=>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
Open Up Your Eyes
Skrewdriver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You are in for such a surprise
You have no idea what's a goin' on
You're just being used, yeah once again
[Chorus]
Open up your eyes
Tell me can you see now?
Can you see clearly?
Tell me why you're doing what you do
Is it someone else now, or is it you?
You tell me you aren't in it for the wealth
But you're just there for the profit, yeah and nothing else
[Chorus]
The left-wing and their minions using you
I tell you now there must be something you can do
At least my self-respect remains with me
'Cos I don't pretend that I'm something I can't be
You have got to try and own your own life
You keep yours, yeah, and I'm gonna try for mine
You look around and then you realize
You see so many people in a different light
[Chorus: x2]
In Skrewdriver's song "Open Up Your Eyes," the lyrics speak to the listener about being manipulated and used without realizing it. The song is a call to action to "open up your eyes" and see what is really happening. The opening lines suggest that the person is in for a surprise as they have no idea what is going on, indicating that they are completely unaware of their situation. The chorus repeats the phrase "open up your eyes" and asks if they can see clearly now. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the importance of the message and encourages the listener to pay attention.
The lyrics also question why the person is doing what they are doing. The line "Is it someone else now, or is it you?" questions whether the person is making their own decisions or being influenced by others. The next line suggests that even if the person claims they are not in it for the wealth, they are actually just after the profit, indicating a lack of honesty and self-awareness.
The second half of the song focuses on the left-wing and their influence over the person. The lyrics encourage the person to take action and not be used by others. The final lines suggest that the person needs to take control of their own life and see people in a different light to gain clarity and awareness.
Overall, the lyrics in Skrewdriver's song "Open Up Your Eyes" urge the person to be self-aware and not be manipulated by others. The repetition of the phrase "open up your eyes" emphasizes the importance of awareness and encourages the listener to take control of their own life.
Line by Line Meaning
Open up your eyes
Become aware of the reality around you
You are in for such a surprise
The truth will be shocking to you
You have no idea what's a goin' on
You are ignorant of the situation
You're just being used, yeah once again
You are being taken advantage of
Open up your eyes
Become aware of the reality around you
Tell me can you see now?
Do you understand the truth now?
Open up your eyes
Become aware of the reality around you
Can you see clearly?
Do you have a clear understanding?
Tell me why you're doing what you do
What motivates your actions?
Is it someone else now, or is it you?
Are you in control, or are you being influenced?
You tell me you aren't in it for the wealth
You claim to not be motivated by money
But you're just there for the profit, yeah and nothing else
But you are only interested in personal gain
Open up your eyes
Become aware of the reality around you
Tell me can you see now?
Do you understand the truth now?
Open up your eyes
Become aware of the reality around you
Can you see clearly?
Do you have a clear understanding?
The left-wing and their minions using you
The political left and their supporters are manipulating you
I tell you now there must be something you can do
You have the power to take action
At least my self-respect remains with me
I value my self-worth and dignity
'Cos I don't pretend that I'm something I can't be
Because I am honest about my abilities and limitations
You have got to try and own your own life
You must take control of your own existence
You keep yours, yeah, and I'm gonna try for mine
You can do what you want, but I will pursue my own goals
You look around and then you realize
Upon closer inspection, you will understand
You see so many people in a different light
Your perception of others will change
Open up your eyes
Become aware of the reality around you
Tell me can you see now?
Do you understand the truth now?
Open up your eyes
Become aware of the reality around you
Can you see clearly?
Do you have a clear understanding?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
L. Salisbury
Easily their best produced LP...
der-muede-Joe87
I would say White Rider tops this one. But this is one very good album also.
Donger Dong
Yes siiiiiiir
J. W.
Just amazing
Maurice ludmer
Mark Sutherland going Kosher was a big loss to the band and our cause
beetrootjuice88
Thank you. Edinburgh