This London-based rowdy, boozy punk band was formed in 1976 by former R&B singer and hairdresser-by-day Charlie Harper, with Nicky Garratt (guitar), Paul Slack (bass) and Pete Davies (drums).
They specialised in shambolic, sub-three-minute bursts of alcohol-driven rock ‘n’ roll although they lacked the image and songs of their peers such as The Damned, The Clash and the Sex Pistols.
Signed to the Gem label in the late 70s, they released a string of minor classics including I Live In A Car, Stranglehold and Tomorrow’s Girls. The latter two dented the lower reaches of the UK Top 40 singles chart.
The definitive UK Subs album was Crash Course which captured the band in all its chaotic glory in front of a live audience.
Later, the line-up changed frequently with only Harper surviving each new incarnation, but the band endured. Harper still leads a working, touring version.
Charlie Harper
Vocals
Nicky Garratt
Guitar
Paul Slack
Bass
Pete Davies
Drums
Alvin Gibbs
Bass
Steve Roberts
Drums
Darrell Barth
Guitar
Matthew McCoy
Drums
Flea
Bass