Joe Strummer

Re “Founder of the Clash Propelled Punk Rock Into the Mainstream,” Dec. 24:

I had the privilege of seeing Joe Strummer fronting the Clash at the Roxy in Hollywood, which was rock ‘n’ roll at its finest: intimate, genuine, no facades, no rock star attitude, no MTV hype, no chasm between star and audience -- just pure passion. Every raspy word Joe forced out came directly from his heart. There are a lot of talented musicians currently out there, but there will never be another Joe.

His passing leaves a permanent void in the rock world, and a lump in my throat.

David Gillerman

Tarzana