Blaggers I.T.A.

Blaggers I.T.A., formerly known as The Blaggers, is a London punk group active from 1988 to 1994. The band begins as an anti-racist skinhead act playing hard-edged Oi! before widening its sound to include hip hop and electronic dance music. Its name later includes the initials I.T.A., meaning “In The Area”.

Style, politics and activism

The group is associated with Oi!, punk and agit-pop, and it is known for militant anti-fascist and left-wing lyrics and activism. It develops close links with Anti Fascist Action, to which it donates money, and it uses performances and publicity to promote the organisation and its politics. Its approach is shaped by bands such as The Clash, Angelic Upstarts, The Ruts and Strawman.

The band’s political stance and its earlier connection with the Oi! scene make it a target for fascist groups in the early 1990s. It is reported to face threats from Combat 18, while Anti Fascist Action helps prevent neo-Nazi bands from playing in Britain. The anti-fascist song “Its Up To You” on United Colours of Blaggers ITA refers to an incident in 1992 involving Skrewdriver fans being attacked and routed at Waterloo Station.

Formation and members

The band is founded in 1988 by singer Matty Blagg, who is introduced to Marxism while in prison. After the group is dropped by EMI, Blagg leaves, and the band continues for a short time. Blagg dies in February 2000.

Recordings and label history

Blaggers I.T.A. signs to EMI and has moderate commercial success, with several top 50 singles in 1993 and 1994. The deal draws criticism from parts of the DIY and independent music scene, particularly because of Thorn EMI’s former links with the arms trade and because the label is viewed as a large corporation dominating the industry. The band argues that a wider reach matters for its political message and that the deal gives it more money to support the causes it backs.

Later activity

After the EMI period, the band is dropped from the label in 1994. It later reforms in a new version and plays some concerts, but does not release any records in that form.