The UK Subs are one of the few bands that have the respect of EVERYONE on the punk scene. Formed in 1976, ever-present in the band has been vocalist Charlie Harper. Now venerated as the godfather of UK punk, Harper emerged from Britain's R&B scene. They continue to thrive, with 2010 marking the fifth decade in which the band had continually graced the scene. 2011 saw the release of the critically acclaimed ‘Work In Progress’ LP and they are widely recognised as one of the most consistent and visibly successful punk bands - maintaining and pioneering the true spirit of punk rock. With a powerful line up in place since 2005 (Jet – guitar / Alvin Gibbs - bass / Jamie Oliver – drums), the UK Subs continue to entertain and enthuse.

Biog by Mark Chadderton

 
Led by the indefatigable 68 years young ‘Godfather’ of British punk Charlie Harper, the U.K.Subs continue to thrill and enthral audiences worldwide with their ‘On Tour Forever’ ethic. Gigging constantly, and every year since their formation in 1976, the band initially quickly built up a fiercely loyal, sizeable following as they peppered the Top 40 with a run of infectious singles between 1979 and 1981. Many highlights followed, too numerous to mention here, but in early 2011 the band released their critically acclaimed ‘Work In Progress’ album, as they near their quest to be the first band ever, to release their official albums alphabetically from A to Z. Many long-time Subs fans have commented that the new album is as good as some of the early ‘classic albums’, of which some went Top 10.
With a powerful line up in place since 2005, Charlie, Jet on guitar, Alvin Gibbs on bass and Jamie Oliver on drums, the U.K.Subs continue to entertain, enlighten and enthuse.

Biog by Mark Chadderton

 
The U.K.Subs are unique amongst the original wave of punk bands that emerged circa 1976/77 in that they have continued to gig every year ever since, clocking up thousands of shows. They maintain and pioneer the true spirit of punk rock, without the compromise and watering-down that has affected so many of their contemporaries.
Led by the now legendary Charlie Harper, this incredible front man continues to amaze with his indefatigable lust for life, music and the live circuit. Now 68 years young, Charlie is the sole reason the Subs have yet to split up, leading a band that has continued to thrive, through various line-ups.
With the band continuing to blaze their unique trail all over the world into their fifth decade, 2011 saw the band release their critically acclaimed ‘W’ album, WORK IN PROGRESS, as they near their quest to be the first band to release their official albums alphabetically A to Z.
The highlights from the bands history are too numerous to list in full here, but they are archived on www.uksubstimeandmatter.net - suffice to say their early success of seven consecutive UK Top 40 hits between 1979-81 was testament to their popularity amongst the punk scene then, and with there never having been any division of fan and band, their continued popularity ensured listeners of Steve Lamacq’s BBC 6music show voted them ‘Punk World Cup winners 2010’.

Biog by Mark Chadderton

  
Incredibly, 2010 marked the fifth decade in which the U.K.Subs had continually graced the Punk Rock scene. Inspired by the Damned at the birth of British Punk, the now equally legendary Charlie Harper formed the Subs out of his then R&B outfit The Marauders, late in 1976.
Starting out as The Subversives, the name was shortened to The Subs and then changed to U.K.Subs, with the prefix taken from the first Sex Pistols single Anarchy In The U.K.
October 1977 saw Charlie joined by Nicky Garratt on guitar, and it was the Harper/Garratt song writing partnership that would go on to collaborate on what is recognised as the bands most revered work. Through 1977 and 1978 the band played shows all over London including the infamous Roxy punk club, building up a fiercely loyal and sizeable following. Their first ‘recorded’ output was on the Farewell To The Roxy LP.
This bought them to the attention of John Peel who was obviously impressed enough to offer to finance their first single. However, City Records ended up releasing their first brilliant single, C.I.D, in September 1978. It became a huge indie number 1 hit. In 1979, they signed to Gem Records via RCA and surprised everyone by becoming one of the most consistently and visibly successful punk bands, with seven consecutive UK Top 30 hits between 1979-81 (Stranglehold, Tomorrows Girls, She's Not There, Warhead, Teenage, Party In Paris and Keep On Running). They also scored two UK top ten albums (Brand New Age and Crash Course), establishing themselves throughout the world with a heavy touring schedule that still continues to this day.
Led by the indefatigable Charlie Harper (now venerated as the godfather of UK punk) the band has continued and thrived, through various line-ups and record companies. 2010 saw the band record their ‘W’ album, as they neared their quest to be the first band to release their official albums alphabetically A to Z!
Touring worldwide for 30 plus years, they maintain and pioneer the true spirit of punk rock, without the compromise and watering-down that has affected so many of their contemporaries. There has never been any division of fan and band with the Subs, and Charlie’s unrelenting love of his audience and music shines through. This is something that galvanized listeners of Steve Lamacq’s BBC 6music show to hoist the band high as the most respected of Punk ‘icons’, to win the 2010 Punk World Cup.
2011 saw the eagerly anticipated new album WORK IN PROGRESS released on Captain Oi! Records to a crescendo of critical acclaim. The touring regime has continued apace this year with dates worldwide as the band continue to entertain and amaze with their powerful live shows.
Like a vintage wine – the U.K.Subs just get better and better.

Biog by Mark Chadderton