Taking their name from the cockney slang term ‘cock sparrow’ meaning familiarity, comes the instrumental street punk band Cock Sparrer hailing from London, England who formed in 1972 paving the way in the late seventies punk scene with their tales of the working class.
Founded by childhood friends Colin McFaull (vocals), Steve ‘Burge’ Burgess (bass), Mick Beaufoy (guitar) and Steve Bruce (drums) in 1972, the newly formed band were inspired by their surroundings and voiced their opinions on the woes of the working class through verse. Playing round local clubs and pubs in London, the band soon began developing their soon to be signature street punk style influenced by their love of rock and classic R&B. In 1976 the line-up expanded with the addition of Burgess’ cousin Garrie Lammin on rhythm guitar.
In 1977 Cock Sparrer signed with Decca Records to release their debut single “Runnin’ Riot”, the label saw the band’s potentiality to lead the emerging punk scene. However the single’s lack of chart success soon saw the band dropped by the label the following year. Despite the upheaval of the deal falling through, the band made the best out of the situation. With enough recorded material to produce an album, in 1978 Cock Sparrer collated the recordings to release their self-titled album only available in Spain.
Shortly after the album’s release the band experienced a brief hiatus, whilst parting ways with Lammin. Reforming in 1982, Lammin was replaced by Chris Skepis before the band signed a deal with Carrere Records. Later that year the band released the single “England Belongs To Me”. In 1983 Cock Sparrer released their debut album “Shock Troops” which featured the popular tracks “Riot Squad”, “Where Are They Now” and “I Got Your Number”.
With six studio albums under their belt, Cock Sparrer continue playing reunion shows around the globe, making regular appearances at punk festivals such as Rebellion, Punk & Disorderly and Riot Fest.
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