Gimp Fist
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Gimp Fist are an English punk rock band formed in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.
One of the leading lights of the English street punk and “Oi”! scene, they were formed in 2005 and have continued to release new material and perform live ever since.
They have been influenced by a range of mainly punk and ska bands such as Cock Sparrer, the Clash, Rancid, Cockney Rejects and The Business but also artists such as Jimmy Cliff, and even Buddy Holly.[1]
Their lyrics mostly deal with topics related to the daily lives of working class people in Britain. While primarily their songs' tunes and format are typically punk they sometimes explore other styles of music including ska and occasionally reggae.
Lead guitarist and chief songwriter, Jonny Robson, who is a prolific writer of new material, drives Gimp Fist's sound. As a consequence the band have released material at a steady rate over the last 15 years.
Their named derives from a card found in a telephone box advertising "services".
The band have developed a loyal following in the north-east of England through their regular live performances.
Members[edit]
- Jonny Robson – Guitar and lead vocal
- Mike Robson – Drums
- Chris Wright – Bass
Career and influences[edit]
NHS worker Jonny was quoted in 2013; "For me personally, one of my biggest influences is the Clash. From the hard hitting punk songs to the reggae. To me they are the whole package. I am also a massive Blitz fan. Blitz are what punk music is all about, simple catchy songs, no messing about just straight to the point".
"I love Billy Bragg too; I think he is underrated as a guitarist, to play and sing some of the things he does is pure talent. I can’t deny that Rancid have been an inspiration both as a guitarist and as a song writer as have older bands such as the Business and the UK Subs. I love the fact Mickey Fitz was so down to earth, like Charlie Harper - this has an impact because they are just ordinary blokes like us trying get by and still doing what they love".[2]
The band formed in 2005 by Jonny, his brother Mike (a ground worker who has worked in the building trade since he left school at 15 and who had toured Europe drumming with Red Alert back in 2007) and Chris (who had previously had a stint playing with the Darlington-based punk band Major Accident). Looking for a more straight-up punk sound, Gimp Fist was formed. To date, they have released seven studio albums on the Sunny Bastards label and contributed to various punk and Oi compilations.
Many of the band's highlights have come at Rebellion, the punk festival held annually in the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Lancashire. They have developed a growing reputation, having played the festival each year since 2013 and were booked once again to play the main stage in the Empress Ballroom in 2020 until the COVID pandemic forced the event’s cancellation.
One of the bands unofficial anthems is “Heart Full of Pride” a classic punk anthem first recorded by Swedish trio Perkele. The song featured on Gimp Fist’s 2010 debut release “Your Time Has Come” and has become a highlight of their live sets.
Discography[edit]
Albums[edit]
| Title | Label | Date of release |
|---|---|---|
| Your Time Has Come | Sunny Bastards | 2010 |
| The Place Where I Belong | Sunny Bastards | 2010 |
| Marching On and On | Sunny Bastards | 2013 |
| The Last Stand | Sunny Bastards | 2015 |
| Never Give Up on You | Sunny Bastards | 2017 |
| One Tribe | Sunny Bastards | 2018 |
| Blood | Sunny Bastards | 2019 |
Singles and EPs[edit]
| Title | Label | Date of release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stand Your Ground E.P. | None | 2005 | |
| "Brotherhood" | Fist It Records | 2007 | |
| Oi! The Super Heroes | Bad Look Records | 2012 | Gimp Fist with Agent Bulldogg, Booze & Glory, The Sandals |
| Hounds and Harlots | Contra Records | 2014 | Gimp Fist, Hounds and Harlots |
| "That Old Tattoo" / "Pick Up The Pieces" | Randale Records | 2014 | Gimp Fist / Evil Conduct |
| "War on the Streets" 7” | Sunny Bastards | 2014 | |
| "On The Beach" 7” | Sunny Bastards | 2015 | |
| Feel Ready | Sunny Bastards | 2016 | |
| Despite Your Youth | Bootstomp Records | 2016 | Gimp Fist / Anger Flares |
| Never Give Up on You | Sunny Bastards | 2017 | |
| Better off Dead | London Calling records | 2018 | |
| Heroes are Forever | Detona Records, The Firm Records | 2019 | Gimp Fist / Dedo Podre |
| "Family Man" / "On the Rampage" | 5 versions Sunny Bastards, Comandante Records | 2020 | Gimp Fist / One Voice |
Compilations[edit]
| A Fist Full of Gimp | Sunny Bastards | 2015 | (compilation) |
| “Oi” 40 Years Untamed | Big Cartel | 2020 | (compilation) |
References[edit]
- ↑ Undwerwood, Mike (22 January 2018). "GIMP FIST - Melodic Street Punk from Co. Durham, England". moralpanicwebzine.blogspot.com/. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Werme, Aslak (22 March 2013). https://www.eternal-terror.com/articles/index.php?id=1083&type=B. Unknown parameter
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