Oi Polloi

Oi Polloi

Oi Polloi are an anarcho-punk band based in Scotland, formed by a group of school-age teenagers in Edinburgh in late 1981. Their name is taken from the Greek phrase Οι πολλοί, meaning “the many” or “the masses”; it also plays on the punk term “Oi!”.

Early recordings and releases

The band’s first studio recording is the demo Destroi the System, believed to date from 1984 or 1985. A previous home-recorded demo draws favourable attention from the music weekly Sounds, which helps to increase demand for live shows beyond their home area. They then record another studio demo, Green Anarchoi, before issuing their first vinyl release, Resist the Atomic Menace.

Style and politics

Oi Polloi are widely regarded as one of the leading names in anarcho-punk. Their lyrics attack world leaders and multinational companies with humour and anger, and the band takes a strongly political position that includes support for direct action in defence of the environment and opposition to racialism, fascism and imperialism. Their motto is “No compromise in defence of our earth”.

The band also treats endangered languages as important to biocultural diversity. They sing in Scottish Gaelic, use it in day-to-day communication, and their later work includes songs entirely in Gaelic. Their last LP, Ar Cànan, Ar Ceol, Ar-a-Mach, is recorded entirely in Scottish Gaelic.

Line-up changes and related activity

Oi Polloi have gone through many line-up changes, with around fifty members passing through the group over time. Early drummer Stu “Doccy” Dunn leaves to become a karate instructor and is replaced by Muz, who later records with the Apostles. Chris Low, the original drummer of Apostles and Political Asylum, also spends time on drums with Oi Polloi.

David “Rat” Connolly plays guitar through much of the early period and performs his last gig and album with the band in 1991. He writes music for songs including “Pigs for Slaughter” and “Boot down the Door”, and later becomes an archaeologist and Middle Eastern adventurer. Murray Briggs plays drums on several 7-inch releases and on the Fuaim Catha LP, and later plays in the Scottish indie band Aberfeldy alongside his brother Riley, who also has a brief spell as an Oi Polloi guitarist in the 1990s.

Other former members go on to play in bands including Disorder, Exploited, Gin Goblins, Newtown Grunts, Moniack and In Decades Decline.

Language, touring and individual members

The band tours Europe with Seattle-based punk band Mill a h-Uile Rud, who perform entirely in Scots Gaelic. Singer Derek also becomes involved in Gaelic television and appears as Moses on a Gaelic comedy programme.