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

European Dream
Skrewdriver Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hey brother across the sea, what future for you and me
I want to know where we stand, we fight the Reds in all our lands
They try and crush us, bring us down, spread their poison in all our towns
Police protect them as they march, we're arrested, it's getting dark
-
(chorus)
European dream, there's things that should be said
European dream, better dead than Red

European dream, for freedom and for bread
European dream, better dead than Red
-
It's our country, we want it back, love for our nations we do not lack
Why do the governments put us down, when the real enemy's all around

It's not us who's planting bombs, it's the Reds who are marching on
Your police force helps them, I hope they realize before the end

Overall Meaning

The song "European Dream" by Skrewdriver is a patriotic anthem that laments the current state of Europe, as well as calls for a resurgence of pride and nationalism. The song speaks to the idea of a Europe that is free from the communist, socialist, and Marxist ideologies that have tainted the continent. The lyrics express the singer's concern and frustration over the current state of the continent. He questions what the future holds for himself and his fellow Europeans, and wonders where they stand in the fight against the Reds.

The song highlights the reality of the oppression and persecution that nationalist groups face in Europe. The police are portrayed as protectors of the Red movement, while the nationalists are being arrested for standing up against them. The chorus of the song serves to emphasize the main message of the song, which is the importance of a true European identity, based on freedom and pride.

In conclusion, "European Dream" serves as a passionate call to action for all Europeans to stand up against the oppressive forces that seek to destroy their culture and history. It is a plea for European solidarity and national pride, and a warning of the dangers posed by the communist, socialist and Marxist ideologies.

Line by Line Meaning

Hey brother across the sea, what future for you and me
Addressing a fellow white nationalist from another country with concerns over the future of the white race.

I want to know where we stand, we fight the Reds in all our lands
Asking for a clear stance on the fight against leftists and communists in their respective countries

They try and crush us, bring us down, spread their poison in all our towns
The leftists are actively trying to destroy the white nationalist movement and infiltrate white communities with their beliefs

Police protect them as they march, we're arrested, it's getting dark
The police are favoring the leftists and their marches, while arresting white nationalists who are rightfully protesting

European dream, there's things that should be said
The European dream of a united white race is still alive and needs to be discussed openly

European dream, better dead than Red
The white nationalist movement is committed to the European dream and is willing to die for it rather than follow communist ideals

European dream, for freedom and for bread
The white nationalist movement seeks freedom from communist oppression and economic prosperity for the white race

European dream, better dead than Red
The white nationalist movement would rather die for their cause than live under communist rule

It's our country, we want it back, love for our nations we do not lack
White nationalists want their country back, because they love their country and its traditions and culture

Why do the governments put us down, when the real enemy's all around
White nationalists are oppressed by their own governments, even though the real enemy, the leftists, are still marching and promoting their agenda

It's not us who's planting bombs, it's the Reds who are marching on
Leftists are responsible for the violent acts of terrorism and not the white nationalists

Your police force helps them, I hope they realize before the end
The police should not be helping the leftists and feeling victimized by the white nationalists, as they will regret their decision when the truth is revealed

Contributed by Ella D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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