KEITH Levene, a founding member of The Clash, co-wrote songs on their 1977 debut LP and played guitar on Public Image Limited’s first three albums, including the propulsive dub inspired rhythms of Metal Box.

“It all happened so quickly in The Clash, and then I just walked away after a few months,” recalled Levene, who will headline this weekend's Louder Than Words Literature Festival in Manchester.

“It was me that got Joe (Strummer) into The Clash - when I stole him from an RandB band, The 101ers.

“We had a pint and I said: ‘Joe, come to my squat and play.’

“Joe was an anti-hero. He looked so cool, dressed in a mid-1950s rockabilly style baggy suit and a pair of black crepes.

“We just set up our amps, plugged in, and ripped through a couple of tunes, Janie Jones, and What’s My Name?

“It was just one of those moments, you know.

“The squat was dark and cold, just tiny, but the music was pure white heat and it was one of those moments that, to this day, remains burned into my consciousness.”

While Levene is best known for his abrasive guitar style, once alongside John Lydon and Jah Wobble in Public Image Limited, he is also a highly respected artist, composer, musician, producer and writer.

Wobble and Levene, much to Lydon’s displeasure, reconvened a couple of years ago to play a few random shows – Metal Box in Dub.

“It was unfinished business, the whole Public Image thing,” added Levene, now based in Prague.

“Anytime me and Wobble do something together we never plan it. It was always a very instinctive thing.

“We just look at each other. He starts playing. I start playing.”

Levene’s latest project – London 1976 – aims to celebrate the 40th anniversary of British punk next year while also casting a keen eye on the future through his London 1976 Institute.

Levene’s idea sharing co-operative helps musicians, artists, authors and designers maintain their independence and autonomy in an increasingly corporate environment.

“I never thought I’d be doing this in my fifties, but now, more than ever, there is a need for pioneering music,” added Levene.

“I want to offer an alternative to the terrible world of Simon Cowell, re-create the old punk ethos.

“I’m not trying to be 22 again, I just think I’ve got a heck of a lot to offer to the new generation.

“I’m older and wiser now - I know the pitfalls.”

He added: “I can remember that kid, so full of enthusiasm and burning with ideas.

“I still feel like that, and I know that there is a hunger out there for change. Come and join us.”

Keith Levene, Louder Than Words Literature Festival, Saturday, November 14. Palace Hotel, Manchester.