Joe Strummer Inspiring "Generations"

Joe Strummer was the singer of The Clash, a group that has produced some of thc most compelling work in recent memory.

After The Clash disbanded in 1986. a decade after they formed, Strummer continued to create music with social relevance, while involving himself in projects benefiting political causes. In the late 80s Strummer was enlisted to help organize a benefit concert for Amnesty International at the Milton Keynes Bowl in England. His association with Amnesty International, led to a deep admiration for Jack Healey, then the Director of the USA chapter of the organization. Although the two had never met, Strummer was very much aware of Healey's passion for human rights, and inspired by his devotion to the cause.

In the Spring of 1996. Strummer was called upon by Jason Rothberg, executive producer of Generations I - A Punk Look at Human Rights, to participate in the project. Understanding that Jack Healey and his new organization, the Human Rights Action Center were the beneficiaries, Strummer immediately signed on to produce the title track, "Generations" for the compilation album.

"When Jason [Rothberg] called. I was inspired to put pen to paper. so to speak," said Strummer. "At the time I was in a studio in Los Angeles working on another project. I was really taken by the concept of a punk album benefiting human rights, and doing this for Jack [Healey]. Jason said that the project was titled Generations I - A Punk Look At Human Rights, and that immediately gave me the basis for the song. I wrote the track in a couple of hours and with the help of Rat Scabies and Seggs, we produced and recorded 'Generations' in a day."

"Generations" can be heard on the forthcoming Ark 21 release Generations I - A Punk Look at Human Rights.

January, 1 1997

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