Angelic Upstarts

Angelic Upstarts formed in South Shields in 1977, with Thomas Mensforth, who went by Mensi, as their frontman. They were part of the British punk scene but stood out for their direct political lyrics about unemployment, police violence, and working-class life. Songs like 'Brighton Bomb' and 'Anti Nazi' were blunt statements against the establishment, delivered with a raw, urgent sound that matched their message.

Their 1979 debut album Teenage Warning captured that energy, followed by We Gotta Get Out of This Place in 1980 and Still From the Heart in 1981. The band's lineup changed over time, but early members included guitarist Ray Cowie (Mond), drummer John Maher (Shakey), and bassist Steve Bonnar (Gogs). They kept recording through the decades, putting out 25 Years of Anger in 2004 and a self-titled album in 2014.

Angelic Upstarts became known for 'Bandiera Rossa,' their version of the Italian socialist anthem, which turned into a rallying cry at their shows. They faced pushback for their views, including some censorship and police attention, but that never softened their stance. Their music stayed rooted in solidarity and protest, as heard in tracks like 'Students Power' and 'Solidarity,' speaking plainly to listeners who shared their frustrations.