Anti-Establishment
Anti-Establishment was an English punk band formed in 1978. Despite their brief active period, the band’s name remains well-respected in the Oi! and punk communities. Their work, though limited in output, helped shape the punk scene of the early 1980s. Known for their raw, energetic sound, Anti-Establishment recorded and released three singles, all produced by Rat Scabies of The Damned, further solidifying their place in punk history.
Formation and Early Years
The band went through several lineup changes before settling on a group that would record the bulk of their material. The key lineup consisted of Gavin Gritton on vocals, Nick Freeston on drums, Haggis on lead guitar, and Kevin Read on bass. Their first gig was in 1979, marking the start of a short but influential run in the punk scene. Despite only playing around 25 shows during their initial stint, Anti-Establishment managed to leave a lasting impact on the genre.
First Single: “1980’s” / “Mechanical Man” (1980)
In March 1980, Anti-Establishment released their debut single, “1980’s” / “Mechanical Man”, under the Charnel House label. Produced by The Damned’s Rat Scabies, the single captured the raw energy and discontent that were characteristic of the era’s punk movement. “1980’s” tackled themes of disillusionment, while “Mechanical Man” showcased the band’s biting critique of modern society.
Second Single: “Future Girl” / “No Trust” (1981)
The band’s second single, “Future Girl” / “No Trust”, was also produced by Rat Scabies and released on Glass Records. To promote the single, Anti-Establishment toured with The Exploited, gaining further recognition within the punk community. “Future Girl” reflected the band’s evolving sound while retaining their confrontational lyrical style, and “No Trust” continued their commentary on societal issues.
Third Single: “Anti-men” / “Misunderstood” (1982)
The third and final release from the band came as a double A-side single featuring “Anti-men” and “Misunderstood”. Once again, Rat Scabies produced the tracks. This release came during a period of transition for the band, as Gary Dawson replaced Haggis on guitar. Haggis left the group to focus on building up his own garage business. The singles maintained the band’s aggressive punk sound and further cemented their legacy in the Oi! and punk subgenres.
Reformation and Legacy
After disbanding in the early 1980s, Anti-Establishment reformed in 2013 for a special performance at the Rebellion Punk Festival. Their enduring influence was highlighted by the release of a compilation album in 1997, featuring all of their recorded material. Despite their brief career, Anti-Establishment remains a respected name in punk history, continuing to be admired by fans and musicians alike.
Discography
- 1980’s / Mechanical Man (Charnel House, 1980) – Produced by Rat Scabies
- Future Girl / No Trust (Glass Records, 1981) – Produced by Rat Scabies
- Anti-men / Misunderstood (1982) – Produced by Rat Scabies
