=>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 itโs 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 Salfordโs 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 12โ 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 Remorseโs 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 Donaldsonโs 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 bandโs 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
Warlord
Skrewdriver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not whilst he has the power in his hands
He appears when his nation is in danger
To all our enemies he's the slayer
[Chorus:]
Warlord, I'll tell you of his story
Warlord, the power's in his hands
Warlord, saviour of this land
Fear no evil, whilst he is at hand
He's been the guardian since time began
Protector of the people and the pride
With him at our head now we shall ride to victory
No one messes with the people when he's around
Heed this warning enemies and get out now
All those traitors out there he knows who you are
Battle cries are sounding warriors near and far, near and far
Warlord!
Warlord!
Warlord!
Warlord!
Warlord!
The lyrics to Skrewdriver's song Warlord speak of a powerful and heroic figure known as the Warlord. The Warlord is a symbol of strength, power and protection for his people. He is the guardian of his nation, who always appears in times of danger to lead his people to victory. No one can take away his land as long he has the power in his hand. The Warlord is described as the slayer of enemies, the savior of the land, and the protector of the people and their pride.
The chorus of the song repeatedly emphasizes the significant role the Warlord has played in the history of his people. He is riding into glory, and the power is always in his hands. With him as a leader, the people shall ride to victory and fear no evil. The Warlord is the embodiment of the collective strength, pride, and self-assertion of his people, and everyone knows not to mess with them when he is around.
The song's lyrics are inspired by the idea of a charismatic, powerful and heroic figure who leads and protects his people. The Warlord is a symbol of national pride, strength, and self-assertion, much like the ideas that were promoted during the rise of far-right movements in the 1970s and 1980s in the UK. The song's lyrics have often been linked to the far-right and neo-Nazi movements due to the controversial history of the band and the political milieu that they emerged from.
Line by Line Meaning
No one's ever gonna take away his land
He will protect his land from any threat or danger.
Not whilst he has the power in his hands
As long as he has the authority and control, his land will be safe.
He appears when his nation is in danger
He shows up to protect his nation and people when they are in peril.
To all our enemies he's the slayer
He is a formidable opponent to all those who oppose his nation.
Fear no evil, whilst he is at hand
Having him around assures safety and security from any form of danger.
He's been the guardian since time began
He has always been there protecting his people from the beginning of time.
Protector of the people and the pride
He is not only responsible for ensuring the safety of his people but also their pride and dignity.
With him at our head now we shall ride to victory
Having him as the leader guarantees success and triumph for his people.
No one messes with the people when he's around
His presence and authority deter anyone from causing harm to his people.
Heed this warning enemies and get out now
He warns his enemies to leave his land and people alone.
All those traitors out there he knows who you are
He can recognize all those who act against his nation and people.
Battle cries are sounding warriors near and far, near and far
The rallying calls of his warriors can be heard from all corners, indicating their readiness for battle.
Warlord!
The leader of his nation whom his people hold in high esteem.
Warlord!
The powerful figure who ensures safety and protection for his people.
Warlord!
The leader who guarantees victory for his people in times of war.
Warlord!
The saviour whom his people look up to in times of peril.
Warlord!
The protector whom his people entrust their safety and security with.
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mattw8834
Zog let one slip through the cracks. 14
@ralphnaber
88
@JohnDoe-cu8tv
Lol!
@mummyd1990
Say what you want about Ian Rip,he was one of the best musicians and singers of all time in my humble opinion,what a band skrewdriver were end of.Rip to Ian,Grinny, boo.
@georgeshippen9530
I agree,
@user-gd5dj2nj6c
I am Hispanic but damn he made some catchy songs.
@jamieclarkclark756
Fuckin awesome ๐ฏ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ
@stalzemsty1669
Listening to this album now. I love Skrewdriver.
@Mark008able
Very well done, Sir.A masterpiece.
@nicolasbeaudry6158
Absolute bangersโ๏ธ๐ฅ