Hopefully you saw the exhibition of photos from part 1 of the MI23 live event. If not, you can see/read all about it here.
Part 2 of this experimental version of MI held a lot of meaning for many of Mental Beans’ readers, including myself, as many of us have met through a common passion and love for Joe Strummer and the Clash. On the MI23 event page I wrote to introduce the Strummer Tribute theme for part 2 of the event:
“A very special theme for some of us… December 22 marks 10 years since the world lost Joe Strummer, and I’d like to be able to post up a gallery of photos that pays homage the incredible life force that he was, and still is. However you interpret it, take a photo and then please share a few words about what Joe Strummer means to you. There are a lot of tribute events going on around the world, and I cannot make it to any of them…so this is my way of taking part. I know there are a lot of Strummer fans amongst us to make this a really great tribute.”
What followed was many amazing images and words from our friends around the world, posted live on the event page during the 24-hour period of December 22, 2012. It made me smile to see everyone’s contributions, despite the gravity and sadness that tinges that day. I still remember well where I was when I learned the news, and I know I’m not the only one, so it was nice to turn this feeling of loss into something positive. This event, of course was only one tiny event amongst so many other events that took place all over the world, many of which you can read all about via the Strummerville website, as well a via the posts on The Clash Blog, where events were being tracked as well, but it still felt good to do this.
Thanks to Ann B in Stockholm, Sweden; Yossi in Tel Aviv, Israel; Betsy in NYC; Gina and Robert in Minneapolis; Lennart in Gothenburg, Sweden; Grebo of Belgrade, Serbia (by way of Italy) all with their thoughtful images and words in memory; Brenda in Vermont (via Philadelphia PA), who spent 2 years time with Joe and the Clash in the USA and Europe, graciously shared some of her memories and occasions (thank you again Brenda, it was truly and deeply appreciated); Noona in Glasgow, Scotland with her hilarious story of misheard Clash lyrics; Jess in NY with a very special treasure from her time spent in the pit at one of the famous Clash Bond’s Casino shows in NYC; Joanne in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Silvia in Rimini, Italy and Sean in Norwich, England with their words of friendships and connections; Maribel in Cataluna, Spain with a shared video in memory; Raffaele in Roma, Italy (and also Silvia) with their original artwork; Robin in Bellview, IL through her writing; Wendy, in keeping with her deep interest in environmentalism (which we can trace our original meeting to!) with words about Rebel’s Wood, and myself with the story of my nearly-lost Strummerville pin, both of us here in Cleveland, OH. I love that these images and words came from a smattering of locations around the world with different perspectives and tales. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and memories here.
Hover over the images for a pop up caption, and click the photos to be taken to a full screen slideshow to view the full stories with the photos.











Finally, Maribel in Catalonia, Spain posted this as her tribute in Joe’s memory:
And the Mondo Instante project moves on into 2013! Watch this site and the Mental Beans Facebook page for forthcoming details for the next MI event, which will again take place live!












