Patriot

Patriot is a US oi punk band from Wilmington, originally formed in October 1990 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It is a four-piece group associated with oi!, street punk, skinhead and punk. The band describes itself as non-political and anti-racist.

Line-up and history

The original line-up consists of Eddie Bastard, Gordon Sharkey, John Macneal and Joey Osment. Around a year and a half after formation, John Macneal and Joey Osment leave the group. Brian Lawton joins on bass and Chip Harris takes over on drums, forming the longest-running line-up and the one responsible for most of the band’s important writing and recording.

Chip Harris later takes a year away for personal reasons, with Jeff Morin filling in on drums before Harris returns after an eight- or ten-month absence. Jack Freeland joins on rhythm guitar in 1996, widening the band’s sound. Brian Lawton leaves in late 1999 because of creative differences, and Brian “Deuce” takes over on bass. That line-up continues until the band splits in October 2000.

Reunion

Patriot reunites at the 2004 Beer Olympics, where the response points towards a return. After several years in which lineup instability prevents shows, the band returns to live performance, with East Coast Oi! Fest 2008 as its first show back. The group then works slowly through its old material while preparing new recordings and live activity.