The Boys

The Boys

The Boys are a UK punk band from London, active from 1976 to the present. They form from the ashes of the 1970s glam group The Hollywood Brats and become known for combining punk energy with strong pop hooks, which places them in the pop punk and power pop area as well as punk and punk rock.

Career and releases

The band releases four albums and ten singles. Their self-titled first album is widely regarded as an important 1970s punk record, and it helps set a template for pop punk before the Buzzcocks establish themselves. Their debut EP includes “First Time”, which becomes a notable 1978 second-wave UK punk track alongside bands such as Chelsea, The Undertones, The Lurkers and Eater.

Other songs associated with the group include “Brickfield Nights” and “Rue Morgue”, both described as fast pop songs. Several of the band’s releases appear under the name The Yobs, including seasonal releases issued around Christmas.

Style and place in punk

The Boys are associated with the early London punk scene, although they occupy a less prominent place in its history than some of their contemporaries. They are also referred to as the “Punk Beatles”, a label that reflects their emphasis on melody and songcraft rather than noise alone.

Members

The group’s members are Jack Black, Duncan “Kid” Reid, Matt Dangerfield, Martin Hansson, Vom Ritchie, Casino Steel and Honest John Plain.