I planned to get back to talking Clash after a brief time off. Specifically, to dive into the band’s Cost of Living EP, released in May 1979 to coincide with the UK general election that brought Margaret Thatcher to power. 

Instead, I was blindsided by the untimely death of Sinéad O’Connor the day before I sat down to record this episode. So, my plans changed. I don’t really know how to describe this episode other than as an homage to her. First and foremost, to her creativity. Genuine creativity that went so far beyond chord progressions and scales and deft musicianship. As in, groundbreaking creativity that transformed music.

And then there’s her bravery. From defending children against the most powerful religious institution in the world to sharing her mental health struggles publicly and without shame. It’s hard to underestimate the number of lives she touched just by being strong and outspoken and fearless.

And lastly, there’s the legacy she left us. As Pearl Gates (Pearl Harbour) said so brilliantly on Instagram, “I wish I was brave enough to be like you.” We should all be brave enough to be like Sinéad. We owe it to ourselves.

One postscript. I did not see it before I recorded this episode, but this article by Rory Carroll in The Guardian suggests she did find some peace in a small Irish village over the past few years. Thank goodness for that.

So, please give this week’s show a listen and share your thoughts in the comments below. And remember, as Joe always said, “Without people, you’re nothing.”