Cock Sparrer began life in an East Ham school in the late 70s as a knockabout band for mates Colin McFaull, Micky Beaufoy, Steve Burgess and ‘Spider’ Bruce.
By 1976 they were gigging locally, sprinkling their lunatic rock with choice covers from the Small Faces, Humble Pie and T. Rex songbooks, and generally kicking mike stands all over the stage.
The band revived Doc Martens and Sta-Prest trousers years before they became fashionable and built up a massive East End following, particularly in Poplar.
In the process, they also got an undeserved reputation.
The group broke up in April 1978, primarily as a result of signing a number of moody contracts. When the contracts ran out the band re-formed, returning to the scene in 1982.
Shock Troops (1983) is one of the best punk albums ever recorded, containing gems like Where Are They Now?, Riot Squad(“the wanna fight squad, the shoot on sight squad”,) Take ‘Em All, Watch Your Back and the Clockwork Orange-inspired Droogs Don’t Run.
Colin McFaull Vocals
Micky Beaufoy Guitar
Steve Burgess
Bass
Steve ‘Spider’ Bruce
Drums Garrie Lammin
Guitar Chris Skepis
Guitar Shug O’Neill
Guitar Daryl Smith
Guitar
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