Argy Bargy

Argy Bargy is a punk group from London, United Kingdom. The band begins in early 1992 as a five-piece and builds its reputation in the UK Oi! and street punk scene before reaching audiences across Europe and beyond. Its members include Ray Bussey, Daryl Smith and Watford Jon.

Early years and live beginnings

After months of rehearsing and recording a first demo tape, the group starts playing live in east London and Essex. An early show at a friend’s birthday party goes badly, but a later performance at “Carry On Oi!” in Essex proves decisive, with the band playing sober and winning over the crowd. That period leads to renewed momentum, although the original line-up soon changes when three members leave. Jon continues with drummer Dustin and brings in Daryl Smith, who has already played with Jon previously and is active with The Elite.

With a new bass player, Mark Hatton, and Daryl on board, the band opens a show at Brixton Academy alongside GBH, Anti Nowhere League and UK Subs. This leads to wider interest and a recording deal with Step One Records.

Recordings for Step One Records

Argy Bargy appears on the 1993 compilation Oi! The New Breed with four tracks, then releases its first demo recordings in 1994 and contributes two tracks to Oi! The New Breed Volume 2 in 1995. Around this time Mark Hatton leaves, and the band brings in the former bass player from The Elite.

The debut album Drink, Drugs & Football Thugs arrives in 1995 and sells out its initial pressing through pre-orders. It is released across Europe and remains part of the band’s catalogue. The album is produced by Dave West, and the group later reflects on the studio sound and the lessons it takes from that session.

Expanded line-up and later albums

By the early 2000s Herve Laurent, who also plays in Deadline, is on bass. The second full-length album, Songs From The Streets, appears in 2002 on Captain Oi! Records. Jon and Daryl write the material, recording the album in a weekend from Daryl’s studio. It becomes the label’s biggest-selling album and helps confirm the band’s standing in the scene.

In 2002 the band also records “My Life” for the compilation Addicted To Oi!, which Jon helps compile while working at Captain Oi! The compilation includes bands such as Agnostic Front, The Business, Discipline, Deadline and The Filaments.

In 2004 Argy Bargy records six tracks for a split CD with Discipline, including covers of each other’s songs. The group also covers Agnostic Front’s “It’s My Life”. The release is described as “100% Thug Rock” and is recorded and mixed with Pat Collier in south London, with backing vocals added by a group of Watford supporters. The record sells worldwide and helps lead to festival appearances across Europe.

Line-up changes and live reputation

Original drummer Dustin leaves and Dave Thompson joins on drums. Herve Laurent also departs, and Dalb joins on bass after Jon meets him at a Rancid gig in London. The band continues to tour and play across the UK and Europe, including dates with Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, The Business, Discipline, Madball and Agnostic Front.

In 2004 Argy Bargy supports Rose Tattoo at The Underworld in London. Jon describes Rose Tattoo as a major influence, and the night becomes a notable part of the band’s history. Rose Tattoo front man Angry Anderson later says: “Argy Bargy! They’re not just a band, they’re a fuckin’ way of life!”

Ray “Dust” Bussey, drummer with Knuckledust, later joins the band after Jon approaches him at a Madball show in London. Dave Thompson has moved back to his home town by then.

Later releases

The Likes Of Us is released in 2008 after ten days of recording at Pat Collier’s studio. The band considers it one of its strongest albums, and Classic Rock describes it as “the finest punk album of the last ten years.” Tours with Rancid and further festival appearances follow.

In 2012 the band releases Hopes, Dreams, Lies & Schemes on Randale Records from Germany. It is launched at Rebellion Festival and recorded in Devon with Pete Miles, who has worked with The King Blues, The Skints and Random Hand. The album is later praised by Lars Frederiksen of Rancid on stage at Rebellion.

In 2014 Nicky, from Knuckledust, joins on bass.