Even beyond the grave legendary Clash frontman Joe Strummer is still supporting firefighters.
A limited edition vinyl recording of London is Burning is being released to raise funds for the
Fire Fighters Charity and the Fire Brigades Union’s Firefighters 100 Lottery fund that helps seriously injured firefighters and their families.
Previously unreleased, the vinyl is an early version of ‘Burning Streets’ by Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros. The track was originally titled ‘Fire Fighting Street’ and written for Joe’s show at Acton Town Hall for the FBU on 15 November 2002.
'London Is Burning’ is taken from the forthcoming ‘Joe Strummer 001’ compilation - featuring rare and unreleased songs covering his entire career - released on 28 September 2018.
Dave Green, FBU national officer, said: “Joe Strummer is a punk icon and was a longtime friend of the FBU. He supported us through the 2002/3 pay dispute putting on a special benefit gig to raise strike funds. It is great to see his legacy is still helping firefighters. This is a fantastic record that is a must have for any self-respecting punk fan out there.”
Dr Jill Tolfrey, chief executive of the Fire Fighters Charity, said: “Every penny of the funds we receive from the sale of this fantastic, limited-edition track will go towards helping firefighters in their recovery from illness, injury or psychological trauma. We are hugely grateful to Joe Strummer’s estate and are sure the opportunity to own such a rare vinyl will really appeal to punk fans across the fire services community.”
