GBH

GBH are a hardcore punk band from Birmingham, England. They form in 1978 and are known as Charged GBH until 1984. The original line-up is Colin “Col” Abrahall on vocals, Colin “Jock” Blyth on guitar, Ross Lomas on bass and Andrew Williams on drums.

Style and influence

The band are regarded as one of the pioneers of UK punk rock, particularly hardcore, and as part of the UK82 second wave of British punk in the 1980s. They keep close to their punk roots while also using metal crossover elements, including heavy metal riffs, especially on later recordings. Their music is typically fast and short, with many songs running under three minutes.

Releases and notable material

Their first LP, City Baby Attacked By Rats, appears in 1982. It includes lyrics that deal with violence, morbidity, atheism, nihilism, social anarchism and absurdity, and it includes the song “Passenger On The Menu”. In 1992 they release Church of the Truly Warped, a record that makes heavy use of crossover metal elements. Their later LPs continue to mix this approach with their earlier punk sound.

Live history and activity

During the 1980s, GBH mostly tour in England, but also travel outside the country, including several tours of the United States. They are associated with shows at the 100 Club on Oxford Street in London. The band remains active and touring.

Reputation

GBH keep a strong cult following in England, elsewhere in Europe, and also in America and Japan.