Dark Horse Records will release “Joe Strummer 003: The 101’ers Years (1974-1976)” on November 20, a collection the label describes as the definitive compilation of recordings by Strummer’s pre-Clash band. The 3CD deluxe edition includes 48 tracks, among them 15 previously unreleased demos and 21 live recordings, along with a 48-page hardback book featuring rare imagery and writings by Strummer, a foreword by Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock and liner notes by 101’ers member Richard Nother Dudanski. A double-LP edition will also be available.
The set was produced by David Zonshine, with the demo and live material restored from original cassette tapes by Paul Hicks, who has worked with the Beatles, David Bowie and the Rolling Stones. According to the announcement, the collection includes the first known recordings of Strummer, including an early version of what became “Jail Guitar Doors” and a live recording of “Junco Partner,” a song he later covered with the Clash.
The 101’ers formed out of a Maida Vale squat and became fixtures on London’s mid-1970s pub rock circuit before disbanding in June 1976, shortly after sharing a bill with the Sex Pistols. Future Clash bandmates Mick Jones and Paul Simonon were reportedly in attendance at the band’s final show.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by FunHouse Entertainment.