Angelic Upstarts

Angelic Upstarts are an English rock band formed in South Shields in 1977. The punk rock/Oi! band espoused an anti-fascist and socialist working class philosophy, and have been associated with the skinhead subculture. More than two decades after its release, their debut single, "The Murder Of Liddle Towers", was included in Mojo magazine’s list of the best punk rock singles of all time. The original lineup was Thomas Mensforth (Mensi) on vocals, Ray Cowie (Mond) on guitar, Steve Forsten on bass guitar, and Decca Wade on drums. The band has reformed and split a few times, and former members include bassists Ronnie Wooden, Glyn Warren, Tony Feedback, Ronnie Rocker and Max Splodge (who also had a stint playing drums). Other drummers have included Sticks (who later joined Cockney Rejects), Paul Thompson (ex-Roxy Music) and Chris White. Wade rejoined the band for a few years before leaving again. Hayes originally joined the band as second guitarist until Mond left, leaving Hayes as the only guitarist. Mensi was the only original member still in the band. In August 2006, Mensi announced he was resigning, however he requested that the band continue with Chris Wright (of the band Crashed Out) on vocals. The band's lineup became Wright on vocals, Dickie Hammond on guitar, Neil Newton on guitar, Gaz Stoker on bass and Wade on drums. In the latter part of 2007, Mensi rejoined the band and the lineup became Mensi on vocals, Stoker on bass, Hammon on guitar, Newton on guitar and Brett Mulvaney on drums.