The Clash's near reform

The Clash were set to reform before Joe Strummer died.

The 'White Riot' hitmakers had discussed the possibility of performing a short concert when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2003 but scrapped plans when the singer passed away in December 2002.

Drummer Topper Headon revealed: "When we got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Joe wanted us to do four or five numbers there. I said yes, Mick Jones said yes, Paul Simonon was um-ing and ah-ing but in the end the decision was taken out of our hands because Joe died."

Topper admits he is glad that they never got the chance to perform again as it stops memories of them being tainted.

He explained to NME magazine: "I think Paul was probably right to be sceptical because the only pictures you see of The Clash now are of us as four young, good-looking men with full heads of hair.

"If we'd have played that show you'd have seen Mick being bald, Paul being bald, me being bald and wearing glasses and Joe with a bit of a paunch. It was better the old way."