AOS3

AOS3 are a punk group from Sunderland, England, formed in 1990. The band takes its name from the initials of Augustus Owsley Stanley III, the LSD chemist and sound engineer, and its logo combines interlinked anarchy, peace, Om and yin-yang symbols to spell out the name. The group remains active.

History and activity

In the early 1990s, before the Criminal Justice Act of 1994, AOS3 play on the UK free festival circuit, including Castlemorton. They also tour regularly with bands including Radical Dance Faction, Citizen Fish, Culture Shock and Back To The Planet. The group splits in 1995, then reforms in 2007.

Style and themes

AOS3 are part of the anarcho punk movement, and their lyrics reflect a political stance. Their work includes songs about the 1990 Poll Tax Riot in Trafalgar Square, including “Battle of Trafalgar” and “Dubbin’ Up a Riot”. They also record a cover of The AK 47’s “Tottenham 3”, which protests the imprisonment of three men in connection with the Broadwater Farm Riot and the death of PC Blakelock. Other influences include the writings of Robert Anton Wilson.

Related projects

After the 1995 split, singer John Horabin relocates to London and forms P.A.I.N with Phil from Radical Dance Faction. Members also play in Radical Dance Faction, P.A.I.N, Headjam and Legion Of Dynamic Dischord.