At the Summer NAMM show, Fender announced a new Joe Strummer Telecaster. It's a "pre-distressed" (e.g. beat up) guitar based on Strummer's '66 model with worn-down-to-the-wood black spray paint finish and two single coil pickups. It comes with a stencil kit and stickers for just under $1300.
The Tele was a hit with many of the emerging punk bands from the 80's ranging from The Police to The Stranglers, but for many The Clash were the quintessential rockers and Strummer their leader. He was no guitar virtuoso (hence the stage name) but he more than made up for it in his enthusiasm and energy. So it is a little ironic that Fender decided to commemorate Strummer with his own axe. Unfortunately, Strummer died at the age of 50 in 2002, just months before the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Who knows what he would have thought of a signature guitar? He might have told Fender to pound sand and offered to beat up someone's guitar for half what Fender is charging. After all, he only paid £120 for the guitar in 1975! Still, it's a well-deserved tribute to the man.
If you don't have it already, this is a good time to pick up a copy of London Calling, their celebrated double album from 1979, and in many ways, the apex of their career. Can it be so long ago?
- Modern Guitars: Summer NAMM coverage, Fender Spotlights New Guitars
- Fender: Joe Strummer Telecaster
- Amazon: London Calling
What a crock o' sh|t! Paying extra to get your axe busted. He must be fncking rolling in his grave!
Posted by: I'm not wearing a hat | August 29, 2007 at 04:27 PM