This may sound strange but my two favourite bands of all time are the Clash and Led Zeppelin. Two distinctly different genres, but with more similarities than most people think. Although, I concede the likeness is musical with a sprinkling of attitude to the world. Like many people my age I discovered the Clash via the late, great John Peel. I was reared on a diet of the Beatles, Glam, Floyd, heavy rock and Irish folk music. Punk and more importantly the Clash gave the music scene a good kick in the balls and gave thousands of young people an alternative outlet for teenage kicks. Growing up in the North of Ireland punk took on a different dynamic here which spawned many great bands including the Undertones. Unfortunately, within a few years the counter culture of punk was turned into fashion and acceptability. The Clash remained with the ideals and the innovative nature of punk. The demise of Joe Strummer robbed us of a man of immense humanity and creative energy. I listen to the Clash almost everyday as Strummer said: "the future is unwritten."