Cock Sparrer

Cock Sparrer are widely considered to be one of the most influential Street Punk bands in history.

The thing about Sparrer is that they're not just a band. They are childhood friends and have been making a noise since they got together way back in 1972. They were playing, drinking, going to football and generally making a nuisance of themselves when the late 1970s punk scene started in London. Finally, it seemed that there were hundreds of likeminded people with the same attitude.

However, the boys were from the wrong side of town and didn't quite fit in with the 'art school' scene - they were more at home on the terraces wearing jeans and Dr Martens boots than being fashion victims in bondage trousers. They've always done things the way they wanted to. As Punk ended up with its own set of rules they were always on the outside as they just didn't buy into it.

Despite being courted by Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren (who they turned away for not buying a round of drinks), early tours with the Small Faces, Thin Lizzy, Motorhead, Slade amongst others and a record deal with Decca, the 'music industry' just wasn't ready for Cock Sparrer.