Skip to main content
What we do with fascists
As the AfD is welcomed in the UK parliament, ALEXANDER CARTER reminds us how music became a battleground in the 1980s and 1990s, fighting fascism with guitars and microphones
antifa

IN the 1980s, Britain’s far right was on the rise. Fascist parties fielded over 100 candidates in the 1983 general election. And culturally, the far right was also making ground.

“White power” bands like Skrewdriver and Peter and the Wolf began drawing sizeable crowds and selling thousands of records. In 1987, Skrewdriver’s frontman founded Blood & Honour, a music network that soon gained followers and branches throughout the US and Europe.

Blood & Honour’s emergence caused tremors among the UK anti-fascist movement. Anti-Fascist Action (AFA), the dominant anti-fascist group of the time, struck back with their own musical network: Cable Street Beat (CSB).

Morning Star call for advertising
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.