Inspired by The Damned and The Ramones, they formed late in 1976 as the United Kingdom Subversives, soon shortening their name and playing all the London punk holes through 1977. Two songs, including their minimalist classic – I Live in a Car – appeared on the Farewell to the Roxy LP, and after a huge selling independent 7” single in 1978 – C.I.D – they signed to Gem Records via RCA worldwide.

Surprising everyone, they then became one of the most consistently and visible successful punk bands, even without any substantial airplay, they notched up seven consecutive UK top 30 hits between 1979 -1981, establishing themselves as one of an elite group of punk bands who have become a household name throughout the world.

The hits were: - Stranglehold, Tomorrows Girls, She’s Not There, Warhead, Teenage, Party in Paris and Keep on Running. The albums Brand New Age and Crash Course both went into the Top 10 in the UK charts. Led by the legendary and inexhaustible Charlie Harper (now venerated as the godfather of UK punk), the band has been touring worldwide and recording constantly for more than 30 years now, but they maintain and pioneer the true spirit of punk rock, without the compromise and watering down that affected so many of their contemporaries.

The current line up features the popular song writing trio of Charlie Harper (vocals), Nicky Garratt (guitar), and Alvin Gibbs (bass). Jamie Oliver (drums) has been in the band for years and is generally considered one of their best drummers ever. This line up is definitely one of the all time best and certainly one the fans will appreciate!