Rock drummer Nick ‘Topper’ Headon has vowed to honour the spirit of his former band The Clash by helping three talented musicians fulfil their dreams.
The 54-year-old, who lives with his family in River, near Dover, told Kent on Sunday that when the punk group formed in 1976 they promised change and to give something back to their fans.
And despite fighting his own demons over the years in a long battle with heroin addiction, Headon has now pledged his support to three drummers at Canterbury Christ Church University by giving them scholarships.
“This is a Clash thing to do,” he said. “I want to give something back and make things easier for these students. It’s different from my day when we had grants. Now students are made to pay back loans.
“I’m in a position in my life where I can help. I used to think being clean was enough, but I want more than that.”
Headon, whose mother died recently, struggled with drug addiction for more than 20 years.
Band members Joe Strummer, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon eventually told him to quit drugs or leave The Clash. He was thrown out of the band in 1982.
Headon, considered one of the greatest rock drummers of his generation, ended up on the streets before being helped by a homeless charity in London
The former Dover Grammar pupil said: “When I was at school I never once thought I would end up as an addict. But the toxic cocktail of youth and money, mixed with the kind of lifestyle I had, led me into it.
“Now I’m clean I’m looking to do what I can to help people and give something back.”
Bromley-born Headon got involved with Kent homelessness charity Porchlight, and was asked to become an ambassador for the organisation. He is also a spokesman for the Hepatitis C Trust after undergoing treatment for the condition.
He has been involved with music charities and helped with the Jail Guitar Doors campaign, set up by singer Billy Bragg to provide instruments to prison inmates.
Headon said: “Some addicts use something called a ‘higher power’ to help them fight their addiction. This can be a kind of spiritual thing, but for me, doing all this is like my higher power.”
The scholarships will continue to run every 12 months, with new students being selected at the start of each academic year.
Headon chooses the pupils he wishes to support out of a shortlisted group after watching them perform.
He said: “I see who has flair and the ones who have something about them.
“I never had lessons, so I couldn’t read music. I think it’s important for students to learn all aspects.”
The three students who have been selected this year are Rosey Forbes, Matt Hatrick and Scott Hoenes.
POSTED: 01/11/2009 11:00:00
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