When Grayson Perry produced his colourful and eccentric map of London, he marked Palmers Green with the words’ Joe Strummer lived here’. And indeed he did.
The days as a punk hero were long in the future when Joe Strummer, then simply John Mellor, public school educated diplomat’s son, moved into 18 Ash Grove with his friend Tymon Dogg. They christened the flat ‘vomit heights’ and proceeded to be riotous and not altogether considerate neighbours.
The writer Chris Salewicz knew Joe Strummer for over 25 years before his untimely death at the age of just 50 in 2002 and will be reading from his book Redemption Song, the definitive story of Joe Strummer and The Clash at the Big Green Bookshop next Tuesday, November 20th at 7pm. The event is free but donations are requested for refreshments. It’s a great opportunity to hear their fascinating story, and visit one of the best and most hardworking bookshops in North London.
For more about Joe Strummer in Palmers Green, click here
- Did you encounter Joe Strummer when he lived in Palmers Green (or remember seeing evidence of his occupation in Ash Grove)? Tell us more!
Also coming soon at the Big Green Bookshop
Gavin Esler 4 December, Peter Serafinowicz 27 November. (we used to live next door to Peter Serafinowicz and can reveal he plays the Beatles and Elvis very loud at 3 in the morning….grrr)