Cock Sparrer is an English punk rock band formed in 1972 in the East End of London. The group is associated with the development of the Oi! subgenre and the early 1980s punk scene. Although it did not achieve significant commercial success, its work has influenced numerous punk, Oi!, and hardcore punk acts, many of which have recorded cover versions of its songs. The band's musical style draws on elements of pub rock, glam rock, and 1960s beat music.
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Cock Sparrer is an English punk rock band formed in 1972 in the East End of London. The group is associated with the development of the Oi! subgenre and the early 1980s punk scene. Although it did not achieve significant commercial success, its work has influenced numerous punk, Oi!, and hardcore punk acts, many of which have recorded cover versions of its songs. The band's musical style draws on elements of pub rock, glam rock, and 1960s beat music. Its lyrics often focus on themes related to working-class life. The name "Cock Sparrer" is derived from the earlier name "Cock Sparrow", a Cockney term of familiarity. Cock Sparrer was founded by Colin McFaull, Mick Beaufoy, Steve Burgess, and Steve Bruce, who had known each other since childhood. The group initially performed in clubs around London, developing a style later identified as streetpunk or Oi!, incorporating influences from rhythm and blues and pub rock. In 1976, guitarist Garrie Lammin joined the lineup. Around this time, the band met Malcolm McLaren, who considered managing it alongside the Sex Pistols. In 1977, Cock Sparrer signed with Decca Records. The band's first single, "Runnin' Riot", was released in May 1977 but did not achieve commercial success. A subsequent single, a cover of "We Love You", also performed poorly, and the label dropped the band in 1978. An album recorded during this period was released only in Spain under the title "Cock Sparrer" and was not issued in the United Kingdom until 1987, when it appeared as "True Grit". The band became inactive later in 1978, and Lammin departed. Interest in Cock Sparrer revived in 1981 when its songs appeared on several Oi! compilation albums. The band reformed in 1982 with Chris Skepis replacing Lammin and signed with Carrere Records. The single "England Belongs to Me" was released, followed by the album "Shock Troops" in 1983, which included the songs "Where Are They Now", "I Got Your Number", and "Riot Squad". Beaufoy subsequently left the group and was replaced by Shug O'Neill. The album "Running Riot in '84" was released in October 1984, after which the band again became inactive. A live album recorded around this period was released in 1987. Cock Sparrer reunited for several concerts in 1992, with Beaufoy returning and Daryl Smith joining as a long-term replacement for O'Neill. The band released the album "Guilty as Charged" in 1994, followed by "Two Monkeys" in 1997. In subsequent years, it performed intermittently and appeared at various punk festivals, including the Rebellion Festival. The album "Here We Stand" was released in November 2007. The band headlined events such as Rebellion Vienna and Rebellion Blackpool in 2008, as well as the Punk and Disorderly Festival in Berlin and Riot Fest in Chicago in 2009. It returned to Riot Fest in 2014. In 2012, Cock Sparrer marked its 40th anniversary with a series of sold-out concerts in the United States and a headline performance at a Christmas event in Birmingham associated with the Rebellion Festival. The album "Forever" was released in 2017. In December 2023, the band announced the album "Hand on Heart", scheduled for release in April 2024 on Cherry Red Records and produced by James Bragg. In advance of the album, music videos were released for the songs "Here We Stand", "With My Hand on My Heart", and "I Belong to You". Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cock_Sparrer Studio albums Cock Sparrer (1978) Shock Troops (1983) Running Riot in '84 (1984) Guilty as Charged (1994) Two Monkeys (1997) Here We Stand (2007) Forever (2017) Hand on Heart (2024)
