![]() 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. “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). 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. 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. “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). 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. 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. So, this is SHAM 69 now and though many have scoffed at their existence they have come to regret it having been overwhelmed by the power of the performance.“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). The band who are praised for kicking arse onstage and at a ripe age are dumbfounding audiences worldwide with their passion and total stage presence. Now with such anthemic songs as SING WHEN YOUR WINNING making the charts both here in the UK and Europe and other songs in the last 4 years such as LAST GANG IN LONDON and more recent SIGN OF THE TIMES being used in movies, the band have achieved so much against the tide. On Lead Guitar we have Paul Brightman who joined the band's US Tour in 2016 and on Bass Al Campbell who joined the band in 2009, he has a pristine pedigree in Punk after serving 13 years with UK SUBS and playing with both Marky Ramone and Jayne County and The Electric Chairs. Unique…yes of course as the only UK Punk act to have toured China…unless you count WHAM in the Punk genre and all this featured in the award-winning film THIS BAND IS SO GORGEOUS which followed the guys on their tour of China. ![]() The band currently features Tim V, the band's longest-serving drummer at 36 years behind the kit for SHAM 69. Tim V's reign saw him take the band from its lowest point to get it touring worldwide with 6 successful selling albums along with World Tours and major festivals.and he has clocked up more shows than any other previous lineup. The band had many lineup changes but the most notable was Jimmy Pursey's departure following his sacking in 2006, in which he was immediately replaced by the new vocalist Tim V. With hits such as BORSTAL BREAKOUT and HEY LITTLE RICH BOY being performed in 76-77, the band went on to have others such as HURRY UP HARRY, ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES and the anthem IF THE KIDS ARE UNITED. Neil Harris was along with the other original members Albie Slider, Johnny Goodfornothing, Billy Bostik performing live with such hits as Borstal Breakout and Hey Little Rich Boy prior to the band's second lineup change in late 1977. Neil Harris formed the band with Jimmy Pursey in 1975. The band, which was formed in 1975, to which its original founding member and guitarist Neil Harris remained in this lineup, until his untimely death this 4 years ago. The band released their new album BLACK DOG back in 2021, and the band wanted to reflect in some way on the events and happenings without the boring cliches. ![]() Now in 2022, the band find themselves like everyone trying to get back to normal with a UK and Euro tour later this year. ![]()
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