Conflict
Conflict is an English anarcho-punk band originally based in Eltham in South London.
How The Band Got Started
Formed in 1981, the original lineup consisted of Colin Jerwood (vocals), Francisco ‘Paco’ Carreno (drums), John (bass guitar), Steve (guitars), Pauline (vocals), and Paul a.k.a. ‘Nihilistic Nobody’ (visuals). The band’s first release was the 1982 EP “The House That Man Built” on Crass Records. By the time they released their first full-length album, 1983’s *It’s Time to See Who’s Who* on Corpus Christi Records, Pauline and Paul had left the band.
In 1983, the band set up their own label, Mortarhate Records, which not only released their own records but also supported other influential punk acts like Hagar the Womb, Icons of Filth, and Stalag 17. The label also had a sub-label, Fightback Records, which operated from 1984-1986.
The band’s single “To A Nation of Animal Lovers” featured guest vocals from Steve Ignorant of Crass. After the dissolution of Crass, Ignorant joined Conflict as a semi-permanent second vocalist until the mid-1990s.
Conflict’s 1985 track “Mighty and Superior” was voted #53 in the John Peel Festive Fifty radio show audience poll.
Activism and Riots
Conflict was always outspoken on issues like anarchism, animal rights, and the anti-war movement. Their support for the Class War organization was integral to their identity. Many of their concerts in the 1980s were followed by riots. One of the most notable incidents occurred on April 18, 1987, at the Brixton Academy during the “The Gathering of the 5000” event. The event aimed to raise funds for causes like the Animal Liberation Front and Greenpeace. After the event, a riot broke out, resulting in 52 arrests and several police officers being injured.
In 2016, *The Wire* described the band as one that “rejected hippy anarchism for direct action,” particularly focusing on animal rights and corporate globalization, solidifying Conflict’s place as an ethical template in the anarcho-punk scene.
Later Years and Lineup Changes
Drummer Francisco “Paco” Carreno passed away on February 20, 2015, at the age of 49. In August 2019, long-term bassist Hoddy stepped down after over 30 years, and Fran Fearon replaced him. Fi also joined the band as an additional vocalist.
Since 2021, the current lineup; Colin, Gav, Stu, Fran, and Fi; has been touring and working on new material. They released a live album, *Live in Dublin*, in 2024 and their first new studio material in over 20 years, a 7″ single titled “THIS IS CONFLICT,” in November 2024. Their upcoming studio album *This Much Remains* is scheduled for release in May 2025.
Members
Original Lineup
- Colin Jerwood – vocals
- John Clifford – bass guitar
- Kenny Barnes – drums
- Graham Ball – guitar
- Paul Fryday, a.k.a. ‘Nihilistic Nobody’ – visuals
Later Members
- Francisco “Paco” Carreno – drums
- Steve Gittins – guitar
- Mandy Spokes – vocals
- Kevin Webb – guitar
- Paul Hoddy – bass guitar
- Chris Parish – guitar
- Kerry B – vocals
- Steve Ignorant – vocals
- Ferenc Collins – guitar
- Marshall Penn – guitar
- Derek Reid – bass
- Mark Pickstone – keyboards
- Jackie Hanna – vocals
- Sarah Taylor – vocals
- Eve Scragg – vocals
- Matthew Zilch – guitar
- Gav King – guitar
- Jeannie Ford – vocals
- Stuart Meadows – drums
- Fiona Jayne Friel – vocals
- Fran Fearon – bass guitar
Discography
Studio Albums
- It’s Time to See Who’s Who LP (March 1983, Corpus Christi Records) (#1)
- Increase the Pressure LP / CD (June 1984, Mortarhate Records) (#2)
- The Ungovernable Force LP (August 1986, Mortarhate Records) (#2)
- From Protest To Resistance LP (1986, Bust Fund) (#11)
- The Final Conflict LP (December 1988, Mortarhate Records) (#13)
- Against All Odds LP (1989, Mortarhate Records)
- Conclusion LP / CD (December 1993, Mortarhate Records)
- There’s No Power Without Control LP / CD (July 2003, Mortarhate Records)
- This Much Remains CD / LP / Boxset (May 2025, Cadiz Music/Motorhate Records)
EPs
- “The House That Man Built” EP (June 1982, Crass Records) (#3). Later re-issued on Mortarhate Records.
- “To a Nation of Animal Lovers” EP (October 1983, Corpus Christi Records) (#4). Later re-issued on Mortarhate Records.
- “The Serenade is Dead” EP (January 1984, Mortarhate Records) (#5)
- “This is Not Enough, Stand Up and Fucking Fight” 7″ (March 1985, Mortarhate Records) (#3)
- “The Battle Continues” 7″ (October 1985, Mortarhate Records) (#1)
- “The Final Conflict” 12″ (1988, Mortarhate Records)
- “These Colours Don’t Run” 7″ / CD (October 1993, Mortarhate Records)
- “BBC1” 7″ (1995, Mortarhate Records)
- “Now You’ve Put Your Foot in It” 7″ / CD (2001, Mortarhate Records)
- “Carlo Giuliani” 7″ / CD (April 2003, Mortarhate Records)
- “THIS IS CONFLICT” 7″ (November 2024)
