=>Beginning History
Ian Stuart Donaldson, formerly of The Rolling Stones cover band Tumbling Dice, formed Skrewdriver after seeing the Sex Pistols in Manchester. Skrewdriver at first had a punk appearance, but they changed their image into a skinhead look in 1977. They also temporarily had a rocker/biker look, around the time they released the EP Built Up Knocked Down. In 1978, Donaldson moved to Salford, where he recruited guitarist Glenn Jones and drummer Martin Smith. This lineup toured extensively, but many venues were reluctant to book the band because of their reputation as a violent skinhead band attracting audience fights.
Performing largely for a skinhead fan-base, the first versions of the band released one album and two singles on the Chiswick label. This version of the band split up in January 1979 after a concert in Warrington, but Donaldson resurrected the name Skrewdriver in 1982 using new musicians. Several past individuals associated with the group, many of them politically left-wing or centrist, have condemned the latter third position incarnation.
=>Band Musicians And More History
As mentioned, Skrewdriver inherited its first line-up from it’s predecessor, the band Tumbling Dice, which Donaldson had formed in 1975. They felt influenced by contemporary hard rock as well as seminal punk contemporaries such as the Ramones and The Clash. They were Ian Stuart Donaldson, Kev McKay, John Grinton and Phil Walmsley. When the band changed from punk to skinhead, Walmsley bowed out and was substituted with skinhead Ron Hartley. The 1977 release All Skrewed Up managed to give the group considerable underground success, and it's been regarded since as an early punk classic. However, by 1978, the band disbanded.
Both moving to Salford’s Cheetham Hill, McKay and Donaldson reformed the band in 1979 with local Manchester talents Glenn Jones and Martin Smith. Skrewdriver became a regular act at the Mayflower club in Belle Vue and toured local gig venues around Greater Manchester. The version of the band was to be short-lived and, after an ill-fated concert in Warrington in 1980, the band fell apart again.
This time, Donaldson left all the others behind and moved on his own down to London. By 1981, Skrewdriver had reformed for the 3rd time, still with Ian Stuart Donaldson of course. The new additions were Mark Neeson, Mark French and Geoff Williams. French and Williams had previously played with The Elite.
It was this line-up that released the 12” EP 'Back With A Bang' on Last Resort Records in 1982. External pressure on the band took its toll, and, by 1984, all three had left the band. Donaldson recruited Mark Sutherland, Adam Douglas, and Murray Holmes. Holmes, an Australian, had previously played with the band Quick And The Dead. Skrewdriver soon released their LP Invasion on the newly-signed West German label Rock-o-Rama Records, which would stay faithful to the band until the tragic end. The line-up was strengthened with Steve Roda coming in the following year.
Touring extensively once again, by 1987 the line-up is described on artwork as Ian Stuart (Donaldson), Mark Sutherland, Martin Cross, Ross McGarry, Merv Shields, and John Burnley who was the brother of No Remorse’s Paul Burnley. Steve Calladine, better known as Stigger, joined Skrewdriver in late 1987. Donaldson also launched a solo career as Ian Stuart with the release of solo material backed by a group known as 'Strikeforce', which essentially was the remaining band. Skrewdriver as a band continued, however, in parallel with Donaldson’s solo career.
In 1990, the sprawling line-up was added to with John Hickson. Over the 80s, the group released a variety of albums, many of them striking a chord with disillusioned British youths unhappy with both Thatcherism and the Labour alternative, much to the alarm of the mainstream press. Skrewdriver concerts were, although planned in advance, highly secretive, and Donaldson faced many attempts on his life. Releases at this time prominently included the albums Boots & Braces, Blood & Honour, and Hail The New Dawn.
On the 24th of September 1993, Ian Stuart Donaldson died from the injuries sustained in a car-crash the previous evening and with him the band Skrewdriver ceased. Although subject to a large variety of conspiracy theories, most fans have agreed that the death was a surprising, sudden accident. Since then, countless benefit and remembrance gigs has been played in his and the band’s honour, with virtually every rock against communism band worth their salt, producing a Skrewdriver cover.
=>Labels
During their 17-year career, Skrewdriver were signed by five labels:
1977 - Chiswick Records
1979 - TJM Manchester
1982 - Last Resort Sounds
1982 - White Noise Records
1984 - Rock-O-Rama Records
(This list does not include compilations and spin-off work)
=>Members List
(Initial Band)
Ian Stuart Donaldson - Vocals & Guitar
Phil Walmsley - Guitar
Ron Hartley - Guitar
Kev McKay - Bass
John "Grinny" Grinton - Drums
(Other Members)
Glenn Jones
Martin Cross
Dave Cording
Bradley Napier
Mark French
Geoff Williams
Mark Neeson
Joseph Smith
Adam Douglas
Merv Shields
Murray Holmes
Dave Wane
Paul Swain
Stiv "Iena" Roda
Stigger
John Burnley
Colin Smith
Mushy
Mike French
Mark Radcliffe
Andrew Skinner
Ford Freemantle
Back in Black
Skrewdriver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been too long I'm glad to be back
Let loose, from the noose, that kept me hanging about
I keep looking at the sky 'cause it's getting me high
Forget the hearse 'cos I'll never die
I've got, 9 lives, cat's eyes
Usin' every one of them and running wild
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
Back in the back of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet in a power pack
Now, altogether, with the gang
Gotta catch me if they want me to hang
On the track, beat the flack
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap, now
Look at a me now, making my play
Try and push your luck or get out of my way
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
The song "Back in Black" by Skrewdriver, is about the lead singer's return to the music scene after a long time away, and how he plans to take on the world. The opening lines, "Back in black, hit the sack, I've been too long I'm glad to be back," are a reference to the author's hiatus, and how he's finally returning to the music world. He then continues, "Let loose from the noose that kept me hanging about, I keep looking at the sky because it's getting me high," indicating that he feels free from any burdens that prevented him from pursuing his passion, and that he's enjoying the newfound freedom.
The remainder of the lyrics is all about the singer's newfound confidence and feeling invincible as he takes on the world once again. He sings about having "nine lives," indicating that he's not afraid to take risks and pursue his dreams no matter what. He also sings about his "cat's eyes," which usually means the ability to see in the dark, but in this context, could mean that he has the ability to see through any situation and come up on top. Finally, he sings, "Try and push your luck or get out of my way," conveying a sense of determination and courage to succeed no matter the challenges that come his way.
Line by Line Meaning
Back in black, hit the sack
I am returning stronger, ready to take on whatever comes my way
I've been too long I'm glad to be back
I spent a long time absent, but now I am re-emerging, refreshed and reinvigorated
Let loose, from the noose, that kept me hanging about
I have freed myself from the constraints and limitations that held me down
I keep looking at the sky 'cause it's getting me high
The exhilaration of my newfound freedom is lifting my spirits
Forget the hearse 'cos I'll never die
I am so confident in my abilities that I feel I am invincible
I've got, 9 lives, cat's eyes
I am resilient and have many opportunities to succeed, with great perception to see them all
Usin' every one of them and running wild
I am taking full advantage of my abilities and exploring every possibility that comes my way
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
I am making a strong statement to let everyone know that I am back and ready to take on anything
Back in black
I am returning stronger and more dangerous than ever
Back in the back of a Cadillac
I am cruising in style with power and luxury
Number one with a bullet in a power pack
I am the most powerful and deadly force, unstoppable and untouchable
Now, altogether, with the gang
I am joined by my fellow rebels, united in our pursuit of a common goal
Gotta catch me if they want me to hang
I am daring others to try and catch me, but they will fail because I am too fast and cunning
On the track, beat the flack
I am overcoming adversity and obstacles, triumphing against all odds
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap, now
I will not be caught or held back by anyone or anything ever again
Look at a me now, making my play
I am living large and taking risks, making decisions based on gut instinct and self-confidence
Try and push your luck or get out of my way
I am warning others to either join me or stay out of my path, for I am not to be messed with
Contributed by Leo I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@salazar_portugal-cc6ny
Back in black, hit the sack
I've been too long I'm glad to be back
Let loose, from the noose, that kept me hanging about
I keep looking at the sky 'cause it's getting me high
Forget the hearse 'cos I'll never die
I've got, 9 lives, cat's eyes
Usin' every one of them and running wild
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
Back in the back of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet in a power pack
Now, altogether, with the gang
Gotta catch me if they want me to hang
On the track, beat the flack
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap, now
Look at a me now, making my play
Try and push your luck or get out of my way
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
@stuartandrews7780
Missed but not forgotten Ian Stewart rip luv from Ulster skins
@stuartandrews7780
Old skool who are you
@curtisanderson8013
WP!!!✋️🎱🎱💪⚔️🐺⚒️
@jodywest9044
Thank you for your service
@dankAnne576
Legenden sterben nie
@salazar_portugal-cc6ny
Back in black, hit the sack
I've been too long I'm glad to be back
Let loose, from the noose, that kept me hanging about
I keep looking at the sky 'cause it's getting me high
Forget the hearse 'cos I'll never die
I've got, 9 lives, cat's eyes
Usin' every one of them and running wild
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
Back in the back of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet in a power pack
Now, altogether, with the gang
Gotta catch me if they want me to hang
On the track, beat the flack
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap, now
Look at a me now, making my play
Try and push your luck or get out of my way
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
'Cos I'm back, yeah I'm back
We'll I'm back, Yeah I'm back
Back, back
Back in black
Back in black!
@careful__Icarus
Shouldn't it be Right in White?
@willgregg1076
Away in white
@oicovers7490
Forwards in White
@smalltownwhitetrash9983
White pride