Angelic Upstarts
Angelic Upstarts is a seminal punk rock band that originated in South Shields, England, in 1977. Known for their politically charged lyrics and strong anti-fascist stance, the band quickly became a prominent voice in the punk and Oi! subcultures. They have been described by AllMusic as “one of the period’s most politically charged and thought-provoking groups.” The band promotes a socialist working-class philosophy, resonating deeply with the punk ethos. Throughout their career, Angelic Upstarts have released a significant body of work, including numerous studio albums, and have maintained a dedicated following despite several lineup changes and brief hiatuses.
Biography
The band was formed in Brockley Whins, South Shields, South Tyneside, in 1977, heavily influenced by The Clash. In 1978, they self-released their debut single, “The Murder of Liddle Towers/Police Oppression,” which garnered attention for its raw energy and political message. This was followed by a Peel Session recording the same year. By 1979, Angelic Upstarts had signed with Warner Bros. Records, with the help of Jimmy Pursey, and released their debut album, Teenage Warning, which included the hit title track. The band continued their momentum with the release of We Gotta Get Out of This Place, solidifying their place in the punk scene.
In the early 1980s, the band became associated with the Oi! subgenre, despite later distancing themselves from the label. Their albums 2,000,000 Voices and Still from the Heart saw the band experimenting with a broader sonic palette, incorporating elements of reggae, folk, and new wave influences. By 1983, they had transitioned to independent releases, starting with Reason Why?, which is often hailed as one of their strongest records.
Despite internal changes and external pressures, including targeted violence from neo-nazi groups due to their anti-fascist stance, the band persevered, continuing to release albums and tour. Bombed Out (1992) marked the end of a chapter for the band, which saw a brief hiatus before re-emerging in 2002 with Sons of Spartacus. Their final studio album, Bullingdon Bastards, was released in 2016.
Lineups
The original lineup of Angelic Upstarts included Thomas Mensforth (Mensi) on vocals, Ray Cowie (Mond) on guitar, Steve Forsten on bass guitar, and Derek “Decca” Wade on drums. Over the years, the lineup saw numerous changes, with Mensi remaining the constant member until his death in 2021. Other notable members include Keith “Sticks” Warrington, who later joined Cockney Rejects, and Tony Van Frater, who was a key figure in the band’s later years.
The band experienced several reunions, with Mensi stepping down briefly in 2006, only to return later. By 2018, the lineup had evolved to include Mick Robson on guitar, John Woodward on bass, and Andy Wilkinson on drums. The band continued to perform and record until the death of Mensi in December 2021.
Influence
Angelic Upstarts are widely regarded as pioneers of the Oi! subgenre of punk rock. Their influence extends beyond the punk community, with numerous bands and artists citing them as an inspiration. In 2001, a tribute album titled We Are The People was released, featuring covers by bands such as Leatherface, The Oppressed, Red London, and Red Alert. Their legacy is further cemented by their inclusion in Mojo magazine’s list of the best punk rock singles of all time for their debut single “The Murder of Liddle Towers.”
Discography
- Teenage Warning (August 1979, Warner Bros. Records) – No. 29 UK
- We Gotta Get out of This Place (April 1980, WEA) – No. 54 UK
- 2,000,000 Voices (June 1981, Zonophone/EMI) – No. 32 UK
- Still from the Heart (1982, Zonophone/EMI)
- Reason Why? (1983, Anagram/Cherry Red)
- Last Tango in Moscow (1984, Picasso)
- Power of the Press (1986, Gas)
- Blood on the Terraces (1987, Link)
- Bombed Out (1992, Dojo)
- Sons Of Spartacus (2002, Captain Oi!/Insurgence Records)
- The Dirty Dozen (2011, I Hate People Records)
- Bullingdon Bastards (2015, Boss Tuneage/Insurgence Records)
