Joe Strummer Biopic Mooted

FilmFour to take charge

Joe Strummer could be set for the biopic treatment after FilmFour confirmed work had begun on a new project.

Born plain John Mellor, Joe Strummer came of age in London’s squat scene. Turning his back on his education, the young guitarist fell in love with music and helped to form influential pub rock act The 101ers.

However a support slot with The Sex Pistols showed Joe Strummer the way forward. Poached by newly formed group The Clash, he would go on to become one of the definitive frontmen of the punk era.

Introducing a sense of righteousness to rock music borrowed from reggae, Joe Strummer’s simple, down to earth politics would influence a generation. With his wide ranging tastes, The Clash would veer from classic rockabilly to lounge jazz with plenty more besides.

Falling away from the music scene after the eventual split of The Clash in 1985, Joe Strummer would enjoy a late renaissance courtesy of his work with The Mescaleros. However his life was cut short when he passed away from a heart attack shortly before Christmas in 2002.

Now Joe Strummer’s life could be turned into a biopic, if plans from FilmFour come to fruition. The noted film company have bought the rights, and are beginning to push the production forward.

Playlist reports that the film is still at the planning stages, with writer Paul Viragh taking charge of the screenplay. Fresh from work on the Ian Dury biopic ‘Sex And Drugs And Rock And Roll’ Viragh would seem an appropriate choice. Sadly, the Strummer film has been given the relatively mundane name ‘Joe Public’.

Since his death, Joe Strummer’s life has been documented in various films, notably Julien Temple’s wonderful creation ‘The Future Is Unwritten’. Featuring live footage and multiple interviews it will be hard to top.

Filming on ‘Joe Public’ is due to start next year.

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