999: London punk quartet formed as The Dials before adopting 999 in 1977. Self-financed debut “I’m Alive” (b/w “Quite Disappointing”) appeared on LaBritain in August 1977 and led to a United Artists contract. The label followed with “Nasty Nasty,” “Emergency” and “Me and My Desire” before the 1978 albums 999 and Separates. “Homicide” reached UK No. 40. Singer/guitarist Nick Cash previously played in Kilburn and the High Roads with Ian Dury.>
Acme Sewage Co.: Welwyn Garden City punk trio formed in 1976 by singer/guitarist Ozzy, bassist Pete Barber and drummer Simon Coxhill. Raw Records included “I Don’t Need You” and “I Can See You” on the 1977 compilation Raw Deal, followed by “I Wish You Dead” on Oh No It’s More From Raw in 1978. The live “Smile and Wave Goodbye” appeared on the 1978 Lightning compilation Farewell to the Roxy. Raw sessions also produced the unissued “High Rise.” >
The Adverts: London punk quartet formed in late 1976 by T.V. Smith and Gaye Advert. Seven 1977–79 singles opened with the Stiff release “One Chord Wonders” (b/w “Quick Step”); “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes” (b/w “Bored Teenagers”) reached UK No. 18. Bright issued the 1978 album Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts, followed by Cast of Thousands on RCA in 1979. T.V. Smith formed T.V. Smith’s Explorers after the group split.
Alternative TV: London punk and experimental group formed in 1977 by Sniffin’ Glue editor Mark Perry and guitarist Alex Fergusson. “Love Lies Limp” first appeared as a flexidisc with the final issue of Sniffin’ Glue, followed by the Deptford Fun City single “How Much Longer” (b/w “You Bastard”). The label issued “Life After Life” and “Action Time Vision” in 1978 alongside debut album The Image Has Cracked. ATV moved into more experimental material on Vibing Up the Senile Man (Part One) in 1979, then Perry and bassist Dennis Burns continued as The Good Missionaries. Fergusson co-founded Psychic TV.
The Alternators: One 1978 NRG Records single: “No Answers” (b/w the synth-squirting “Kid Don’t Know”), both comped. 1000 copies.>
Amazorblades: Brighton punk/pub-rock quintet active by 1976 with singer/guitarist Rob Keyloch, guitarist Ben Mandelson and bassist Ray Cooper. Chiswick issued the sole single “Common Truth” (b/w “Messaround”) on Oct. 7, 1977. Cooper subsequently joined Oysterband; Mandelson co-founded 3 Mustaphas 3.>
The Ants: Adam Ant’s first-recorded band, evolved from the B-Sides (a prototype of the Monochrome Set). Cut several demos and two songs (“Deutscher Girls,” “Plastic Surgery”) for Derek Jarman’s 1978 punk-dystopian film Jubilee, in which Ant co-starred. Managed by SEX-staffer Jordan. Became Adam and the Ants prior to first single, “Young Parisians” (b/w “Lady”).
The Art Attacks: London punk band formed in spring 1977 by Royal College of Art students Edwin Pouncey and Steve Spear. “Arabs in ’Arrads” appeared on the 1977 Beggars Banquet compilation Streets, while “Animal Bondage” and “Frankenstein’s Heartbeat” appeared on Live at the Vortex. Albatross issued “I Am a Dalek” (b/w “Neutron Bomb”) in May 1978 after the group ceased activity; Fresh followed with the posthumous “Punk Rock Stars” (b/w “Rat City”) in 1979. Early drummer Robert Gotobed joined Wire↓. J.D. Haney joined The Monochrome Set.>
Arthur Comix: One-off billing for The Snivelling Shits on the 1977 Beggars Banquet compilation Streets. The album credits “Isgodaman” to Arthur Comics because the label declined to print the regular band name on the sleeve. Singer Giovanni Dadomo also fronted the Snivelling Shits single “Terminal Stupid” (b/w “I Can’t Come”) on Ghetto Rockers in 1977.>
The A.T’s: Bath ska/pop quintet formed as The Heat in 1977 and renamed in 1978. Rialto issued two 1980 singles: “Come ’Ere” (b/w “One More for the Road”) and “Leaving Lonely” (b/w “Too Young Girl”). The lineup comprised Steve Fennell, Stig Manley, Russ Crook, Neil Deamer and Dave Eccles.>
Automatics: London punk/pop quartet formed by singer Dave Philp after a brief stint with The Boys↓. One 1978 Island single, “When the Tanks Roll Over Poland Again” (b/w “Watch Her Now”), preceded album sessions produced by Steve Lillywhite that Island shelved. The Island contract prompted the Coventry Automatics to adopt the Special A.K.A. name before they became The Specials. Drummer Ricky Goldstein joined Sham 69↓.>
The Banned: London pop/punk group formed in 1977. Self-run Can’t Eat issued a cover of the Syndicate of Sound song “Little Girl” (b/w “C.P.G.J.’s”) in September; Harvest reissued it on Nov. 11, and the single reached UK No. 36. Harvest followed with the Paul Revere & the Raiders cover “Him or Me” (b/w “You Dirty Rat”) in February 1978. Original guitarist Richard Harvey and bassist Jonathan Davie previously played in Gryphon.>
Battersea: London punk/pop quartet formed in 1977 around singer Charlie Fawn and guitarist Andy Smith. One 1978 Anchor single: “Always Something There to Remind Me” (b/w “Split Image”), produced by Pete Gage. Fawn began a solo career after the group split.>
Bazoomis: Formed late 1976 in New Southgate (name pronounced bezumiye = Russian for “madness”). Played five Aug.–Oct. 1977 Roxy dates. Recordings surfaced on the 17-track archival comp White Washed Kids (2014). First drummer Arnold Lane (named after the 1967 Pink Floyd song) cut two 1981–82 electro-pop singles. Guitarist Miki Toldi and bassist Johnnie Christo surfaced in The Expressos, which morphed (without Toldi) into The Escape Club.>
Bears: Watford punk group formed in late 1976 as Smarter Than the Average Bears. “Fun Fun Fun,” recorded at the Roxy around New Year 1978, appeared on Farewell to the Roxy. Two studio singles followed: “On Me” (b/w “Wot’s Up Mate”) on Waldo’s in 1978 and “Insane” (b/w “Decsisions”) on Good Vibrations International in 1979. Mick North died in September 1977; John Earthrowl replaced him on vocals. Bassist Ron West and drummer Cally Callomon formed The Tea Set in 1978.>
Bee Cee Cee: Edinburgh punk quintet formed from Image after a brief spell as The Lurch. One 1977 REL single: “You Gotta Know Girl” (b/w “We Ain’t Listening”), recorded at REL Studios in Edinburgh. Singer Dave Gilhooley and guitarist Callum McNair formed Club of Rome in 1980.>
Big In Japan: Liverpool punk group formed in May 1977. Eric’s issued “Big in Japan” on the 1977 split single Brutality, Religion & a Dance Beat. Zoo followed with the four-track From Y to Z and Never Again EP in 1978. Jayne Casey formed Pink Military; Holly Johnson co-founded Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Bill Drummond and David Balfe founded Zoo Records.>
The Bleach Boys: Hitchin, Hertfordshire punk group formed toward the end of 1976, first billed as The Fur Coughs. One 1978 Tramp single: “Chloroform” (b/w “You’ve Got Nothing”).>
Blitz: Greenford, London punk group active from 1977 to 1978 (not to be confused with the ’80s Derbyshire Oi! band). “Strange Boy” opened the 1978 Lightning live compilation Farewell to the Roxy. Demo recordings from autumn 1977 included “London Is for Tourists” and “Sod You.” Red Bus planned “Strange Boy” (b/w “Sod You”), but the single remained unissued. Bassist/guitarist George Webley became a television and radio composer.>
Blitzkrieg Bop: Teesside punk group formed from Adamanta Chubb in early 1977. Mortonsound issued “Let’s Go” (b/w “9 Till 5” and “Bugger Off”) in 1977. Lightning followed with a re-recorded “Let’s Go” (b/w “Life Is Just a So-So” and “Mental Case”) in 1978. The label also issued “(You’re Like A) U.F.O.” (b/w “Viva Bobby Joe”) that year. The group issued the cassette Scum 78 before singer John Hodgson and drummer Alan Cornforth joined Basczax in February 1979.>
Blunt Instrument: London punk group formed in May 1977 around guitarist/singer Robert Sandall and drummer David Sinclair. One 1978 Diesel single: “No Excuse” (b/w “Interrogation”). The group became London Zoo after Nick Aldridge replaced guitarist Bill Benfield in September 1978. Sinclair joined T.V. Smith’s Explorers in late 1979.>
The Boomtown Rats: Dublin sextet formed in 1975 as The Nightlife Thugs and moved to London the following year. Ensign issued “Lookin’ After No. 1” (b/w “Born to Burn” and a live “Barefootin’”) in August 1977, followed by the albums The Boomtown Rats and A Tonic for the Troops. “Rat Trap” reached UK No. 1 in 1978; “I Don’t Like Mondays” repeated the feat in 1979.>
The Boys: London punk quintet formed when Matt Dangerfield left London SS and teamed with former Hollywood Brats keyboardist Casino Steel. NEMS issued three 1977–78 singles: “I Don’t Care” (b/w “Soda Pressing”), “First Time” (b/w “Watcha Gonna Do” and “Turning Grey”) and “Brickfield Nights” (b/w “Teacher’s Pet”). Albums The Boys and Alternative Chartbusters appeared in the same period. The group moved to Safari for To Hell with the Boys in 1979.>
The Buzz: Shrewsbury punk quartet formed around singer/guitarist Nic Evans. Redball issued the three-track Insanity single in March 1979: “Insanity” (b/w “Him Not Me” and “Sick at Heart”). A revised lineup with Chris Bellingham recorded the self-released Asylum album in 1981 before members regrouped as Luxi Trio.>
The Buzzcocks: Manchester punk band formed by Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto. Self-press New Hormones issued the four-song Spiral Scratch EP in January 1977; Devoto then left to form Magazine. Shelley assumed lead vocals before United Artists issued “Orgasm Addict” and seven further 1977–79 singles, plus the albums Another Music in a Different Kitchen, Love Bites and A Different Kind of Tension.>
Cane: Watford trio, formed 1975. “College Girls'” featured on 1977 V.A. Streets comp. 1978 maxi-single “3×3” — the mid-tempo “Dice” b/w the blazing “Suburban Guerilla” and “D. K. Dance” (aka “College Girls'”) — on punk/reggae indie Lightning Records. Singer/guitarist Kip (aka Malcolm Herring) did stints in The Vibrators and mod-revivalists The Chords.>
The Cane: Torbay punk group formed from the ad hoc Kayo Punks after a cancelled Sex Pistols booking in September 1976. Chris Skornia, Jerry Iles and Simon Wright established the trio, which supported Sham 69 and toured with Chelsea and The Cortinas in 1977. Kirk Brandon replaced Iles on bass in 1978 as John Fuller joined on guitar; this lineup cut the only Cane studio recordings, a three-song Torquay demo. A brief rename to The Pack of Lies preceded the split. Brandon formed The Pack, while Fuller surfaced in an early Culture Club lineup.>
The Carpettes: Houghton-le-Spring punk trio formed in 1977 from the earlier Brown Sugar. Small Wonder issued the four-song How About Me and You EP that December, followed by “Small Wonder?” (b/w “2 NE 1”) in July 1978. The group moved to Beggars Banquet for “I Don’t Mean It” (b/w “Easy Way Out”) and the 1979 album Frustration Paradise.>
Celia & The Mutations: Singer Celia Gollin fronted The Stranglers under the Mutations billing for the June 1977 United Artists single “Mony Mony” (b/w “Mean to Me”). A second single followed in October: “You Better Believe Me” (b/w “Round and Around”), with J.J. Burnel and Wilko Johnson among the musicians.>
Chelsea: London punk group formed in 1976 around singer Gene October. Original members Billy Idol, Tony James and John Towe left after the first shows to form Generation X↓. October assembled a new lineup for the 1977 Step Forward singles “Right to Work” (b/w “The Loner”) and “High Rise Living” (b/w “No Admission”). “Urban Kids” (b/w “No Flowers”) followed in 1978 before the self-titled debut album.>
The Clash: London punk band formed in June 1976 by Joe Strummer, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon. CBS issued “White Riot” (b/w “1977”) in March 1977 and the self-titled debut album the following month. Topper Headon joined before the White Riot tour. Subsequent records expanded beyond punk through reggae and related forms, culminating in the two-record London Calling in December 1979.
Cock Sparrer: East London group formed by schoolmates Colin McFaull, Mick Beaufoy, Steve Burgess and Steve Bruce, with Garrie Lammin added on guitar. Decca issued “Runnin’ Riot” (b/w “Sister Suzie”) and the Rolling Stones cover “We Love You” (b/w “Chip on My Shoulder”) in 1977. An album recorded for Decca appeared only in Spain at the time. The group re-emerged in the early 1980s as a principal act in the Oi! scene.>
The Cortinas: Bristol quintet. Initially R&B, turned punk for two 1977 singles: “Fascist Dictator” (b/w “Television Families”) and “Defiant Pose” (b/w “Independence”), the latter with an alarming Hipgnosis sleeve. Reverted back to R&B/pub-rock for 1978’s True Romances. Guitarist Nick Sheppard joined the latter-day Clash (Cut the Crap era).
The Crowbars: Watford punk band formed in 1976 when guitarist Paul Mex and Andrew “Crush” Blunt dissolved their school group Siren after seeing the Sex Pistols. The Crowbars played the 1977 Watford Punk Festival and regularly supported Bears↑. Four songs recorded in North London that year for a planned DIY EP remained unissued after the master tape disappeared; the tape resurfaced decades afterward and finally appeared as The Lost 1977 Tapes. Mex and Blunt formed the Passion Killers in 1978.>
Cyanide: York punk quartet formed in 1976 around singer Bob de Vries and guitarist Dave Stewart. Pye issued the 1978 singles “I’m a Boy” (b/w “Do It”) and “Mac the Flash” (b/w “Hate the State”), plus the twelve-track album Cyanide. Pinnacle followed with “Your Old Man” (b/w “Fireball”) in 1979. Drummer Steve Roberts subsequently joined UK Subs.>
The Damned: London punk quartet formed in 1976 by Brian James, Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies. Stiff issued “New Rose” (b/w “Help”) in October 1976, the first single by a UK punk group, followed by Damned Damned Damned in February 1977. Second album Music for Pleasure appeared that November before the original group split in early 1978. Vanian, Sensible and Scabies regrouped by year-end and returned to record with Chiswick in 1979.>
The Defendants: Leamington Spa punk group formed in 1977 as School Meals by Garry McManus, Rich Trowbridge, Dave Bartram and Dick Burrows. Edible issued “Headmaster” (b/w “Such a Spiv”) in April 1978 in a 500-copy pressing. Legal action from another act called School Meals forced a name change; remaining copies received Defendants stickers over the original billing. The group recorded further Woodbine Studios demos but made no second period vinyl release.>.>
The Depressions: Brighton punk/R&B quartet formed in 1976 by Dave Barnard, Frank Smith, Eric Wright and drummer Oz Garvey. Barn issued “Living on Dreams” (b/w “Family Planning”) in October 1977, followed in 1978 by “Messing with Your Heart” (b/w “Street Kid”) and “Get Out of This Town” (b/w “Basement Daze”). Debut album The Depressions appeared the same year. The band became The D.P.s after Smith left and continued on Barn with two further singles and the album If You Know What I Mean.>
The Desperate Bicycles: Dalston DIY punk group formed in March 1977 specifically to make and issue records independently. Self-run Refill released “Smokescreen” (b/w “Handlebars”) and “The Medium Was Tedium” (b/w “Don’t Back the Front”) in 1977. The six-track New Cross, New Cross EP and “Occupied Territory” (b/w “Skill”) followed in 1978. Debut pressing of “Smokescreen” comprised 500 copies made for £153, establishing the group as an early model for self-financed punk releases.>
The Dials: Fareham-area punk group active around 1977–78. Public Heirs guitarist Finn Panton recalled The Dials as one of the few punk bands operating around Fareham and Portsmouth, and he sat in on drums for an appearance at Fareham Youth Club. No original-period release is securely documented.>>
The Doctors: The Doctors of Madness nameplate abbreviated for their 1977 blazer “Bulletin,” included on their 1978 swan song Sons of Survival along with the brisk cuts “’50s Kids” and “Back from the Dead,” the latter co-written with Adverts frontman TV Smith. DoM’s 1976 debut Late Night Movies, All Night Brainstorms is punk-prescient on select tracks (“Waiting,” “B-Movies Bedtime”).
The Doll: Jumpy organ ditty “Trash” on the 1977 Beggars Banquet comp Streets, followed by the similar 1978 a-side “Don’t Tango On My Heart.” Three 1979 new wave singles, including “Desire Me” (UK #28), and the 1980 album Listen to the Silence. Late-period members Denis Haines (keyboards) and Jamie West-Oram (guitar) surfaced, respectively, in Dramatis and The Fixx. Easily described as Lene Lovich meets The Yachts.>
The Drive: From Dundee, Scotland. One 1977 single: “Jerkin'” (b/w “Push ‘N’ Shove”) on three-press NRG Records. A-side comped on Streets.>
The Drones: Manchester punk quartet evolved from mid-seventies glam/pub-rock group Rockslide. Self-run O.H.M.S. issued the four-track Temptations of a White Collar Worker EP in July 1977. Valer followed with “Just Want to Be Myself” (b/w “Bone Idol”) and the thirteen-track album Further Temptations before year-end.>
The Dyaks: UK punk-era trio formed in 1977 around singer/guitarist Chris Reeves. One 1978 Bonaparte single: “Gutter Kids” (b/w “It’s a Game”). An earlier version of “Gutter Kids” dates from 1977, while “On the Run” remained unreleased in the original period.>
Easy Cure: Crawley punk/post-punk group evolved from Malice in January 1977 with Robert Smith, Michael Dempsey, Lol Tolhurst and Porl Thompson. Ariola-Hansa signed the group after a talent competition in May 1977, but rejected the original material recorded at London demo sessions that autumn. Easy Cure made no contemporary release. Thompson left after an April 1978 show, and the remaining trio became The Cure; Small Wonder issued “Killing an Arab” (b/w “10:15 Saturday Night”) that December.>
Eater: London punk quartet formed in 1976 around singer/guitarist Andy Blade, guitarist Brian Chevette, bassist Ian Woodcock and teenage drummer Dee Generate. The Label issued “Outside View” (b/w “You”), the three-track “Thinkin’ of the U.S.A.” and “Lock It Up” (b/w “Jeepster”) in 1977. Debut longplayer The Album appeared that November; the live Get Your Yo-Yo’s Out EP and “What She Wants, She Needs” followed in 1978.>
Eddie and the Hot Rods: Southend-on-Sea pub-rock/punk group formed in 1975 around singer Barrie Masters and guitarist Dave Higgs. Island issued “Wooly Bully” (b/w “Horseplay”) and the Live at the Marquee EP in 1976, followed by “Teenage Depression” (b/w “Shake”) and the album Teenage Depression. Ex-Kursaal Flyers guitarist Graeme Douglas joined before the 1977 album Life on the Line. Issued as the Rods, “Do Anything You Wanna Do” (b/w “Schoolgirl Love”) reached UK No. 9.
The Exile: Bishopbriggs, Glasgow punk quartet formed in February 1977 by Graham Scott, Stan Workman, Robert Kirk and Dougie Burns. Self-run Boring Records issued the four-track Don’t Tax Me EP in August 1977 with “Jubilee 77,” “Hooked on You,” “Fascist D.J.” and “The Windmill.” Charly followed with the three-track “The Real People” single in 1978, backed with “Tomorrow Today” and “Disaster Movie.”>
The Flys: Coventry punk/power-pop quartet evolved from Midnight Circus in 1976 when drummer Pete King joined Dave Freeman, Joe Hughes and Neil O’Connor. Self-run Zama issued the five-track Bunch of Five EP in December 1977, including “Love and a Molotov Cocktail.” EMI reissued that song on a three-track single in January 1978 and followed with “Fun City” (b/w “E.C.4”). Albums Waikiki Beach Refugees and Own appeared in 1978 and 1979, respectively.>
The Frantic Elevators: Manchester punk/new-wave quartet formed in 1978 around singer Mick Hucknall and guitarist Neil Moss. TJM issued the three-track “Voice in the Dark” single in June 1979 with “Every Day I Die” and “Passion.” Eric’s followed with “You Know What You Told Me” (b/w “Production Prevention”) in 1980. Two further singles appeared before the 1982 breakup, including an early recording of “Holding Back the Years”; Hucknall subsequently formed Simply Red.>
The Front: London punk group formed by guitarist Andrew “Drew Blood” Lipscomb with bassist/singer Ben Brierley, billed as Tommy Trouble. Dave Goodman signed the group to The Label and produced the 1977 single “System” (b/w “Queens Mafia”). Brierley subsequently played with The Vibrators; Lipscomb surfaced in The Blood Poets.>
F.U.2: Studio-only punk project assembled by Downliners Sect associates Terry Clemson and Keith Grant. French budget label Les Tréteaux issued the twelve-track Punk Rock album in 1977. Clemson and Grant wrote most of the material; fellow Downliners Sect members Don Craine and Paul Tiller contributed to the session. “Out of School” and “Playin’ My Guitar” subsequently entered the Downliners Sect repertoire.>
F-X: Worthing punk quartet of singer/guitarist Jon Burn, guitarist Clive Todd, bassist Mike Burn and drummer Rick Leyland. The group recorded one three-track EP at Chestnut Studios, Frensham Ponds, after manager Pat Allen selected Burn through a South Coast songwriting advertisement. “O.B.E.,” “South’s Gonna Rise Again” and “Slag” appeared in an oversized picture sleeve. A court order barring Burn and Leyland from associating effectively ended the group soon after release.>.>
Generation X: London punk quartet evolved from the original Chelsea↑ lineup after Gene October left in late 1976. Billy Idol moved from guitar to lead singer as Tony James remained on bass; Bob Andrews joined on guitar. Chrysalis issued “Your Generation” (b/w “Day By Day”) and “Wild Youth” (b/w “Wild Dub”) in 1977, followed by the self-titled debut album in March 1978. Mark Laff replaced drummer John Towe, who joined Alternative TV↑. Idol established a solo career after the group folded; James co-founded Sigue Sigue Sputnik.>
Gobblinz: Peterborough new-wave quartet formed in 1975 by musicians from an earlier local club band. Pinnacle issued “London” (b/w “Women in Love”) in February 1978. The group also recorded the three-track Communique EP in late 1977; Bacon Records issued it in 1979 after the original lineup ceased activity. Guitarist Ian Graham formed The Name, which bassist Dave Colton subsequently joined.>
Hack Harry & The Big G: Newcastle punk sextet formed in 1977 around Rob “Harry Hack” Dixon and Peter “Walter Hack” Howard. The group appeared with Penetration at the 1977 Bedrock Festival and shared a Newcastle Guildhall bill with The Adverts, Penetration and Warsaw. Seven studio recordings from that year included “I Hate the Whole Human Race,” “Artsy Fartsy” and “Starsky & Hutch,” but no record appeared in the original period. Only Fit for the Bin issued the archival I Hate the Whole Human Race collection in 2012. Guitarist Mick “Red Helmet” Emerson joined Punishment of Luxury↓.> >
Headache: East London punk quartet evolved from The Electrodes before adopting the Headache name for their sole release. Lout issued “I Can’t Stand Still” (b/w “No Reason for Your Call”) in November 1977 after the group established a live presence at the Greyhound in Chadwell Heath and London punk venues. Headache split in 1978. Singer Danny Drummond formed Lack of Knowledge.>
The Homosexuals: London punk/post-punk group evolved from The Rejects when Bruno Wizard adopted the new billing with guitarist Anton Hayman and bassist Jim Welton. Lorelei No. 1 issued “Hearts in Exile” (b/w “Soft South Africans”) in 1978 in a 2,000-copy pressing. Black Noise followed with the six-track The Homosexuals EP in 1979. The musicians also recorded in shifting combinations as Ici La Bas and Sir Alick & the Phraser.>
Ian Dury and the Blockheads: London new-wave/funk-rock group assembled in 1977 to tour Ian Dury’s New Boots and Panties!!, which climaxes with the buzzed speedball “Blackmail Man.” Stiff first used the Ian Dury and the Blockheads billing on “What a Waste” (b/w “Wake Up and Make Love with Me”) in April 1978, which reached UK No. 9. “Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick” (b/w “There Ain’t Half Been Some Clever Bastards”) followed in November and reached UK No. 1 in January 1979. The group issued Do It Yourself on Stiff in June 1979.
The Jam: Woking trio of Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler, formed earlier in the decade before aligning with the 1977 punk circuit while retaining mod and R&B elements. Polydor issued “In the City” (b/w “Takin’ My Love”) in April 1977 and the album In the City the following month. Non-album follow-up “All Around the World” (b/w “Carnaby Street”) reached UK No. 13. Second album This Is the Modern World appeared in November 1977 before expanded on their Beat-era roots, culminating in their 1978 breakthrough All Mod Cons.
The Jerks: West Yorkshire punk quintet formed after members attended the 1976 Anarchy in the UK tour. Self-run Underground issued “Get Your Woofing Dog Off Me” (b/w “Hold My Hand”) in 1977. Lightning followed with “Cool” (b/w “Cruisin’ (Again)”) in 1978. The group relocated to London and closed its original run with the 1980 Laser single “Come Back Bogart (I Wish You Would).”>
John Cooper Clarke: Salford poet whose spoken sets became part of the Manchester punk circuit in 1976–77. Rabid issued the three-track Innocents EP in November 1977 with “Suspended Sentence,” “Innocents” and “Psycle Sluts Pts. 1 & 2”; “Innocents” also appeared on the Beggars Banquet compilation Streets. CBS followed with “Post-War Glamour Girl” (b/w a live “Kung Fu International”) in August 1978 and the album Disguise in Love.>
Johnny and the Self Abusers: Glasgow sextet, issued Sept. ’77 Chiswick single “Saints and Sinners” (b/w “Dead Vandals”). Splintered on the same day into Simple Minds (Jim “Pripton Weird” Kerr, Charlie “Argue” Burchill, Brian McGee) and the Cuban Heels (John “Johnnie Plague” Milarky, Allan “Sid Syphilis” McNeill). Additional songs (“Cocteau Twins,” “Subway Sex,” “18,” “Wasteland”) exist on an unofficial Retro Records comp.
Johnny Curious and the Strangers: Welwyn Garden City punk quartet formed in 1976 from the remains of Mask. Raw Records considered an early demo built around “Back in Pissheadsville Again,” but no release followed. Illegal issued the four-track In Tune EP on Feb. 16, 1979 with “In Tune,” “Road to Cheltenham,” “Pissheadsville” and “Jennifer.”.D
Johnny Moped: Croydon punk group built around singer Paul Halford under the Johnny Moped persona. “Hard Lovin’ Man” appeared on the 1977 compilation The Roxy London WC2. Chiswick issued “No One” (b/w “Incendiary Device”) in August 1977, followed by “Darling, Let’s Have Another Baby” and the album Cycledelic in 1978. “Little Queenie” (b/w “Hard Lovin’ Man”) completed the original singles run that July. >
The Jolt: Wishaw punk/mod trio formed in September 1976 by Robbie Collins, Jim Doak and Iain Shedden. Polydor issued “You’re Cold!” (b/w “All I Can Do”) on Oct. 7, 1977. “Whatcha Gonna Do About It” and “I Can’t Wait” followed in 1978 alongside the self-titled album. The four-track Maybe Tonight EP appeared in June 1979 and included the Paul Weller composition “See Saw.” >
The Killjoys: Birmingham punk group evolved from Lucy & the Lovers around singer Kevin Rowland. Raw issued the sole contemporary single “Johnny Won’t Get to Heaven” (b/w “Naive”) in 1977. The group recorded two John Peel sessions before splitting in 1978. Rowland formed Dexys Midnight Runners; bassist Gil Weston joined Girlschool. >
Leyton Buzzards: East London pub-rock group that shifted toward punk and new wave by the late seventies. Small Wonder issued the three-track “19 and Mad” single in July 1978 with “Villain” and “Youthanasia.” A BBC Radio 1/Sun Battle of the Bands win brought a Chrysalis contract; “Saturday Night (Beneath the Plastic Palm Trees)” reached UK No. 53 in 1979. The group shortened its billing to The Buzzards before Jellied Eels to Record Deals. Geoff Deane and David Jaymes subsequently formed Modern Romance. >
Lockjaw: Crawley-area punk group evolved from The Guernsey Flowers through the intermediate billing The Amazing Doctor Octopuss. Raw issued “Radio Call Sign” (b/w “The Young Ones”) on Nov. 25, 1977, followed by “Journalist Jive” with “A Doonga Doonga” and “I’m a Virgin” in 1978. Simon Gallup joined by the second single and subsequently entered The Cure. >
London: London punk quartet of singer Riff Regan, guitarist Dave Wight, bassist Steve Voice and drummer Jon Moss. MCA issued “Everyone’s a Winner” (b/w “Handcuffed”) on June 3, 1977, followed by the four-track Summer of Love EP and “Animal Games” (b/w “Us Kids Cold”). The group split before MCA issued the Simon Napier-Bell-produced album Animal Games in February 1978. Moss subsequently played with The Damned before co-founding Culture Club. >
Lucy: Punk–metal quartet on London indie Lightning Records. Two 1977–78 singles: “Really Got Me Goin'” (b/w “Oy”) and “Never Never” (b/w “Feel So Good”). First recorded act of guitarist Phil Collen (Girl, Def Leppard).>
The Lurkers: Uxbridge punk group formed in late 1976 around guitarist Pete Stride and drummer Pete Haynes. “Shadow” (b/w “Love Story”) inaugurated Beggars Banquet Records in July 1977, followed by “Freak Show” (b/w “Mass Media Believer”) that November. The label issued “Ain’t Got a Clue” and “I Don’t Need to Tell Her” in 1978 alongside debut album Fulham Fallout. Bassist Arturo Bassick subsequently formed 999↑.>
Magazine: Manchester post-punk group formed in 1977 by former Buzzcocks↑ singer Howard Devoto with guitarist John McGeoch. Virgin issued “Shot by Both Sides” (b/w “My Mind Ain’t So Open”) in January 1978; the Devoto–Pete Shelley composition reached UK No. 41. “Touch and Go” followed before debut album Real Life appeared that June. Bassist Barry Adamson and keyboardist Dave Formula subsequently joined Visage; McGeoch moved to Siouxsie and the Banshees.>
Maniacs: London punk trio formed in 1977 by singer/guitarist Alan Lee Shaw, bassist Robert Crash and drummer Rod Latter. United Artists issued “Chelsea 77” (b/w “Ain’t No Legend”) in November 1977. “You Don’t Break My Heart” and “I Ain’t Gonna Be History” appeared the following month on Live at the Vortex. The group split in January 1978; Latter briefly joined The Adverts↑.>
Martin and The Brownshirts: Chester punk quartet formed in March 1977 by singer Norman Graveney with guitarist Paul Urmston, bassist Addy Adams and drummer Willie Williams. Lightning issued the sole single “Taxi Driver” (b/w “Boring”) in March 1978 after sessions at Decibel and CBS studios in London. The group also recorded unreleased 1977 demos including “Piccadilly School Days” and “Klan’s Man.” A change of name to The Co-Starz preceded the breakup in 1978.>
The Members: Camberley punk/reggae group formed around singer Nicky Tesco and guitarist J.C. Carroll. “Fear on the Streets” appeared on the 1977 Beggars Banquet compilation Streets. Stiff subsidiary 1 Off issued “Solitary Confinement” (b/w “Rat Up a Drainpipe”) in May 1978. Virgin followed with “The Sound of the Suburbs” (b/w “Handling the Big Jets”), which reached UK No. 12 in 1979, and debut album At the Chelsea Nightclub.>
Menace: Islington punk quartet formed in 1976 by singer Morgan Webster with guitarist Steve Tannett, bassist Charlie Casey and drummer Noel Martin. Illegal issued “Screwed Up” (b/w “Insane Society”) in November 1977. Small Wonder followed with “G.L.C.” (b/w “I’m Civilised”) in March 1978; “I Need Nothing” and “Last Year’s Youth” completed the original singles run in 1979. The group split that year without an original-period album.>
The Mirrors: Pub-punk quartet, issued two 1978 Lightning singles: “Cure for Cancer” (b/w “Nice Vice”) and “Dark Glasses” (b/w “999”), both produced by Bill Farley (Zior).>
The Models: Harrow punk quartet formed as The Beastly Cads with singer/guitarist Cliff Fox, guitarist Marco Pirroni, bassist Mick Allen and drummer Terry Day. Step Forward issued the sole single “Freeze” (b/w “Man of the Year”) in June 1977. Pirroni and Allen subsequently joined Rema-Rema; Pirroni moved into Adam and the Ants. >
Morning Spunk: Italy-based punk project formed by British musicians Kim Brown, Mick Webley and Graham Johnson, all veterans of The Renegades. Ariston issued one 1977 single: a cover of Ian Dury’s “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll” (b/w “?”), with an original punk track on the reverse. >
The Mutants: Liverpool punk quintet formed in summer 1976 by Keith Wilson and Paul Codman. ROX issued “Boss Man” (b/w “Backyard Boys”) in 1977; “Hard Times” (b/w “Schoolteacher”) followed in 1978. The group maintained Liverpool residencies at the Metro and Havanna before splitting in late summer 1978. >
Neon: County Durham punk/new-wave group formed from musicians associated with The Hephalumps and related local bands. Sensible issued the three-track “Bottles” single in 1978 with “I’m Only Little” and “Anytime Anyplace Anywhere.” A March 1979 John Peel session preceded the Radar single “Don’t Eat Bricks” (b/w “Hanging Off an O”). Guitarist Tim Jones subsequently played with Punishment of Luxury. >
The Neon Hearts: Wolverhampton punk/new-wave quintet formed in summer 1977 by former Suburban Studs saxophonist Steve Heart. Self-run Neon Hearts Records issued “Venus Eccentric” (b/w “Regulations”) in December 1977. Satril followed with “Answers” (b/w “Armchair Thriller”) in 1978 and “Popular Music” (b/w “Pretty as a Picture”) in 1979. Bassist Paul Raven subsequently joined Killing Joke. >
New Hearts: Loughton-area punk/power-pop quartet formed in June 1977 from Splitz Kidz by Ian Page, David Cairns and John Harty with drummer Matt McIntyre. CBS issued “Just Another Teenage Anthem” (b/w “Blood on the Knife”) in November 1977, followed by “Plain Jane” (b/w “My Young Teacher”) in 1978. Page and Cairns formed Secret Affair after CBS dropped the group. >
Nipple Erectors: London punk group formed in 1977 around Shane MacGowan and bassist Shanne Bradley. Soho issued “King of the Bop” (b/w “Nervous Wreck”) in May 1978. The group shortened its billing to The Nips for “All the Time in the World” (b/w “Private Eye”) that September and continued under that name through 1981. MacGowan subsequently formed The Pogues. >
No Way: Middlesbrough punk quartet formed by singer Martyn “Matey” Powell, guitarist Paul Gardner and bassist Paul Callan, with Pete Collins on drums. The group self-financed the three-track Our Own single “Breaking Point” with “T.V. Pox” and “30 Seconds”; the material dates from 1978, while discographies differ on whether the pressing appeared that year or in April 1979. A twelve-song Middlesbrough BBC session from July 1979 remained unissued until archival releases decades afterward. >
The Nosebleeds: Mancunian punks, formed as Wild Ram in 1976 by Slaughter & the Dogs roadie Edmund Garrity. Became Ed Banger & the Nosebleeds for the 1977 Rabid single “Ain’t Bin to No Music School” (b/w “Fascist Pigs”), the a-side comped on Streets. Guitarist Vinnie Reilly formed The Durutti Column with bassist Pete Crooks and drummer Toby Toman, who later worked with Ludus and Nico. An unrecorded 1978 lineup (“I Think I’m Ready for the Electric Chair”) featured singer Steven Morrissey (later Smiths) and guitarist Billy Duffy (Theatre of Hate, The Cult).>
The Now: Peterborough punk quartet formed in late 1976 by singer Mike McGuire and guitarist Steve Rolls. Ultimate issued “Development Corporations” (b/w “Why?”) in November 1977. Raw recorded “Into the 80’s” (b/w “9 O’Clock”) in the same period but delayed release until November 1979, when only 800 copies appeared. The group ceased activity soon afterward.>
The Only Ones: London rock quartet formed in August 1976 by singer/guitarist Peter Perrett and guitarist John Perry with bassist Alan Mair and former Spooky Tooth drummer Mike Kellie. Self-run Vengeance issued “Lovers of Today” (b/w “Peter and the Pets”) in June 1977. CBS signed the group and released “Another Girl, Another Planet” (b/w “Special View”) in April 1978, followed by the album The Only Ones the next month. Even Serpents Shine and Baby’s Got a Gun completed the original album run.>
The Outcasts: Belfast punk group formed in June 1977 by brothers Greg, Martin and Colin Cowan with guitarist Colin “Getty” Getgood. It Records issued the 1978 three-track “You’re a Disease” single with “Don’t Want to Be No Adult” and “Frustration.” Good Vibrations followed with “Just Another Teenage Rebel” (b/w “Love Is for Sops”) that year. The label issued Self Conscious Over You in 1979.>
The Outsiders: Wimbledon punk trio formed as Syndrome before adopting The Outsiders billing around singer/guitarist Adrian Borland. Self-run Raw Edge issued Calling on Youth in May 1977, followed by the four-track One to Infinity EP. Second album Close Up appeared in 1978. Graham Bailey replaced bassist Bob Lawrence near the end of the group; Bailey and Borland formed The Sound in 1979.>
The Panik: Prestwich, Manchester punk quartet formed in June 1977 by singer/guitarist Ian Nance with guitarist Eric Random, bassist Paul Hilton and drummer Steve Brotherdale. Rob Gretton produced the three-track It Won’t Sell! EP, issued on his Rainy City label in November 1977 with “Modern Politics,” “Urban Damnation” and “Murder.” Brotherdale previously played in the Stiff Kittens, an early Warsaw lineup. Nance and Brotherdale joined V2 after The Panik split in 1978.>
Penetration: County Durham punk band formed in October 1976 around singer Pauline Murray and bassist Robert Blamire. Virgin issued “Don’t Dictate” (b/w “Money Talks”) in November 1977. “Firing Squad” and “Life’s a Gamble” followed in 1978 before debut album Moving Targets, which reached UK No. 22. Second album Coming Up for Air appeared in 1979 before the group split; Murray and Blamire subsequently worked with The Invisible Girls.>
Pete Newnham: London guitarist/singer with prior work in Window and Steve Harley’s Cockney Rebel orbit. B&C issued his sole punk-era single “Rudi” (b/w “Outside My Window”) on Nov. 4, 1977. Newnham recorded the single with bassist Mike Marchant and former Atomic Rooster drummer Paul Hammond, his bandmates in the short-lived trio T.H.E.>
The Pigs: Bristol punk quartet formed in spring 1977 by singer Eamonn McAndrew, guitarist Kit Gould, bassist Nigel Robinson and drummer Ricky Galli. The group recorded eleven songs at Sound Conception Studios on Aug. 12, 1977. New Bristol selected four for the Youthanasia EP: “Youthanasia,” “They Say,” “Psychopath” and “National Front.” It remained the sole contemporary release before the group split in March 1978.>
The Police: London trio formed in early 1977 by drummer Stewart Copeland with singer/bassist Sting and guitarist Henry Padovani. Illegal issued “Fall Out” (b/w “Nothing Achieving”) in May 1977. Andy Summers replaced Padovani after a brief four-piece phase, establishing the principal lineup. A&M issued “Roxanne,” “Can’t Stand Losing You” and “So Lonely” in 1978 alongside debut album Outlandos d’Amour.>
The Pork Dukes: London punk group formed in 1976 by former Gnidrolog brothers Colin and Stewart Goldring under the aliases Vilos and Horrendus Styles. Wood issued “Bend and Flush” (b/w “Throbbing Gristle”) and the 12-inch “Making Bacon” (b/w “Tight Pussy”) in 1977. “Telephone Masturbator” (b/w “Melody Makers”) followed in 1978. Original personnel also included Steeleye Span members Rick Kemp and Nigel Pegrum under pseudonyms; the first album appeared that year as Pork Dukes and was subsequently repressed as Pink Pork.>
Predator: Stockport punk group formed from Thin Ice with guitarists Martin Hughes and Ant Gerrard. Criminal issued the sole 1970s single “Punk Man” (b/w “Paperboy Song”) in 1978. Geoff Howarth moved from bass to lead singer as Jeff Curtiss entered the later lineup.D
PVC2: Glasgow punk quartet created from the final Slik lineup in 1977 with Midge Ure, Russell Webb, Billy McIsaac and Kenny Hyslop. Zoom issued the three-track Put You in the Picture release with “Pain” and “Deranged Demented & Free” in August 1977. Ure left for Rich Kids that autumn. Webb, McIsaac and Hyslop recruited Willie Gardner and formed Zones.>
Public Zone: One 1977 Logo single, the four-chord pop-rocker “Naive” (b/w “Innocence”), by the trio of Duncan Browne, Peter Godwin, and Sean Lyons (aka Metro) with Police drummer Stewart Copeland. Produced by Hugh Murphy (Jody Grind, Gracious, Stray, Diabolus, Justine, Gerry Rafferty).
Pumphouse Gang: Ryde, Isle of Wight punk/power-pop group evolved from the earlier Horse in 1976. Kitsch issued “Motorcity Fantasy” (b/w “Cocaine”) in January 1978 from sessions recorded late the previous year. The group also recorded as Slush for the 1978 Ember single “White Christmas” (b/w “Rich Man”).> >
Puncture: Islington punk group formed in summer 1976 by Paul McCallum, Steve Counsel, Jak Stafford and Marty Truss. “Mucky Pup” (b/w “You Can’t Rock and Roll (In a Council Flat)”) inaugurated Small Wonder Records in September 1977. Stafford left before release and surfaced in X-Ray Spex as Jak Airport. Puncture split in January 1978.> >
Radiators from Space: Dublin punk group formed in 1976 around Philip Chevron, Pete Holidai and Steve Rapid. Chiswick issued “Television Screen” (b/w “Love Detective”) in April 1977 and “Enemies” (b/w “Psychotic Reaction”) that September. Debut album TV Tube Heart followed in October. The group shortened its billing to The Radiators before Ghostown in 1979; Chevron subsequently joined The Pogues.>
Raped: London glam-punk quartet of Sean Purcell, Faebhean Kwest, Tony Baggett and Paddy Phield. Parole issued the four-track Pretty Paedophiles EP in 1978 with “Moving Target,” “Raped,” “Escalator Hater” and “Normal.” “Cheap Night Out” (b/w “Foreplay Playground”) followed that November. The group adopted the Cuddly Toys name in 1979.>
The Reaction: London punk/new-wave group formed by Mark Hollis in 1977. “Talk Talk Talk Talk,” an early version of the song Hollis later reworked with Talk Talk, appeared on the Beggars Banquet compilation Streets. Island issued the sole single “I Can’t Resist” (b/w “I Am a Case”) in June 1978. The Reaction split in 1979; Hollis formed Talk Talk in 1981.>
The Red Lights: Eltham punk group formed in 1976 as The Rats before adopting the Red Lights billing. Free Range issued “Never Wanna Leave” (b/w “Seventeen”) in August 1978. A live “Never Wanna Leave,” recorded at the Roxy in January, appeared on Farewell to the Roxy. Drummer Nigel Preston subsequently joined Theatre of Hate..>
The Reducers: Bury punk quartet formed in September 1977 around singer Graham “Raggy” Holden and guitarist Roy Tynan. Vibes issued “Things Go Wrong” (b/w “We Are Normal”) in April 1978. The three-track “Man with a Gun” followed in 1979 with “Vengeance” and “Can’t Stop Now.” An EMI contract preceded a move toward synthpop with “Airwaves” in 1980.>
The Rezillos: Edinburgh punk/new-wave group formed in 1976 from the Knutsford Dominators. Sensible issued “I Can’t Stand My Baby” (b/w “I Wanna Be Your Man”) in August 1977; Sire followed with “(My Baby Does) Good Sculptures” (b/w “Flying Saucer Attack”) that December. Debut album Can’t Stand the Rezillos and UK No. 17 single “Top of the Pops” appeared in 1978. Eugene Reynolds and Fay Fife formed The Revillos after the split; guitarist Jo Callis later joined The Human League.
Rich Kids: London punk/power-pop group formed in 1977 by former Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock with Steve New and Rusty Egan; Midge Ure completed the principal lineup that autumn. EMI issued “Rich Kids” (b/w “Empty Words”) in January 1978, reaching UK No. 24. “Marching Men” and “Ghosts of Princes in Towers” followed before the Mick Ronson-produced album Ghosts of Princes in Towers appeared in August. The group split in December; Ure and Egan subsequently formed Visage.
Riff Raff: London punk group formed in 1977 around singer/guitarist Billy Bragg and guitarist Philip Wigg. The band relocated to the Peterborough area before Chiswick issued the four-track I Wanna Be a Cosmonaut EP in June 1978 with “Cosmonaut,” “Romford Girls,” “What’s the Latest” and “Sweet as Pie.” “Barking Park Lake” appeared on an Albion split single with Ruan O’Lochlainn in 1979. Riff Raff issued four Geezer singles in 1980 before Bragg began his solo career.>
Rikki and the Last Days of Earth: English art-punk group formed in November 1976 by Rikki Sylvan with Valac van der Veene, Nik Weiss and Andy Prince. The band self-pressed 200 copies of Oundle Rocsoc in 1977 with early versions of “City of the Damned” and “Picture of Dorian Gray.” DJM issued a re-recorded “City of the Damned” (b/w “Victimized”) that November and “Loaded” (b/w “Street Fighting Man”) in January 1978. Album 4 Minute Warning followed in spring; the shortened Rikki and the Last Days billing appeared on “Tokyo” (b/w “Haven’t Got a Face”) that September.>
The Rings: “I Wanna Be Free” (b/w “Automobile”) on Chiswick, 1977, produced by Martin Gordon (Sparks, Jet). Fronted by ex-Tomorrow/Pink Fairies drummer Twink. Guitarist Alan Lee Shaw and drummer Rod Latter surfaced later in ’77 in Maniac. Archivists NDN Records reissued the single with four additional tracks on the 2017 10″ EP The Rings.
Le Ritz: Leominster punk group formed from an earlier rock band and active through 1978. Breakbeat issued the sole single “Punker” (b/w “What a Sucker”). The group played few documented dates, including a February 1978 Barbarella’s show with The Doll and Ultravox, before splitting that year.>
Satan’s Rats: Evesham punk quartet formed in early 1977 by singer Paul Rencher and guitarist Steve Eagles. DJM issued three singles: “In My Love for You” (b/w “Facade”) and “Year of the Rats” (b/w “Louise”) in 1977, followed by “You Make Me Sick” (b/w “Louise”) in March 1978. Bassist Dave Sparrow replaced Roy Wilkes before Rencher left; Eagles, Sparrow and drummer Olly Harrison subsequently formed The Photos with singer Wendy Wu.>
The Secret: London punk/power-pop group formed in 1977 around singer Mickey Modern and bassist Benny Leopard. Arista issued a punk treatment of “The Young Ones” (b/w “Handel a Vandal”) in October 1977, followed by “Do You Really Care?” in February 1978. The group supported XTC before moving to Oval for the 1979 album The Secret.>
The Sex Pistols: London punk quartet formed in 1975 around Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook. EMI issued “Anarchy in the U.K.” (b/w “I Wanna Be Me”) in November 1976. Virgin followed with “God Save the Queen,” “Pretty Vacant” and “Holidays in the Sun” in 1977 before Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. Sid Vicious replaced Matlock on bass before the album appeared; Rotten left after the January 1978 US tour and formed Public Image Ltd.>
Sham 69: Hersham punk group formed around singer Jimmy Pursey. Step Forward issued the three-track “I Don’t Wanna” single in September 1977 with “Ulster” and “Red London.” Polydor followed in 1978 with “Borstal Breakout,” “Angels with Dirty Faces,” “If the Kids Are United” and “Hurry Up Harry.” Albums Tell Us the Truth and That’s Life appeared the same year.>
The Sick Things: Feltham-area punk group formed in 1977 around singer Charlie Greene, guitarist Richard Durrant and bassist Malcolm Hart. The group made no contemporary single but placed “Bondage Boy” and “Kids on the Street” on the Raw Records compilation Raw Deal. Raw planned a four-track EP with “Anti-Social Disease” and “Sleeping with the Dead” for 1979 but cancelled the release. Hart and Durrant subsequently passed through The Moors Murderers.>
Siouxsie and the Banshees: London punk group originated with Siouxsie Sioux and Steven Severin at the September 1976 100 Club Punk Special. A stable quartet formed with guitarist John McKay and drummer Kenny Morris in 1977. Polydor issued “Hong Kong Garden” (b/w “Voices”) in August 1978; it reached UK No. 7. Debut album The Scream followed that November, with Join Hands and three further singles in 1979.>
The Skids: Dunfermline punk group formed in 1977 by Stuart Adamson, Richard Jobson, William Simpson and Tom Kellichan. Self-run No Bad issued the three-track debut with “Charles,” “Reasons” and “Test-Tube Babies” in spring 1978. Virgin followed with “Sweet Suburbia” (b/w “Open Sound”) that September. Debut album Scared to Dance appeared in 1979 after drummer Tam Kellichan left the group.>
Skrewdriver: Blackpool punk quartet formed in late 1976 by Ian Stuart Donaldson, Phil Walmsley, Kevin McKay and John “Grinny” Grinton. Chiswick issued “You’re So Dumb” (b/w “Better Off Crazy”) in June 1977 and “Anti-Social” (b/w “19th Nervous Breakdown”) in October, followed by the album All Skrewed Up. The original group dissolved after the 1979 Built Up, Knocked Down EP. Donaldson revived the Skrewdriver name without the original lineup in 1982 for a far-right phase outside the scope of this ledger.>
The Skunks: Brixton punk group formed in October 1977 from Dole Q with singer Colin Ward, guitarists Gerry Lambe and Franco Cornelli, bassist Hugh Aston and drummer Pete Sturges. Eel Pie issued “Good from the Bad” (b/w “Back Street Fightin’”) in June 1978; “Good from the Bad” also appeared on the Cherry Red compilation Business Unusual that December. The remaining musicians became Craze near the end of 1978.>
Slaughter and the Dogs: Wythenshawe, Manchester punk quartet of Wayne Barrett, Mick Rossi, Howard Bates and Brian Grantham. Rabid issued “Cranked Up Really High” (b/w “The Bitch”) in 1977, followed on Decca by “Where Have All the Boot Boys Gone?” and “Dame to Blame.” “Quick Joey Small” preceded the May 1978 album Do It Dog Style. The original group split around the album release before returning in altered form.>
The Slits: London punk group formed in 1976 around Ari Up and drummer Palmolive, with Viv Albertine and Tessa Pollitt entering the principal lineup. The group toured with The Clash in 1977 but made no contemporary studio release until Island issued Cut in September 1979. “Typical Girls” (b/w “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”) followed as the first single that month. Palmolive left before the album sessions; Budgie played drums on Cut.>
Some Chicken: Nottingham punk quartet formed in 1976 by singer Mark Askwith, guitarist Jethro Adlington, bassist Mike Nowicki and drummer Bob Fawcett under the aliases Ivor Badcock, Jess Chicken, Terry Bull and Galway Kinnell. Raw issued “New Religion” (b/w “Blood on the Wall”) in October 1977; the A-side reached No. 16 in John Peel’s Festive Fifty. “Arabian Daze” (b/w “Number Seven”) followed on Raw in 1978. The group split in summer 1979.>
Speedometors: Shepherd’s Bush punk/new-wave group formed in 1976 by former Rough Diamonds members Martin Finlay, Robbie Watson and Lol Gellor, with Ian “Toose” Taylor joining soon afterward. Mascot issued “Disgrace” (b/w “Work”) in 1977. Acrobat followed with the album Day in the Lights and “Tonight Tonight” (b/w “Day in the Lights”) in 1979. Former Radio Stars drummer Steve Parry replaced Gellor before the Acrobat recordings.D
The Spitfire Boys: St. Helens/Liverpool punk quartet formed in May 1977 with Paul Rutherford, David Littler, Peter Griffiths and drummer Peter Clarke. RKO issued the sole single by this lineup, “British Refugee” (b/w “Mein Kampf”), on Oct. 7, 1977. The group split in December. Rutherford subsequently joined Frankie Goes to Hollywood; Clarke, as Budgie, joined The Slits↑ before Siouxsie and the Banshees↑.>
Squad: Coventry punk group formed toward the end of 1977. Terry Hall appeared in an early lineup and received a writing credit on “Red Alert” before leaving for The Specials. Squad Records issued “Red Alert” (b/w “£8 a Week”) in 1978 and “Millionaire” (b/w “Brockhill Boys”) in 1979. “The Flasher” appeared on the 1979 Coventry compilation Sent from Coventry. >
Squeeze: Deptford group formed around Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook in 1974. Deptford Fun City issued the three-track Packet of Three EP in July 1977 with “Cat on a Wall,” “Night Ride” and “Back Track.” Squeeze signed with A&M and released the John Cale-produced album Squeeze in March 1978. “Take Me I’m Yours” reached UK No. 19 before Cool for Cats established the group beyond the punk/new-wave circuit in 1979.>
Stiff Little Fingers: Belfast punk quartet formed in 1977 from the cover band Highway Star with Jake Burns, Henry Cluney, Ali McMordie and Brian Faloon. Self-run Rigid Digits issued “Suspect Device” (b/w “Wasted Life”) in March 1978. Rough Trade followed with “Alternative Ulster” (b/w “78 R.P.M.”) that October and the album Inflammable Material in February 1979. The album reached UK No. 14.>
Stormtrooper: British proto-punk/hard-rock quartet formed in 1975 by singer Nigel Hutchings and bassist Jeff Piccinini with guitarist John Pilka and drummer Mike Lee. The group recorded a four-song demo that year and ceased activity before Christmas. Solent drew “I’m a Mess” (b/w “It’s Not Me”) from the demo for a self-financed 1977 single after punk created a market for the material.D
The Stranglers: Guildford group formed in 1974 around drummer Jet Black, bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel and guitarist/singer Hugh Cornwell; keyboardist Dave Greenfield joined in 1975. United Artists issued “(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)” (b/w “London Lady”) in January 1977, followed by “Peaches,” “Something Better Change” and “No More Heroes.” Albums Rattus Norvegicus and No More Heroes both appeared in 1977.
The Stukas: Muswell Hill, London punk/pub-rock group formed in 1976 from The Teenage Rebels. Chiswick issued “Klean Living Kids” (b/w “Oh Little Girl”) on Oct. 28, 1977. Sonet followed with the three-track “I Like Sport” single in February 1978 and “Wash Machine Boogie” (b/w “Motorbike”) that August. Guitarist Raggy Lewis subsequently formed The Autographs with replacement bassist Dave Spicer.>
The Suburban Studs: Birmingham punk group formed in 1976 after earlier incarnations as Gnasher, Hamburger Mary and the Zipper Kids. Pogo issued “Questions” (b/w “No Faith”) and the album Slam in 1977. “I Hate School” (b/w “Young Power”) followed in 1978. Saxophonist Steve Harrington left before the album and formed Neon Hearts↑.>
Subway Sect: London punk group formed in 1976 around Vic Godard and guitarist Rob Symmons. The group debuted at the 100 Club Punk Special that September and toured with The Clash under Bernie Rhodes management. Braik issued “Nobody’s Scared” (b/w “Don’t Split It”) in 1978; Rough Trade followed with “Ambition” (b/w “A Different Story”) that November. Album sessions remained unreleased after Rhodes dismissed the original lineup and retained Godard under the Subway Sect name.>
The Table: Cardiff group formed in 1972 as Do You Want This Table before shortening the name. Virgin issued “Do the Standing Still (Classics Illustrated)” (b/w “The Magical Melon of the Tropics”) in April 1977. Chiswick followed with “Sex Cells” (b/w “The Road of Lyfe”) in March 1978. The group continued through several lineup changes before folding in 1981.>
Tanz Der Youth: London post-punk group formed in 1978 by former Damned guitarist Brian James with ex-Warsaw Pakt bassist Andy Colquhoun, former Hawkwind drummer Alan Powell and keyboardist Tony Moore. Radar issued the sole single “I’m Sorry, I’m Sorry” (b/w “Delay”) on Sept. 15, 1978. The group also recorded a four-song John Peel session with “Why I Die” and “Mistaken” before folding.>
Terry and the Idiots: London punk group assembled by singer Terry Sylvester specifically for Lech Kowalski’s documentary D.O.A.: A Right of Passage. Terry Sylvester, guitarist Stephen Gibbs, bassist Malcolm Joseph and drummer Versa Manus played one chaotic pub performance filmed for the documentary, then split within days. The group made no contemporary record.>
The Tights: Great Malvern punk quartet of Malcolm Orgee, Robert Banks, Barry Island and Rick Mayhew. “Bad Hearts” (b/w “It” and “Cracked”) inaugurated Cherry Red Records in June 1978. “Howard Hughes” (b/w “China’s Eternal”) followed that September before the group split.>
Tonight: Southend-on-Sea power-pop/new-wave quintet formed in June 1977 around singer Chris Turner and guitarist Phil Chambon. TDS issued “Drummer Man” (b/w “Stroll On By”) in January 1978; the single reached UK No. 14. “Money (That’s Your Problem)” reached No. 66, followed by “Wheels” and “Jealousy Kills (Beware!)” before the January 1979 breakup. WEA shelved the completed album, which remained unreleased until 2010.>
Trash: Weybridge/Reading punk-pop group formed in 1976 around guitarist Mick Brophy and singer Simon Wright. Polydor issued “Priorities” (b/w “Look”) in 1977, followed by the Shel Talmy-produced “N-N-E-R-V-O-U-S” (b/w “Page 3 (Dumb Blondes)”) in 1978. The group briefly adopted The Dudes billing while auditioning for Quadrophenia and split in 1979. First drummer Brian Devoil co-founded Twelfth Night.>
UK Subs: London punk group formed in 1976 around singer Charlie Harper, initially under the UK Subversives name. City issued the three-track C.I.D. single in September 1978 with “Live in a Car” and “B.I.C.” GEM followed in 1979 with “Stranglehold,” “Tomorrow’s Girls” and “She’s Not There,” while debut album Another Kind of Blues reached UK No. 21. Harper maintained the group through numerous subsequent lineups.>
Ultravox: London art-rock/new-wave quintet evolved from Tiger Lily under singer John Foxx. Island issued “Dangerous Rhythm” (b/w “My Sex”), “Young Savage” (b/w “Slip Away”) and “ROckwrok” (b/w “Hiroshima Mon Amour”) in 1977 alongside the albums Ultravox! and Ha!-Ha!-Ha!. Robin Simon replaced guitarist Stevie Shears for the Conny Plank-produced Systems of Romance in 1978. Foxx left in 1979; Midge Ure entered the subsequent lineup.>
The Unwanted: London punk group formed as Smak in March 1977 around singer Ollie Wisdom before adopting The Unwanted billing. Raw issued the three-track Withdrawal single in November 1977 with “1984” and “Bleak Outlook.” “Secret Police” (b/w “These Boots Are Made for Walking”) followed in February 1978; “Freedom” appeared on The Roxy London WC2. John Ashton and drummer Danny Destroy subsequently joined The Psychedelic Furs, while Wisdom formed Specimen.>
The Users: Cambridge punk group formed in 1976 around singer James Haight and guitarist Chris Free. Raw inaugurated its singles catalogue with “Sick of You” (b/w “(I’m) in Love with Today”) in May 1977. Warped followed with the Dave Goodman-produced “Kicks in Style” (b/w “Dead on Arrival”) in 1978. The group moved toward mod-oriented material before becoming The Selections.>
The Valves: Edinburgh punk/pub-rock quartet evolved from Angel Easy through the intermediate name The Sale in 1977. Zoom issued “Robot Love” (b/w “For Adolfs’ Only”) in September 1977 and “Tarzan of the Kings Road” (b/w “Ain’t No Surf in Portobello”) that December. Albion followed with “It Don’t Mean Nothing at All” (b/w “Linda Vindaloo”) in June 1979 before the group split.>
Vermilion: London punk singer and journalist who formed the backing group Dick Envy in 1977. Illegal issued the three-track “Angry Young Women” single in 1978 with “Nymphomania” and “Wild Boys (Ride Their Bikes).” “The Letter” (b/w “I Like Motorcycles”) followed on Illegal in 1979 with members of The Aces. Early drummer Pete Davies subsequently joined UK Subs↑. D
The Vibrators: London punk quartet formed in February 1976 by Knox, Pat Collier, John Ellis and Eddie Edwards. RAK issued “We Vibrate” (b/w “Whips and Furs”) in November 1976. Epic followed with “Baby Baby” and “London Girls” in 1977 alongside debut album Pure Mania. “Automatic Lover” reached UK No. 35 in 1978 before second album V2 reached No. 33.>
Vice Creems: Aylesbury punk group formed in 1977 around ZigZag editor Kris Needs and guitarist Colin Keinch. “No Passion” appeared on the March 1978 local compilation Aylesbury Goes Flaccid. Tiger issued “Won’t You Be My Girl?” (b/w “01-01-212”) that December. A revised studio lineup with Mick Jones, Topper Headon and Tony James backed Needs and Keinch on the 1979 ZigZag single “Danger Love” (b/w “Like a Tiger”).>
The V.I.P.’s: Warwick University power-pop/mod group formed in 1978. Criminal issued the three-track Music for Funsters EP that July with “I’m Perfect,” “I Believe” and “Boys of the City.” The group shared early bills with The Specials and moved into the London club circuit before the 1979 split single with Urban Disturbance, pairing “Just Can’t Let You Go” with “Wild Boys in Cortina’s.” A GEM contract followed in 1980.D
Warsaw: Manchester punk group formed in 1977 by Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook, with Stephen Morris completing the stable lineup that autumn. Warsaw recorded a five-song Pennine Sound demo in July and played the final night of Manchester’s Electric Circus on Oct. 2. “At a Later Date” from that show appeared on the 1978 Virgin compilation Short Circuit, credited to Joy Division because the group changed names in January. The change avoided confusion with Warsaw Pakt↓.>
Warsaw Pakt: Ladbroke Grove punk quintet formed in spring 1977 with singer Jimmy Coull, guitarists Andy Colquhoun and John Walker, bassist Chris Underhill and former Motörhead drummer Lucas Fox. Island issued “Safe & Warm” (b/w “Sick & Tired”) in October 1977. The group recorded Needle Time direct to disc at Trident Studios the following month; Island pressed, packaged and placed the album in shops within roughly 24 hours. Colquhoun joined Tanz Der Youth↑ after Warsaw Pakt split in 1978.>
The Wasps: East London punk/power-pop group formed in 1976 around singer Jesse Lynn-Dean. Fourplay issued “Teenage Treats” (b/w “She Made Magic”) in November 1977. “Can’t Wait Till ’78” and a cover of “Waiting for My Man” appeared on Live at the Vortex, with the former also paired on a split single with Mean Street. A substantially revised lineup returned on RCA with “Rubber Cars” (b/w “This Time”) in 1979 before the group folded.>
Wire: London art-punk group formed in 1976 from musicians associated with Watford College of Art. Drummer Robert Gotobed joined after The Art Attacks↑. “Lowdown” and “12XU” appeared on the 1977 live compilation The Roxy London WC2. Harvest issued the three-track “Mannequin” single in November 1977, followed by Pink Flag. Chairs Missing appeared in September 1978 as the group moved beyond the compressed punk structures of the debut.>
Xdreamysts: Coleraine, Northern Ireland new-wave/power-pop quartet evolved from Flying Squad in summer 1977. The group entered the punk-era Belfast circuit through Good Vibrations despite retaining roots in pub rock. Good Vibrations issued “Right Way Home” (b/w “Dance Away Love”) in November 1978. Polydor signed the band in 1979 and issued three further singles through 1980.>
X-Ray Spex: London punk group formed in early 1977 around singer Poly Styrene. A live “Oh Bondage Up Yours!” appeared on The Roxy London WC2 before Virgin issued the studio version (b/w “I Am a Cliché”) in September 1977. EMI International followed with the singles “The Day the World Turned Day-Glo,” “Identity” and “Germ Free Adolescents” before the 1978 album Germfree Adolescents. Original saxophonist Lora Logic left in 1977 and formed Essential Logic.>
XTC: Swindon new-wave quartet evolved through the Star Park and Helium Kidz names before adopting XTC in early 1976. Virgin issued the 3D • EP in October 1977 with “Science Friction,” “She’s So Square” and “Dance Band.” Debut album White Music followed in January 1978, with Go 2 that autumn. Keyboardist Barry Andrews left after the second album.>
The Zeros: Walthamstow punk trio formed in 1977 by singer/guitarist Steve Godfrey, bassist Steve Cotton and drummer Phil Gaylor. Small Wonder issued “Hungry” (b/w “Radio Fun”) in late 1977, followed by a John Peel session that November. Paul Miller joined on second guitar in 1978. Billed simply as Zeros, the group contributed “What’s Wrong with Pop Group” to a 1979 ROK split single with Action Replay before splitting.>
Zorro: Norwich rock group formed in the mid-seventies and drawn into the punk/new-wave circuit as the lineup changed through 1977–78. Former Crabs drummer Ricci Titcombe joined in August 1978. Bridge House issued the three-track ’Arrods Don’t Sell ’Em EP in 1979 with “Soldier Boy” and “Starfight.” It remained the only Zorro release.D
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