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Clash Drummer Topper Headon: Baby You Can Drive His Car

3:39 p.m. · May 28, 2009 · by Jim Allen

Unfortunately, skinbeater supreme Topper Headon has been the least visible Clash member in the years since the band's demise, largely because of much-publicized drug problems, which he has seemingly overcome. But now, you can add to his list of accomplishments -- which already include writing the music for "Rock the Casbah," being hands-down the most gifted drummer of punk's first generation, and simply sporting the name "Topper" -- a personal sacrifice in the name of charity.

Partly in tribute to his former bandleader Joe Strummer and partly out of sheer civic-mindedness, Headon has donated his Mini Cooper to a raffle being held by Strummerville, the charitable organization established in Strummer's name after his passing. The proceeds will, appropriately enough, be put toward a fund to help young musicians. The drummer said of his donation "...it was the first car I drove when I got clean, so you can imagine I've been attached to it...but I so love the great work that Strummerville are doing." The raffle will go down on July 13, and tickets are available from www.strummerville.com.

[NME]