The band was founded in 1981 in Cardiff (Wales) with brothers Russell and Ronnie Payne in the first line up, joined by his friends Gary Tier and Martin Brennan. Initially they took the name of Forced Oppression. In the meantime, there was another band called Insanity Squad, heir to Section 20, also formed by brothers Dom and Roddy Moreno, Vince King and Ed Fleming. When they later dissolved the band in December 1981, Moreno went to replace Ronnie Payne in The Oppressed.
Throughout the band's career, the members (especially vocalist Roddy Moreno) openly expressed opposition to racism and fascism[1] — in their lyrics,[2] interviews, on-stage comments and other actions. In 1989, Moreno visited New York City and met a few members of Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice (SHARP). On his return to the United Kingdom, he started promoting SHARP ideals to British skinheads.[3][4] The band has also had ties to other anti-racist groups, such as Anti-Fascist Action. Moreno is a Cardiff City F.C. supporter, and some of the band's songs express that support.
The band has split and re-formed several times, the first occasion in 1984 after which Moreno focused on his record labels, Oi! Records and Ska Records for the remainder of the decade.[5][6]
In 1994 The Opressed reunited again and had friendship with bands such as: Red London, Los Fastidios, Stage Bottles and Banda Bassotti.
Their most recent split was in 2016, but they re-formed in 2020, and continue performing today. The present day line-up is Roddy Moreno (vocals/guitar), fellow founder member Russell "Ducky" Payne (guitar), Che Jones (drums) and Ross Goldworthy (bass).
Ultra Violence
The Oppressed Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down the clubs, in the discos, violence on the street
The way you stand alone and proud, the way you crop your hair
Violence in your boots and braces, violence in your stare
We've got Violence
Violence
Violence
Blood on the streets
Violence down the football, Violence in the pub
Violence is a way of life, violence you love
Angel flares, keeps on burning, til you've had a ruck
You got violence on your mind, you don't give a fuck
The Oppressed's song "Ultra Violence" is a commentary on the pervasive violence that the band members observed in the skinhead subculture of 1980s Britain. The lyrics describe violence as an omnipresent force that permeates every aspect of the skinhead lifestyle, from the fashion choices (boots, braces, crop hair) to the social settings (clubs, discos, pubs) to the sports events (football). The song's title references the infamous "ultra-violence" of the gangs in Anthony Burgess's novel A Clockwork Orange, which itself was a commentary on the societal breakdown caused by youth culture and extremism.
The singer of the song seems to be both critical of and complicit in the culture of violence. On one hand, they acknowledge that violence is everywhere they go and that it causes harm and destruction ("blood on the streets"). On the other hand, they describe violence as a way of life that the skinheads "love" and actively participate in (e.g. "you've had a ruck," or a fight). The use of the word "ultra" suggests that the singer believes the violence they witness and participate in has reached a level of extreme danger and chaos that is beyond what is normally considered acceptable or justifiable.
Ultimately, "Ultra Violence" seems to be a warning about the dangers of unchecked aggression and a plea for the skinhead community to reflect on their values and actions. The song suggests that their love of violence may be leading to a path of destruction, and that they should consider alternative ways of expressing their frustrations and identities.
Line by Line Meaning
Violence everywhere I go, in everyone I meet
I see violence all around, in every person I encounter.
Down the clubs, in the discos, violence on the street
Violence is present at nightclubs, discos, and on the streets.
The way you stand alone and proud, the way you crop your hair
Your posture and haircut exude a sense of pride and confidence.
Violence in your boots and braces, violence in your stare
Your footwear and clothing suggest an association with violence, as does your intense gaze.
We've got Violence
We possess and use violence.
Violence
Violence is present and prevalent.
Violence
Violence is omnipresent.
Ultra violence
The extreme and excessive use of violence.
Blood on the streets
There is actual physical violence and bloodshed on the streets.
Violence down the football, Violence in the pub
Violence exists in football and at pubs.
Violence is a way of life, violence you love
Using violence is a part of your lifestyle and you enjoy engaging in it.
Angel flares, keeps on burning, til you've had a ruck
The excitement and adrenaline rush of a violent altercation is addicting.
You got violence on your mind, you don't give a fuck
You are constantly thinking about and desire to use violence without caring about the consequences or others' safety.
Writer(s): Roddy Moreno Copyright: Rough Trade Publishing Ltd.
Contributed by Jake Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
VAL13C
Great punk rock. Highly underrated.
daniel
buena cancion demaciada..me dieron ganas de ir a la cancha a alentar
tcbww186
the song is fuckin CLASSIC!!!!!!!!
The Source
Sad truth ! Great song !
Billy Trick
Ultraviolence!!
Sunnyvale Drunk668
The way you stand alone and proud!!
Conor Duffin
actually the red were a relativly small contingent of the allied forces. Not that I disagree with communism, I just think it too extreme and just as dangerous as fascism as it denys free will and freedom of expression. Any extreme form of government is invasive and therefore wrong. But this is just about music and an ideal of enjoyment and any poilitical influence is derogatory to fun. Believe what you wish just seperate it from the scene!
adams85
You said fascism, but meant communism
A Piece Of Bread
Sir this is a chilis
pbs 7782
an oi! proud band