Blaggers Ita

ByLets Go Punk
Blaggers ITA mixed punk rock with diverse sounds and fierce left-wing politics

Blaggers ITA (formerly The Blaggers) was a British punk rock band founded in 1988, renowned for blending punk with diverse musical styles and a staunchly left-wing political stance. The band emerged from a scene mixing various influences and quickly became known for their energetic performances and activist lyrics.

Biography

Before Forming

Main vocalist Matty ‘Blagg’ Roberts previously fronted the Oi! band Complete Control, while original vocalist Bilko (Tim Wells) sang with the Anti Social Workers. These early experiences helped shape the band’s later fusion of punk energy with political messages.

Formation to Disbanding

Formed in 1988, Blaggers ITA released several records on the independent label Words of Warning. Their 1993 album United Colours Of Blaggers ITA marked a turning point, leading to a record deal with EMI that brought minor hit singles and increased their exposure. However, the association with a major label drew criticism from their fan base due to EMI’s controversial background.

During a high-profile UK tour in mid-1993, frontman Roberts was involved in a confrontation that led to legal issues and media backlash, culminating in the cancellation of festival slots and the band being dropped by EMI in 1994. After Roberts’ departure and rising internal tensions, the band eventually disbanded in 1996. Matty ‘Blagg’ Roberts later passed away in 2000.

Style and Politics

Initially rooted in a generic Oi! sound, the band expanded their style to include elements of hip hop, electronic dance music, and brass instrumentation with a trumpet. Their lyrics were marked by strong anti-fascist and left-wing views, and they actively supported groups such as Red Action and Anti Fascist Action. Blaggers ITA used their platform to promote revolutionary politics, engaging in direct action against neo-Nazi groups and supporting various political causes.

Lineup (Early-1990s)

  • Matty Blagg – lead vocals
  • Christy Robson – rapper/DJ
  • Steve Serious – guitar
  • Paul The Pig – guitar
  • Matt Vinyl – bass
  • Jason ‘Wrist Action Jackson’ Cook – drums
  • Brendan ‘Rimmer’ Hodges – trumpet, samples, design
  • Carlos Coutinho – keyboards

Discography

Albums

  • On Yer Toez (1989)
  • Blaggamuffin (1991, mini-LP)
  • Fuck Fascism, Fuck Capitalism, Society’s Fucked (1991)
  • God Save the Cockroach (1992, mini-LP)
  • United Colours of Blaggers ITA (1993)
  • Bad Karma (1994)

Singles and EPs

  • “It’s Up To You” (1990)
  • Beirut EP (1990)
  • “Victory to ANC” (flexi disc, 1991)
  • “Here’s Johnny” (1992)
  • “The Way We Operate” (1992)
  • “Wildside” (bootleg, 1993)
  • “Stresss” (1993)
  • “Oxygen” (1993)
  • “Abandon Ship” (1993)
  • “Mantrap” (1994)
  • “Thrill Her With a Gun/Dairy Thief” (1995)
  • “Rumblefish/Death by Cool” (1995)
  • “Guns Of Brixton” (1995)
  • “Session” (1995)

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