SHAM 69 JOHN PEEL SESSION 1978

Sham 69 are an English punk rock band that formed in Hersham in Surrey in 1975. They changed their musical direction after seeing the Sex Pistols play live in early 1976. They were one of the most successful punk bands in the United Kingdom, achieving five top 20 singles, including "If the Kids Are United" and "Hurry Up Harry". The group's popularity saw them perform on the BBC’s Top of the Pops, and they appeared in the rockumentary film D.O.A.. The original unit broke up in 1980, with frontman Jimmy Pursey moving on to pursue a solo career.

Sham 69
Sham 69 performing in 2018
Sham 69 performing in 2018
Background information
Also known as
Hersham Boys
Origin
Hersham, Surrey, England, United Kingdom
Genres
Punk rock, Oi!
Years active
1975–19801987–present
Labels
PolydorParlophoneStep Forward
Members
Classic version
Jimmy Pursey
Dave Parsons
Dave Tregunna
Spike T. Smith
Tim V version
Tim V.
Tom Austin-Morgan
Paul Brightman
Ian Whitewood
Past members
Billy Bostick
Alby Slider
Johnny Goodfornothing
Neil Harris
Jonathan Phillips
Pete Nash
Ricky Goldstein
Andy Prince
Mat Sargent
Mark Cain
Danny Fury
Stuart Wilson
Rob Jefferson
Sonny Boy Williamson
Alan Campbell
John Woodward
Robin Guy
In 1987, Pursey and guitarist David Parsons reformed the band, joined by new personnel. Although subsequently going through a number of line-up changes, Sham 69 remained active and were still playing gigs as of 2024.[