Tom Morello Joins Bruce Springsteen, Shepherd Fairey and More to Pay Tribute to Joe Strummer

Celebrating what would have been Joe Strummer's 68th birthday, musicians, artists, actors and politicians took part in a livestreamed event, 'A Song for Joe: Celebrating the Life of Joe Strummer' on Friday. Musicians including Tom Morello, Bob Weir and Jesse Malin covered some of the Clash's biggest songs as part of the event, whilst others including Bruce Springsteen and Shepherd Fairey relayed their birthday messages to the legendary Clash singer. Shepherd Fairey thanked Strummer for continuing to inspire him every day.

"My favourite [lyric] is 'The future is unwritten' because it reminds me every day that we all have not just a privilege, but an obligation to use all the tools at our disposal to shape the world into the one that we want to see. I wake up with that on my mind every day, so I want to say thanks to you - thanks so much for all the inspiration."

As part of the tribute, Tom Morello performed a cover of the Clash's 'Bankrobber'. In Whatever It Takes, Tom credits listening to London Calling as the inspiration he needed to write his first ever political song, and Joe Strummer as his favourite singer of all time. Inducting the Clash into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, he pointed to the importance of the legacy that Strummer has left.

"I'm grateful to have the tremendous legacy of music that the Clash left behind because through it Joe Strummer and the Clash will continue to inspire and agitate well into the future."