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

Soldier Of Freedom
Skrewdriver Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't fight for the money, don't fight for blood
I'm fighting for freedom, I know where I'm stood
I fight for the nations, that haven't yet died
I fight to stop Russia, creating a world of sighs

Chorus:
I'm a soldier of freedom

I'm a soldier of freedom
A soldier of freedom fights Reds

I fought in the Congo, stood against the Reds
I fought in Angola, but the Red disease, it spread
I fought in Rhodesia, against the media's pets,
Now I see democracy suspended by it's neck

(Repeat Chorus)

I fought in Afghanistan, but the tentacles spread
I'm surprised at the speed with which the people forget
We're sending Russia food now, feeding Russia grain
I hope it ain't your land, when Russia invades again, and they will

(Repeat Chorus) x2

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Skrewdriver's "Soldier Of Freedom" speak of fighting not for money or blood, but for freedom. The singer asserts that they know where they stand, and that they fight for nations that have not yet fallen, as well as to prevent Russia from creating a "world of sighs." The chorus repeats the idea that the singer is a soldier of freedom fighting against communists, or "Reds."

The second verse sees the singer recounting various places they have fought, including the Congo and Rhodesia, where they fought against communist aggression. However, the singer now sees democracy as being "suspended by its neck," and is disappointed in the spread of the "Red disease." Finally, in the last verse, the singer speaks of fighting in Afghanistan and witnessing the speed with which people have forgotten the sacrifices made there. The singer warns that Russia will invade again, and warns against complacency.

Overall, the lyrics to "Soldier Of Freedom" present a strong anti-communist message, and extol the virtues of fighting for freedom. The song speaks to a belief in the need to stand up against communist aggression and protect democracy, as well as a sense of duty and sacrifice that comes with being a soldier.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't fight for the money, don't fight for blood
I'm not motivated by greed or violence

I'm fighting for freedom, I know where I'm stood
I'm fighting to protect my idea of freedom and I'm clear about my stance

I fight for the nations, that haven't yet died
I fight for countries that are under threat or on the verge of collapse

I fight to stop Russia, creating a world of sighs
I'm opposing Russian expansion because I fear it will lead to oppression and suffering

I'm a soldier of freedom
I see myself as a warrior defending liberty

A soldier of freedom fights Reds
For me, enemies of freedom are communists and their sympathizers

I fought in the Congo, stood against the Reds
I have military experience in Congo and fought communists there

I fought in Angola, but the Red disease, it spread
I also fought in Angola, but communism took over

I fought in Rhodesia, against the media's pets
I was against the journalists and broadcasters who were biased towards Marxist ideology

Now I see democracy suspended by it's neck
I'm concerned that democracy is under threat from left-wing forces

I fought in Afghanistan, but the tentacles spread
I served in Afghanistan and witnessed the spread of terrorism and radical Islam

I'm surprised at the speed with which the people forget
I'm dismayed that the public forgets about the dangers that I've seen and fought against

We're sending Russia food now, feeding Russia grain
I'm outraged that my country is making concessions to Russia, such as providing food aid

I hope it ain't your land, when Russia invades again, and they will
I warn that Russia will invade other countries and advise people to be prepared if it happens

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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