The Ruts -

The Ruts were an English punk-rock/reggae band from Hayes, Greater London, that released the album The Crack with accompanying singles on Virgin in 1979. A name-change to Ruts DC preceded the 1981/82 albums Animal Now and Rhythm Collision – Vol.1, the second released on self-press Bohemian Records.

Members: David Ruffy (drums), John Jennings (bass, vocals), Paul Fox (guitar), Malcolm Owen (vocals)

Background

The Ruts formed in 1977 in Hayes, Greater London, when guitarist Paul Fox and vocalist Malcolm Owen started a punk group with bassist Dave Ruffy and drummer Paul Mattocks.

Fox and Owen met at Hayes Manor School before moving to a commune on Anglesey, where they played in the progressive-rock group Aslan with Mattocks. Fox returned to London after the commune dissolved in 1975 and joined the funk band Hit and Run, where Ruffy played drums. Ruffy also worked at James Asman’s record shop in the City, where he met Post Office employee John “Segs” Jennings. Jennings became a Hit and Run roadie, while Ruffy brought experience from the East End soul and rocksteady group the Star-Keys.

The Ruts made their live debut on Sept. 16, 1977, with a three-song appearance between sets by Fox band Mr Softy at the Target in Northolt. The group used spare time at an October Hit and Run session at Orange Studios in Covent Garden to record early versions of “Rich Bitch” and “Out of Order.” Hit and Run dismissed Fox and Ruffy as the punk project gained momentum. Mattocks remained with Hit and Run, so Ruffy returned to drums and Jennings took bass. The revised lineup opened for Wayne County and the Electric Chairs at High Wycombe Town Hall on Jan. 25, 1978.

The Ruts found regular work through Rock Against Racism and developed ties with Southall reggae group Misty in Roots. Owen knew Misty manager Chrissie Bolton, and the two groups shared gigs around West London. The Ruts joined Misty in Roots at the April 1978 Rock Against Racism carnival in Victoria Park, where musicians from both groups performed from a lorry. The relationship also connected the Ruts with the Southall-based People Unite collective.

The Ruts recorded “In a Rut” and “H-Eyes” at Free Range Studios in April 1978, but the group lacked funds to press the single. Manager Andy Dayman supplied £100 for manufacturing, and People Unite issued “In a Rut” (b/w “H-Eyes”) in January 1979. John Peel played the record on BBC Radio 1 and brought the group into Maida Vale for a Jan. 23 session. The initial pressing sold out, and label interest followed the increased exposure.

Virgin signed the Ruts on April 11, 1979. Producer Mick Glossop recorded “Babylon’s Burning” (b/w “Society”) with the group at AIR Studios in April, and Virgin issued the single in June. The Ruts supported the Damned on a British tour as “Babylon’s Burning” reached No. 7 on the UK chart. The group then completed the remaining The Crack sessions with Glossop at Townhouse Studios in London.

Discography: