Local Musicians Honor Clash Frontman at Annual Joe Strummer Fundraiser

Former frontman of The Clash, Joe Strummer, was an inspiration to many. Right after his death in 2002, the Joe Strummer Foundation started in honor of his memory and his ideals. Their objectives fall into three categories: Create Empowerment through Music, The Provision of Space and Instruments, and The Promotion of Music and the Arts. Through these ideals, the foundation honors him through fundraisers, such as the most recent one at Mohawk Place in Buffalo. 

The event started with headliner The Travesties, made up of lead vocalist Tyler Bagwell, guitarist Brendan Zehnder, and drummer Marc Smith. Their set list included “Janie Jones,” “Cheapskates,” “Keys to your Heart,” “Lost in the Supermarket,” and “Burnin’ Street.” Right from the start, The Travesties delivered lively music and vocals with upbeat and fast-paced riffs. Tyler had a scruffy and heavy voice that fit in perfectly with the vibe of the drums and guitar. 

I had the chance to speak with lead vocalist Tyler Bagwell, who said that Joe Strummer just had that inspiration and a certain way with words for people. “Strummer was one of the first modern musicians that illustrated what you could do through activism and music… the anger that Strummer brought was incredibly influential”

The following band, The Washington Bullets, had songs such as “Jimmy Chad,” “Gotta Crush on You,” and “Stay Free.” The Keyboardist created interesting riffs that made the crowd energetic. The band itself also enjoyed their own company that allowed the crowd to dance along with them.

Finally, Mohawks Place’s regular Rebel Waltz made the crowd ecstatic as they premiered many songs, and included The Great Train Robbery’s own Andrew Case, who took over lead vocals for one of the songs. 

This fundraiser was one to not have missed, as the crowd just got more energetic as each band played. Tara Southard, a friend of The Travesties’ Brendan Zehnder, said she loves how “the music just takes over you,” and she’s not one to be afraid of going to the empty part of the audience to dance her heart out. 

To donate to the Joe Strummer Fundraiser, visit https://joestrummerfoundation.org/support/ to show your support. 

All photos taken by Brianna Howard.