=>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
Voice of Britain
Skrewdriver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No-one can tell what is 'round the bend
Don't side with the other side, 'cause if you do we'll find you
Want to know exactly if you classify as friends
Chorus:
'Cause this is the voice (the voice), the voice (the voice) of Britain
The voice (the voice), the voice (the voice) of Britain
Come on and fly the flag now
It's a time when our old people cannot walk the streets alone
Fought for this nation is this all they get back?
Risked their lives for Britain, but now Britain belongs to aliens
'Bout time that the British went and took their Britain back
(Repeat Chorus)
Now we'll have a go at the TV and the papers
And all the media Zionists that like to keep us quiet
Trying to bleed our country, they're the leeches of the nation
We won't give up quickly, we're going to stand and fight
Alternative last two lines in live set:
Started a war with Germany, and gave away our Empire
Remember Adolf Hitler, remember Crystal Night!
(Repeat Chorus) x4
Come on Britain awake now!
The lyrics to Skrewdriver's song "Voice of Britain" can be interpreted as a call to action for British citizens to take back their country from those who are perceived as foreign invaders. The opening lines suggest a sense of unease or anxiety among the British people as they walk the streets, not knowing what is around the next corner. The line "Don't side with the other side, 'cause if you do we'll find you" implies a strong sense of loyalty and solidarity that is expected from those who identify as British. The chorus emphasizes the idea that the song is speaking on behalf of the true voice of Britain, and that those who do not support this message are not true patriots.
The lyrics also touch on issues of immigration, with the suggestion that foreigners are taking over British streets and that the country is no longer controlled by the British people. The line "Risked their lives for Britain, but now Britain belongs to aliens" highlights this idea, with the use of the word "aliens" likely referring to people of non-British origin. The final lines of the second verse call for action, with the suggestion that the British people need to "take their Britain back" from those who are perceived as taking it away.
Skrewdriver's "Voice of Britain" is a controversial song, with many seeing it as promoting far-right or white nationalist views. It is important to note, however, that the song is open to interpretation and that not all listeners will take the same message from it. Regardless of its intended meaning, the song has become a rallying cry for some far-right groups in the UK and has been linked to instances of racist violence.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking 'round streets, hand-in-hand with fear
Fear pervades the streets as people walk around holding hands, cautious and nervous about what may befall them.
No-one can tell what is 'round the bend
There is a sense of looming uncertainty about what may come next, as no one can accurately predict the future.
Don't side with the other side, 'cause if you do we'll find you
Those who do not support this movement will be sought out and punished for taking a stance against them.
Want to know exactly if you classify as friends
Individuals within the community are wary of one another and need to ensure that those around them share their views before they can be considered as allies.
It's a time when our old people cannot walk the streets alone
The elders in the community no longer feel safe and secure venturing outside, as they have become targets for violent attacks and harassment.
Fought for this nation is this all they get back?
After bravely serving their country, elderly citizens are now faced with living in fear and desperation, with no support or aid in sight.
Risked their lives for Britain, but now Britain belongs to aliens
Members of immigrant and foreign-born communities are wrongly perceived as 'aliens' who do not belong in their own country, despite contributing to society and participating in the democratic process.
'Bout time that the British went and took their Britain back
This line implies that there has been some sort of hostile takeover of the country by foreign entities, and that it is time for the original inhabitants to reclaim their territory.
Now we'll have a go at the TV and the papers
The media is seen as a tool of oppression and control, with the movement aiming to dismantle their power and influence.
And all the media Zionists that like to keep us quiet
The Jewish people are incorrectly blamed for a range of societal issues, with this song perpetuating harmful and unfounded stereotypes about their intentions and actions.
Trying to bleed our country, they're the leeches of the nation
Those who are deemed to be sucking resources and benefits from the nation are viewed as parasitic and damaging to society.
We won't give up quickly, we're going to stand and fight
The movement is determined to continue their fight against those they believe to be threatening their way of life.
Started a war with Germany, and gave away our Empire
This line blames non-White people and Jewish people for the ill effects of war and imperialism, erasing the trauma and damage caused by these events.
Remember Adolf Hitler, remember Crystal Night!
This is a reference to Nazi Germany and the horrific atrocities committed during the Holocaust, glorifying and justifying the actions of Adolf Hitler and his regime.
Come on Britain awake now!
This line is a call to arms, urging people to wake up to the supposed threat facing them and to join the movement in taking action.
Chorus
The chorus repeatedly insists that this song and its message represent the true voice of Britain, and that those who oppose or ignore it do so at their own peril.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@salazar_portugal-cc6ny
Walking 'round streets, hand-in-hand with fear
No-one can tell what is 'round the bend
Don't side with the other side, 'cause if you do we'll find you
Want to know exactly if you classify as friends
Chorus:
'Cause this is the voice (the voice), the voice (the voice) of Britain
And you better believe it
The voice (the voice), the voice (the voice) of Britain
Come on and fly the flag now
It's a time when our old people cannot walk the streets alone
Fought for this nation is this all they get back?
Risked their lives for Britain, but now Britain belongs to aliens
'Bout time that the British went and took their Britain back
(Repeat Chorus)
Now we'll have a go at the TV and the papers
And all the media Zionists that like to keep us quiet
Trying to bleed our country, they're the leeches of the nation
We won't give up quickly, we're going to stand and fight
Alternative last two lines in live set:
Started a war with Germany, and gave away our Empire
Remember Adolf Hitler, remember Crystal Night!
(Repeat Chorus) x4
Come on Britain awake now!
@GW_01
R.I.P. Ian Stuart, very foresighted, a prophet.
@GazaStripped
He's now in some scrapheap, landfill at least
@brianwalsh1078
@@GazaStripped he's actually in Valhalla
@jj72610
Such a sincere song, I think it’s their best
@salazar_portugal-cc6ny
sure u not a follower of the old timews movement theres many more top tunes,they knew it but sheeples dont get it
@jj72610
@@salazar_portugal-cc6ny what? I’ve been into RAC for 20 years now
@at0micwerew0lf
Agreed. It’s always been one of my top 3 Skrewdriver songs and one of my top 10 of any and all bands.
@at0micwerew0lf
@@salazar_portugal-cc6nywhat?
@tempatchtheveryweird3665
If it's there best, that's an awful sign.
@robingray4540
Its one of the best.