Guitar Gangsters

Guitar Gangsters

Guitar Gangsters are a punk group from London, United Kingdom, active since 1988. The band is a three-piece made up of Steve Brewer, Peter Ley and Phillip Ley. They form from the remains of The Untouchables and set out to return to the guitar-led rock and roll that first inspired them in the late 1970s.

Style and influences

Their sound is rooted in punk and melodic power punk, with influences that include The Jam, The Ruts, the Ramones and the Sex Pistols. Their material combines driving guitars with a direct punk approach.

Recordings and recognition

The band releases a debut album of melodic power punk songs, and Prohibition becomes a sought-after record. Tracks on Link Records’ Underground Rockers compilation also help raise their profile; the compilation features Manic Street Preachers, Senseless Things and Mega City Four as well as Guitar Gangsters.

Touring

The attention from those releases leads to an invitation from Stiff Little Fingers, who ask Guitar Gangsters to appear as guests on the band’s comeback UK tour.