly influenced me in many ways and helped set the course for my future musical inclinations. Sure I’ve got my fancy pants remasters, boxed sets and dvd’s to remind me of him but the discovery of music because of him happens less and less because he is gone. I can honestly say I was breathless the first time I saw the London Calling cover in the import bin of my favourite record shop. The cover (and music therein) still gives me goosebumps. To that end I am not alone. Countless musicians, actors, politicians, bloggers, misfits and thieves count him as a personal hero. Right up there with Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

I was very pleased then to hear then that Julien Temple’s documentary Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten will make an appearance in limited release on Canadian screens. A more worthy musical subject I can not think of. Temple’s film covers the gambit of Strummer’s life with style and heartfelt repect. A host of eloquent testimonials from the likes of Bono to John Cusack explain the singer's incredible mystique. Oddly, but effectively too, David Lee Roth (at 83's US Festival) is also included. Sprinkled throughout, his own words and a host of songs that have now become his legacy are featured. Still as fiery and passionate as ever, his performances quite singular.

So if you are looking for something to do this weekend and love the only music that matters, you might want to seek out this amazing film. I’ll be doing that. Listen to the playlist composed above as well for a reminder of the greatness of Joe Strummer.