Clash Drummer Raffles Mini Cooper

The Clash drummer Topper Headon is to sell his prized Mini Cooper in order to raise funds for the charity Strummerville.

The Clash have an enduring place in the pantheon of rock mythology. Formed by three punks tired of the bloated excesses of prog rock, the band were thrilled by primitive r'n'b as well as a good dose of reggae.

Ditching their original drummer Terry Chimes upon the release of their seminal first album, the band then hooked up with Topper Headon. The diminutive Headon had previously acted as a jobbing musician around London, and his wide musical knowledge drove The Clash onto even greater heights.

As the group's music began to veer from punk rock to blues, jazz, soul and dub reggae Topper Headon was stretched to the limit. Yet the drummer thrives in this creative environment, finding the time to craft the band's biggest hit 'Rock The Casbah'.

Yet by that point Topper Headon had lost his way. Succumbing to the temptations of drug abuse the band were forced to fire Headon, with the drummer famously living in a squat as the song he wrote went screaming up the charts.

Without him, the band splintered. Songwriter Mick Jones left soon after, with The Clash stumbling on until 1986 before finally splitting after the poorly received album 'Cut The Crap'.

Eventually cleaning up, Topper Headon remains musically active. Fellow Clash member Mick Jones now fronts Carbon / Silicon, and at a show last year Topper Headon gave into temptation and charged onstage to perform with his old friend.

Sadly, The Clash's iconic frontman Joe Strummer was not there to witness the event. Strummer died of a heart attack shortly before Christmas in 2002, with his family establishing the Strummerville charity in his honour.

Topper Headon has pledged his support to the charity, which aims to help young people get into the music industry. The drummer is preparing to sell his beloved Mini Cooper, will all funds going to the charity.

Headon said of the giveaway in a statement: "This car has been my pride and joy. I had it two-tone customised and it was the first car I drove when I got clean, so you can imagine I've been attached to it and have loved it a lot."

"But I so love the great work that Strummerville are doing, so am delighted to donate the car to be raffled. I hope it will make a fortune for the charity. Giving kids a chance is such a good cause."

Topper Headon's car will be sold via raffle, with the winning tickets being drawn on July 13th. Tickets cost £10 and will be available from the charity's official website.