Bootstroke

Bootstroke is a Greek punk group that forms in Thessaloniki in 1999–2000 before later moving to Athens with a different line-up. The band starts with members from other Oi! and streetpunk groups, and some of the later Athens line-up has links to the skinhead band Streetboys.

Style and themes

The group plays Oi! punk with a sound described as melodic but rough, drawing on 1980s British punk-Oi!, rock and roll, and hardcore rhythms. Its lyrics focus on football, everyday problems, working-class life, and social issues.

Releases

Bootstroke issues a demo tape early in its career and follows with a number of self-released and label releases. These include the demo ΞΥΛΟ ΜΕΤΑ ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗΣ, the self-released CD GIVE EM THE BOOTSTROKE, FOOTBALL DRINKS & ROCK N ROLL on Anfibio Records, the split CD PRIDE OF ATHENS with Jungle Fever on Anfibio Records, and the Stomper 98 - BootStroke Split series on Randale Records. The band also appears on many compilations around the world.

Live activity

Bootstroke tours extensively in Greece, with shows in Athens, Patra, Pirgos, Volos, Kastoria, Serres, Agrinio, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandroupoli and Rhodes, and also in Germany, France, England, Italy, Austria, Spain and the Netherlands. It shares stages with acts including Cock Sparrer, Cockney Rejects, Sham 69, The Last Resort, The Oppressed, Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Section 5, Argy Bargy, Deadline, Discipline, G.B.H, Bonecrusher, On File, Volxsturm, Perkele, Stomper 98, Evil Conduct, Unfit, Discharger, Bull Brigade and Skarface.

Festivals

The group plays at major events including the Oi the meeting festival in Potsdam, Concrete jungle in East Sussex, and Rebellion festival in Vienna.

General profile

Bootstroke presents itself around friendship, Oi! music, football and beer, and is active in Greece’s punk and streetpunk scene.