In this excellent, essential read GoldBlade gob Robb has compiled a partner piece to Legs McNeills ‘Please Kill Me’ centring on the UK scene from the mid-70’s. An admirable mix of participants contribute - whether that was by chance or grand design is largely irrelevant - from fans such as Al Hillier through to more usual suspects like members of The Damned and Stranglers.

It’s hard to imagine how bleak Britain must have been in the seventies, a time of industrial unrest, political upheaval, burgeoning fascism and asinine saccharine music to placate the bitter taste of despair and decay. Even when seen on the ‘D.O.A.’ documentary it’s difficult to really believe it was that bad, actually by putting yourself in that scenario, that resembles ‘1984’ more than the times that spawned such an important development in not only music but in society as Punk and it’s irrepressible, innovative off-shoots.

And therein lies the strength of this book. The final parts on Punks splintering into fractions and forming a quagmire of nascent coalescing scenes such as Goth, Psychobilly and the emergence of the ‘indie’ scene are great, and hopefully leave the trail open for part two. Before that, proving the tale is never told, there’s more to this than a brushing up of much publicised viewpoints and maxims. The section on the misunderstanding of the Oi! movement and their being tarred and feathered with the nazi tag is a warmly welcomed addition, and no-one should be surprised at the ever-entertaining, no matter how dubious or spurious, tuppenceworth’s from one John Lydon. Also worthy of mention is the stress placed on the contribution of Crass to punk then and now, often overlooked in the rush for tabloid-esque trivia from the more glamorous, rock star type bands.

Whilst long noted that Lydon loved all sorts of music that became unmentionable in Punks Year Zero, it’s still fairly surprising how many contenders and co-instigators here tell of their liking for pre-punk prog, particularly Captain Sensible’s lengthy defence of 20 minute long pieces.

In featuring the likes of The Angelic Upstarts, Cockney Rejects and The Business alongside the cognoscenti of various members of The Clash, The Banshees and The Damned and also unknowns such as The Fits and Menace the whole is given a greater flavour, allowing cracks in the pavement to be filled in a little bit more. If this monumental tome does nothing else but get people digging through second hand stores for some Skids or Ruts records (hand up, here) then this admirably thorough collection has succeeded.

Far more than that though, it’s a rallying call around the globe for another spate of direct action, whether personally or politically. While nothing is gonna happen again like Punk in the mid to late 1970’s it’s influence has permeated down into every pore of society and needs to be acted upon once more. You can start by reading this. __________________________________________________

-Stu Gibson