Skrewdriver was originally an apolitical punk rock band that upon their sec… Read Full Bio ↴Skrewdriver was originally an apolitical punk rock band that upon their second release took a turn into white power skinhead centered music. They formed in Poulton-le-Fylde, England in 1976 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Ian Stuart Donaldson. They became one of the first nationalist rock bands, playing a leading role in the third position rock against communism (rac) movement. Ian's death in September 1993 ended the group.

=>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

Boots
Skrewdriver Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Trying to figure out just what to do
Wonder what the future holds for you
Being in a cult is part of growing up today
Drifting 'round the streets you're living your life your own way, in your...

Chorus:
Boots and braces, shaven-headed hoards
Boots and braces, fighting 'cause you're bored

Boots and braces, you'll always get the blame
Boots and braces, we'll come in just the same

Wearing your Ben Sherman in the sun
Trying to figure out just who to run
Levi jeans, Doc Marten boots, and just hear the skinhead roar - Skinhead!
No one stands against us, 'cause we've beat 'em all before

(Repeat Chorus)

Solo

(Repeat Chorus)

Try and get you banned from everywhere
'cause you wear your boots and you cut your hair
They would rather see you in a dirty old Afghan
If you were a Left-wing hippie, you won't face no ban

(Repeat Chorus)

Overall Meaning

The song "Boots and Braces" by Skrewdriver is often seen as a tribute to the skinhead culture that emerged in England in the 1960s. The lyrics depict the daily lives of skinheads who often find themselves lost and uncertained as to what to do in the future. The opening lines suggest that being in a cult or a group is part of growing up in modern society. The song highlights that these skinheads are living their lives their own way and making the choices they think suit them best. The chorus, "Boots and braces, shaven-headed hoards, fighting cause you're bored, you'll always get the blame, we'll come in just the same," embodies the rebellious and defiant spirit of the skinhead culture. The song celebrates the style and fashion of skinheads including their love for Ben Sherman shirts, Doc Marten boots, shaved heads, and leather jackets.

The second verse once again focuses on the skinhead's dress code and their passion for specific brands such as Levi and Dr. Martens. The skinhead lifestyle is presented as a united force against anyone who opposes them as they receive victory after victory in their fight for individuality.

The last verse is a commentary on the cultural bias against skinheads. The song suggests that society tries to ban skinheads because of their style and outlook on life while not doing the same to hippies who have a left-wing ideology. This verse asserts that skinheads are discriminated against because of their appearance and the way they choose to live their lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Trying to figure out just what to do
Skinheads are trying to find their purpose in life.

Wonder what the future holds for you
Skinheads are uncertain about their future.

Being in a cult is part of growing up today
Skinhead culture is becoming normalized among young people.

Drifting 'round the streets you're living your life your own way, in your...
Skinheads are living their lives on their own terms in their neighborhoods.

Boots and braces, shaven-headed hoards
Skinheads are identified by the clothing they wear.

Boots and braces, fighting 'cause you're bored
Skinheads are often involved in fights simply because they have nothing else to do.

Boots and braces, you'll always get the blame
Skinheads are often scapegoated for social problems.

Boots and braces, we'll come in just the same
Skinheads will continue to be who they are regardless of others' opinions.

Wearing your Ben Sherman in the sun
Skinheads are wearing their preferred brand of clothing in the warm weather.

Trying to figure out just who to run
Skinheads are trying to identify a target to fight or chase.

Levi jeans, Doc Marten boots, and just hear the skinhead roar - Skinhead!
Skinheads are often identified by their clothing and characteristic chanting.

No one stands against us, 'cause we've beat 'em all before
Skinheads have established their dominance in their neighborhood or community.

Try and get you banned from everywhere
Skinheads are often targets of social censure.

'cause you wear your boots and you cut your hair
Skinheads are targeted due to their appearance.

They would rather see you in a dirty old Afghan
Those who criticize skinheads would prefer that they adopt a different fashion style.

If you were a Left-wing hippie, you won't face no ban
Those who criticize skinheads are less likely to censure people who adhere to liberal ideologies.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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