Great Moments in WFMU History #20

Sharing a Beer with Joe Strummer (This Gob's for You!) - by Hova Najarian

“Kill your idols” sounds nice in theory, but the fact is DJ Hova worshipped Joe Strummer. Hova was in complete awe when Strummer stopped by WFMU for a guest-DJ set in July 2001, but he wasn’t the only star-struck staffer either. A few light-headed WFMU DJs loitered in the studio after Joe had left, savoring the moment. Mike Lupica kept stealing sidelong glances at the unfinished black-and-tan in front of Joe’s chair, finally asking, “Is that... ?”

“Go on,” Hova said. “You know you want to.”

Mike took a swig - gingerly, reverently. Transubstantiation ensued.

Brian Turner (jokingly?) suggested giving the rest away during our fundraising marathon, so Hova took the bottle home to his fridge. Several months later, Terre T. was visiting Hova, and he brought it out to show off.

“Behold,” Hova bragged. “Essence of Strummer.”

“Gimmee!” Terre blurted, snatching the bottle and chugging like a frat boy. Eventually, Hova got it back, salvaging enough beer/backwash to fill 20 small vials, which, accompanied by a certified letter of authenticity, made for a fine marathon premium. One of which Hova drank.

Joe Strummer guest DJ show:  playlist  |   listen
Strummer’s beer giveaway Marathon show:  playlist  |  listen

Illustration by Abby Denson

Comments

[Brian C.]

Spooky coincidence for me, maybe too mundane to mention, but--this afternoon, for some reason, my mind drifted across this very subject while I was painting a fence. I remembered Hova telling the tale, but I didn't know about the marathon premium aspect.

[Dale Hazelton]

I won one of the vials, and think I misplaced it during a move! I was going to be a douchebag and ebay it when Strummer died, but in retrospect I'm glad I couldn't find it. I'll wait for Mr. Clone machines to appear on everyone's kitchen counter and look for it again.