Legendary Clash and John Cooper Clarke tour manager and author Johnny Green has died

Culture
03 Mar 25

He starred in the band's 'Bankrobber' video and also managed Joe Ely

Hot Press is deeply saddened to learn that legendary Clash and John Cooper Clarke tour manager Johnny Green (on the right in this pic with JCC) has died.

Originally a fan of the band, Johnny became a key member of the travelling Clash entourage during the seventies punk uprising – and wrote about it with great wit and insight in the must-read A Riot of Our Own: Night And Day With The Clash.

He also co-starred in the video for the band's 'Bankrobber' video, which very nearly led to him having his own collar felt.

After parting company with Joe Strummer and the chaps, he managed legendary US country artist Joe Ely, became John Cooper Clarke's touring companion and gained unprecedented access to pen Push Yourself Just A Little Bit More: Backstage at Le Tour de France.

A brilliant raconteur, he graced the Hot Press Chatroom at Electric Picnic with JCC in 2012 – we've managed to find a battered old video copy of the chinwag! – and reprised the double act at the 2015 Metropolis festival in the RDS, with our man Stuart Clark taking care of interview duties on both occasions. He also took part in 2017's Year Zero - 40th Anniversary Symposium, which recalled The Clash's legendary 1977 concert in Trinity College, Dublin.

Here are some of the tributes to one of the true rock 'n'roll believers:

Very sad news. Johnny Green has left the building. He was taking care of the Clash when I began my adventure with them. That took something special! Especially with the most exciting band in the world at the height of their powers. He was always CLASS. Rest in Rockin’ Peace JG💔

— Pete Wylie is WAH!🌟 (@petewylie) March 3, 2025

Johnny Green RIP 'The legendary tour manager of the Clash and John Cooper Clarke and author and one of the good guys' https://t.co/MAwMXrdhPK via @louderthanwar

— john robb (@johnrobb77) March 3, 2025

I'm so sorry to hear that Johnny Green, former road manager for The Clash, has died.
Johnny gave a eulogy at Garry Barker's funeral - my beloved former boss on the KM subs' desk. They wrote a book together on The Clash, of whom Garry was a huge fan, called A Riot of Our Own.

— Sarah Linney (@thedailysarah) March 3, 2025