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Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros

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(1999 – 2002)

The Mescaleros were the backing band for Joe Strummer, formed in 1999, which went on to make three albums prior to Strummer’s death in 2002. Musically, the Mescaleros continued the genre mixing that Strummer was known for during his time with The Clash. Elements of reggae, jazz, funk, hip hop, country, and of course punk rock can be found in the three Mescaleros releases. The original line up consisted of Strummer on vocals and guitar, Antony Genn on guitar, Scott Shields on bass, Martin Slattery on keyboards and guitar (as well as flute and saxophone on select songs), Pablo Cook on various percussion instruments, and Smiley (aka Steve Barnard) on drums. Richard Flack also appeared on various effects and instruments.

The band rose out of Strummer’s work with Pablo Cook and Richard Norris. The three of them originally came together to write the soundtracks for two short films, Tunnel of Love, and Question of Honour. The song “Yalla Yalla” was originally written by this trio, and mixed by Antony Genn. Once Genn was brought on board, a new song “Techno D-Day” was recorded, at which point Strummer, at the behest of Genn, began recording a new record. The original drummer, Ged Lynch, left the band before recording on Rock Art & The X-Ray Style was complete and Smiley (Robbie Williams’ former drummer) was brought in to finish recording. Shields and Slattery were recruited through a number of contacts with the band.
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