

The Cockney Rejects
formed in 1979, in London's East End, the band
came from a working class background. Formed by Nicky Geggus and Jeff
"Stinky" Turner with Vince Riordan and Andy Scott completing the line
up for their 1st recording, The Flares and Slippers E. P on the
independent label Small Wonder. The success of the E. P. and the bands
rapidly increasing following led to interest from E.M.I, who was quick
to sign the band to their label. Releasing their 1st single I Am Not A
Fool in December 1979, the single reached number 65 in the charts
firmly announcing the bands arrival.
They followed this
up quickly with Bad Man also reaching number 65.
Then the band hit the top 30 with there 3rd single the Greatest
Cockney Rip Off, which reached number 21 and spent 7 weeks in the
charts leading to their 1st appearance on Top Of The Pops.
The next single the
West Ham anthem I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles
reached number 35 and following singles We Can Do Anything and We Are
The Firm, both also charted. All these songs came from their 1st album
Greatest Hits Vol 1. By the time of their second album Greatest Hits
Vol 2 there had been a change in line up with Nigel Woolf replacing
Andrew Scott, but the album saw the band firmly establish themselves
as the leading street punk band, with a large skins and punk following
all over britain and europe, but always attracting a large East End
following even on the road, this and the bands explosive stage
presence sometimes led to bits of trouble in the crowd, but the
rejects are at their best live and to this day still in demand all
over the world to perform at gigs and festivals. Their song OI OI OI
from the 2nd album even led to the street punk scene being referred to
as oi music such was the bands influence among there peers.
There was another
change in drummer by the time of their 3rd album
Greatest Hits Vol 3 with Keith"Sticks"Warrington taking over the role.
This album was recorded live in the studio in front of a specially
invited audience. Their 4th album The Power And The Glory saw the band
change to a more rock sound, and even though it was probably better
musically and lyrically not all of their previous fans appreciated it.
But it proved they was no 1 trick ponies. They entered further into
the rock territory with the Wild Ones album produced by U.FO'S Pete
Way, the band also released Quiet Storm and Unheard Rejects before
disbanding in 1985, only to briefly return in 1990 and release the
album Lethal.
Years later bored
and eager to return to action the band reformed with
Jeff"Stinky"Turner and Micky Geggus recruiting Tony Van Frater and
Lees Cobb, recording Greatest Hits Vol 4 and Out For The Gutter, also
playing live all over the world.
The Rejects have always
stayed loyal to there fans and East End roots
and in 2004 played somewhat of a home coming gig, at the West Ham
working men's club, with tickets changing hands for over £100 a piece.
The band have since
signed to their current label G&R London and
enjoyed a triumphant return to form with their latest album Unforgiven
with new drummer Andrew Lang. The album is full of edgy lyrics with an
updated sound is oi for the 21st century. Also with the release of
there first DVD Cockney Rejects East End to the West End they continue
to go from strength to strength, and with a busy touring schedule they
show no signs of slowing down proving the Cockney Rejects Really Can
Do Anything!!.
