The glory days of South Essex punk are celebrated on a new compilation album out next month.
Southend Punk Volume One is the brainchild of Steve Pegrum, founder of the online resource Southend Punk Rock History 1976 - 1986 and a member of various bands down the years.
As London's nearest seaside town, Southend-on-Sea on the north bank of the Thames Estuary, was perfectly positioned for the onslaught of rock'n'roll and youth culture throughout the 50s and 60s, with its abundance of pubs, clubs and other venues. The arrival of punk in the late 70s was just as impactful, allowing bands to develop their own identity and following in splendid isolation while still allowing easy access to the thriving London scene just 30 miles down the A13.
Southend Punk Volume One brings together 14 bands from the town and its environs, including THE MACHINES, THE STEVE HOOKER BAND, THE KRONSTADT UPRISING, THE VICARS (featuring Alison Moyet, pictured), THE DECIBALLS, THE PSYCHOPATHS, THE SYNYX, THE BURNING IDOLS and THE BULLIES featuring future Cure member Perry Bamonte.
Set for release on 4 December through Angels In Exile Records, Southend Punk Volume One is available to pre-order here.
Check out 'Blind People' by Kronstadt Uprising...