The Straps are an English streetpunk band, formed in 1978 in Battersea, South London. Jim Walker of The Pack (who later became Theatre of Hate) was a drummer for the band in the early 1980s. Other notable members included Andi Sexgang and two other former Pack members, brothers Simon and Jonathan Werner.
The band played their first gig at The Latchmere pub in Battersea Park Road in 1978. They enjoyed a cult following around London, and subsequently performed alongside The Damned, Sham 69 and Stiff Little Fingers. Stan Stammers, a former Epileptics bassist (and later of Theatre of Hate), joined in 1979. Simon Werner and Johnny Grant (aka Jock Strap) also formed Bartok with Rat Scabies and Jah Wobble, recording a 12" single called "Insanity" (1983).
Grant went on to form Freakshow 1984, performing around the UK without any record releases. The Straps reformed in 1991 for a one-off gig at the Brixton Academy with some other original punk bands, including Sham 69, UK Subs and The Lurkers. The Straps toured and played the Rebellion Festival three years running, until Grant had an accident injuring his right knee. The band separated again in 2008.
The band split up in 2008, but reformed this year with Jock Strap on vocals, Dave Reeves on guitar, Phil McDermott (ex EastEnd Badoes) on lead guitar, Mark Geraghty (ex 16 Guns) on bass and Pete Davies (ex-UK Subs) on drums. They reformed originally to play the aborted Last Jubilee & Punk By The Sea festivals, but ended up playing with Sham 69, UK Subs & Vice Squad amongst others at the now famous DIY punk show at the Milton Arms after PBTS collapsed on the 3rd day.
This experience brought all five members closer together, and they were since invited to play two gigs in July, headling a sell-out show at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston, and supporting 1976 punk stalwarts 'Chelsea' at the legendary 100 Club.
A new album is now in the pipeline, if they can interest a label and distributor.
The Straps headline The BarFly in Camden, London on Saturday 20th October.
For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.barflyclub.com/camden/whatson/WhatsOn.aspx