Hardcore punk, folk punk, pop punk, horror punk…punk comes in many forms! And anarcho-punk is one of the most politically engaged subgenres of an already pretty political movement, with a distinct penchant for activism and getting involved in community organising.
It seems only fitting then, that the story of the scene is told by someone who was inspired to be part of that action by the music, campaigning and solidarity and who can testify to the impact it had.
David Insurrection is a Scottish writer and activist who credits anarcho-punk with getting him involved in activism 40 years ago. He has authored a new book that looks specifically at how this genre of punk impacted London during its heyday, told through the focus of specific locations that were a key part of the movement.
Punk Rock Philosophy caught up with David to discuss ‘Anarcho Punk Music and Resistance in London 1977-1988’ and all things anarchy!
What prompted you to write this book? Was it something you had thought about bringing to life for a while?
“I had a hankering for writing such a book back in the early nineties. I found it puzzling why no one had attempted to document such an important social and political movement. However my plans to do so didn’t then bear fruit. It was only when I began visiting historical anarcho-punk locations in London three years ago and after Pete Fender (Omega Tribe and Rubella Ballet) and Nick (Hackney Hell Crew) suggested I should do a book that it began to take shape”.
Anarcho-punk is a term that many may have heard and they may even be able to identify certain bands such as Crass or Chumbawamba as bands from that scene but what really sets this type of punk apart? What is the core tenet of this subgenre, the thing that really distinguishes it from other parts of the punk movement?
“What I think sets it apart is its political stance. No other scene up until this point had sought to change the world in such a way. Punk had always been political, however this was different. It’s anarchist politics and its revolutionary zeal defined its position in the world and in the world of music”.
The book is focused on a specific place (London) and a specific time (77-88). What is significant about those years that made them the starting and finishing point for this book?
“I chose 1977 as this was when Crass played their very first gig (at a squatters festival in Huntley Street, North London). By 1988 the sounds and social scene that defined that early scene began to change. What followed was something different. Musically and culturally. Many of the squatted properties I talk about were also either abandoned or evicted at the end of this period“.
For that period, what were the main political issues that the band’s were singing about and that were galvanising the scene’s activism and political awareness? I know that you wanted to include tales of squatting for example- is that an example of an issue (housing and rents etc) that was integral to the movement?
“There was a burning sense of change, that you could indeed make a real difference. Among the many issues of concern were in this instance war and the threat of nuclear war. Animal rights, which had began to rear its head, also took root and featured in many songs.
The housing crisis and squatting formed part of this overarching struggle for change. It also allowed many young people to flee the parental home and strike out on their own“.
The book focuses on locations rather than telling the story through specific bands or songs etc- can you give us a couple of examples? What sort of places in London were at the heart of it all?
“The anarcho scene was always about much more than music. I wanted to look at the lived experiences of its participants. Locations were a great device for telling this story. For example Puppy Mansions 1 and 2 and Wapping Autonomy Centre and the Centro Iberico. These places mattered and were the kernel of a new and powerful political scene. A new world even“.
Do you have any insight into the anarcho-punk scene now? Is it still going in the same way?
“I’m still very much involved. What was at least geographically a small scene back then is now a global community. Smaller in terms of its wider impact perhaps but culturally and politically important nevertheless“.
If we did have any readers who aren’t sure where to start musically with anarcho-punk, can you give any starters for ten in terms of bands that were active in the period you are writing about?
“Crass first and foremost were my biggest inspiration. They literally changed my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am today were it not for them. They’re a great starting point. Other bands I would suggest newcomers check out are Conflict, The Apostles, Flux of Pink Indians, The Mob, Zounds, Poison Girls, Antisect, DIRT and Subhumans. They all feature to a greater or lesser degree in my book“.
Hopefully that has whetted all of your appetites! If you want to immerse yourself in the capital during the vibrant activity of the anarcho-punk scene, then David’s book is released via Earth Island Books. Might make a great Christmas present for the anarchist book worm in your life! Order your copy of ‘Anarcho Punk Music and Resistance in London 1977-1988’ HERE.
You can read more about Anarchism and punk on Punk Rock Philosophy HERE.
