Blaggers I.T.A.
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BLAGGERS I.T.A (formerly The Blaggers) were an Oi!/punk and agitpop band noted for their strong anti-fascist and left wing lyrics and activism. The band forged particularly close links with Anti Fascist Action donating money to the organisation as well as using themselves as a platform to promote the organisation and its ideology.
The band was formed in 1988 by singer Matty Blagg, who had been introduced to Marxism while in prison. Although the band started out as an anti-racist skinhead band playing hard-edged Oi! music, they eventually incorporated influences from hip hop and Electronic dance music, adding the letters I.T.A. to their name which stood for "In The Area".
The band's vocal support for Anti Fascist Action and revolutionary politics, along with their previous association with the Oi! music scene meant that in the early 90's they became a target for fascist groups such as Combat 18, with Combat 18 allegedly boasting that Blaggers ITA would not be able to play in Britain. However Anti Fascist Action managed to meet and defeat this threat and it soon became clear that the opposite was the case, with fascist bands finding it virtually impossible to play in Britain. Perhaps most famously, in 1992, the fascist band Skrewdriver attempted to play a major gig and its fans were attacked and routed at waterloo station. This incident is referred to on the 'United Colours of Blaggers ITA' album with the anti-fascist song and rallying call 'Its Up To You'.
The band had several top 50 singles in 1993 and 1994. They signed to EMI and enjoyed moderate commercial success until they were dropped from the label in 1994. The signing to EMI did result in some criticism from some sections of the DIY/independent music scene and alienated some of their fans because of EMI's links with the arms trade and the fact that EMI was/is seen as a large corporation dominating the music scene, creating monoculture and crushing the independent culture that Blaggers ITA originally rose from. However Blaggers ITA justified the move to their critics by arguing that it is pointless having a message if you're only spreading it to a small number of already aware people. They also showed the signing gave them more money to spend on causes that they supported and funded adverts for Anti Fascist Action in the music press. A similar debate occurred four years later when Chumbawamba signed to EMI. Ironically, Chumbawamba had been critical of Blaggers ITA signing to EMI in 1993.
Another setback was having their biggest supporting tours festival slots cancelled after Blagg punched Melody Maker writer Dave Simpson in 1993. The music press also effectively boycotted them during this time. The incident led to a court case, although none of the band were convicted. Dave Simpson was still complaining about the incident in 2006.
Shortly after being dropped by EMI, Matty left the band. The band continued for a short while after this before splitting.
Blagg died in February 2000.
A version of the band have since reformed and played some gigs, although not put out any recorded output or received anything other than limited interest.
Contents |
[edit] Lineup
- Matty Blagg - lead vocals
- Steve Serious - guitar
- Jason "Wrist Action Jackson" - drums (1989)
- Brendan H - trumpet
- Christie - rapper & DJ
- Paul the Pig - guitar (1991 onwards)
- Bilko - second vocalist (1988-1989)
- Jez the Jester - drums (1988-1989)
- Cab - drums (1989)
- Gary the Squatter - guitar (1989-1990)
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- On Yer Toez (credited under The Blaggers) (1989)
- Fuck Fascism, Fuck Capitalism, Society's Fucked (1991)
- United Colours of Blaggers ITA (1993)
- Bad Karma (1994)
[edit] Singles
- It's Up To You (1990)
- Beirut EP (1990)
- Blaggamuffin 12" (1992)
- Way We Operate (1992)
- Here's Johnny (1992)
- Ramraiders ITA (1993) (released without the bands consent in 1993)
- Stresss (1993)
- Oxygen (1993)
- Abandon Ship (1993)
- Mantrap (1994)
