Cockney Rejects are a Punk and Oi! band formed in 1979 in London’s East End. The band came from the working class, and most of their fans came from England’s lower classes. They were mainly inspired by Sham 69.
The idea to form the band came from two brothers, Micky and Geoff Geggus. Vince Riordan soon joined. Then Jimmy Pursey came into the picture, who in mid-1979 agreed to produce the band’s first demo. Three months later, their debut EP, Flares & Slippers, hit the streets, released on Small Wonder Records.
Festival Barna ‘n’ Rock
Promoter: Entzun Producciones
Venue: Poble Espanyol
Photography: Jordi Amela (@amela_photo_concert)
The band hit it off quickly, and they all shared a common bond: a passion for football and support for West Ham United. The first songs they recorded already carried football connotations, placing the band in a stance closely tied to the hooligan movement. Violence runs through their lyrics and is often reflected at their shows.
The band was made up of:
Jeff Geggus, a.k.a. “Stinky” Turner (vocals)
Mick Geggus (guitar)
Chris Murrell (bass)
Paul Harvey (drums)