“You’re telling me to grow up, but Harry don’t you see? If I tried to act my age I wouldn’t be me” (“Hurry Up Harry” 1978). Formed in 1975 by singer Jimmy Pursey and guitarist Neil Harris in the Surrey village of Hersham in southeast England, Sham 69 has long been a polarizing figure in punk rock history for its influence, success, inner conflicts and its fanatical attraction to skinhead culture regardless of political affiliation. Early pioneers of Oi!, Sham 69’s musical style has taken its cues from hard rock and pub rock built on a steady and well-gelled rhythm section punctuated early on by the guitars of Harris and Dave Parsons’ since ’77.
“Now I’ve got the chance I don’t care about what I do, when I done them things I done them just for you and now I’m getting out coming back for you” (“Borstal Breakout” 1978). Noted for topical lyrics that often invited dialogue for unity within the scene and a sense of solidarity for the common man in the turbulent days of James Callaghan’s ministry which set up the better-known economic environment of Margaret Thatcher’s 80’s, Sham’s history would be shaped by the politics of their time. With the rise of the National Front in populist British politics in the 70’s, Sham 69 would inadvertently draw support from the skinhead and neo-Nazi ranks of the movement causing increasingly violent conflicts during their live performances.
“But then somebody tells you that you’re owned by someone else, so what’s it all about? It’s money, work it out.” (“Money“ 1979). As if this wasn’t enough to cause stress within the band, Sham 69 has suffered since inception from lineup changes though oftentimes the revolving door kept the changing within a finite number of players with Pursey, Parsons and drummer Ian Whitewood being the longest constants. This sets up an interesting quandary for longtime fans concerning Sham 69 in 2015, one akin to the recent troubles surrounding Black Flag with two squads actively performing under the moniker.
“We’re the people you don’t wanna know, we come from places you don’t wanna go. Angels with dirty faces, angels from nowhere places… kids like me and you!” (“Angels with Dirty Faces” 1978). When Pursey was sacked in 2006, Parsons forged on as Sham 69 and released two albums. In 2011, Parsons disbanded his Sham and Harris took up the Sham mantle, not long after, Parsons and Pursey made nice and reconnected with Whitewood to tour as Sham 69 – The Original 1977 Lineup while Harris’ incarnation is known as Sham 69 – Tim V.
“Now we see them talking about us, whispering lies all around us, not wanting us to know the truth.” (“Tell Us the Truth” 1978). It is the latter of these two versions that will be performing at Propaganda on September 28 alongside Die Trying, The Attack and Menudo Death Squad. Forty years later, the Hersham boys continue to polarize. RSVP
~ Abel Folgar
