Pressgang

Pressgang is a group with two distinct line-ups associated with the same name: a British folk-rock and alt-folk band formed in Reading in 1985, and a 1990s American hardcore/punk band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The British band is the better documented of the two in the input and is the one described here.

British folk-rock band

Pressgang forms in Reading in 1985 and develops from an earlier name, Bedlam. According to accounts of the band’s early history, John Peel advises the group on air to change its name, and it settles on PressGang, a name chosen to fit its fast rearrangements of traditional British and Irish folk material. The band works in a folk-rock and alt-folk style.

The original line-up includes Damian Clarke on vocals, guitar and hurdy-gurdy, George Whitfield on vocals, accordion and whistle, and Ian Munt. Tony Lyons later joins on vocals and drums, followed by Cliff Eastabrook on vocals and bass guitar. After a tour, the group goes through personnel changes and a two-year break. Neil Carter and John Forrester then join from The Colour Mary. The verified membership also includes John Forrester.

Pressgang releases its first album, Rogues!, on vinyl in 1989, following the single Watch the Wall. The band signs to the Reading-based label Cat Records and records Burning Boats in 1994 and Fire! in 1995. Its next album, Mappa Mundi, appears in 1997 on TWAH! and presents band life on the road. Another change in bass and drums follows, with Miranda Sykes, also of Show of Hands, and Maclaine Colston joining. The next CD, Dancing in our Dreams, continues the focus on live performance and touring. The band goes through another touring break between 1999 and 2003 and continues to perform.

American hardcore/punk band

A separate Pressgang is identified as a 1990s American hardcore/punk band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.