Cock Sparrer

Cock Sparrer is an English punk rock band formed in 1972 in the East End of London. The group is associated with the development of Oi! and with the early 1980s punk scene. Its music draws on pub rock, glam rock, rhythm and blues, and 1960s beat music, while its lyrics often deal with working-class life. The band name comes from the earlier form “Cock Sparrow”, a Cockney term of familiarity.

Formation and early years

The band is founded by Colin McFaull, Mick Beaufoy, Steve Burgess and Steve Bruce, who know each other from childhood. It begins by playing clubs around London and develops a style later described as street punk or Oi!. In 1976, guitarist Garrie Lammin joins the group. Around this period, the band meets Malcolm McLaren, who considers managing it alongside the Sex Pistols.

In 1977, Cock Sparrer signs to Decca Records. Its first single, “Runnin’ Riot”, appears in May 1977 but does not become a commercial success. A follow-up cover of “We Love You” also performs poorly, and the label drops the band in 1978. An album recorded during this time is issued only in Spain under the title Cock Sparrer and does not receive a UK release until 1987, when it appears as True Grit.

Breaks, reformations and recordings

The band becomes inactive later in 1978, and Lammin leaves. Interest in the group returns in 1981 when its songs appear on several Oi! compilation albums. Cock Sparrer reforms in 1982 with Chris Skepis replacing Lammin and signs to Carrere Records. The single “England Belongs to Me” follows, then the 1983 album Shock Troops, which includes “Where Are They Now”, “I Got Your Number” and “Riot Squad”.

Beaufoy later leaves and is replaced by Shug O’Neill. The album Running Riot in ’84 is released in October 1984, after which the band again becomes inactive. A live album recorded around this period is released in 1987.

Later career

Cock Sparrer reunites for several concerts in 1992. Beaufoy returns, and Daryl Smith joins as a long-term replacement for O’Neill. The band releases Guilty as Charged in 1994 and Two Monkeys in 1997. In later years it performs intermittently and appears at punk festivals including Rebellion Festival.

Here We Stand is released in 2007. In 2008 the band headlines Rebellion Vienna and Rebellion Blackpool, and in 2009 it headlines the Punk and Disorderly Festival in Berlin and Riot Fest in Chicago. It returns to Riot Fest in 2014. In 2012, Cock Sparrer marks its 40th anniversary with a series of sold-out concerts in the United States and a headline performance at a Birmingham Christmas event connected with the Rebellion Festival. The album Forever follows in 2017. In December 2023, the band announces Hand on Heart, produced by James Bragg and released on Cherry Red Records in 2024, with advance videos for “Here We Stand”, “With My Hand on My Heart” and “I Belong to You”.