The Straps

The Straps are an English streetpunk band, formed in 1978 in Battersea, South London by vocalist John Grant (aka Jock Strap) and guitarist Dave Reeves.The band played their first gig at the Park Tavern in Streatham on 28 September 1978 with UK Subs, the Tickets and Security Risk. Their original bassist, Green, died of a heroin overdose shortly after the first show, and was temporarily replaced on bass by Grant's roommate, Andi Sex Gang, for a show at the Latchmere Pub in Battersea. Stan Stammers, a former Epileptics bassist, joined in 1979, and guitarist Steve MacIntosh was replaced by Andy "Heed" Forbes. Drummers in this period included Luke Rendle (previously of Crisis) and the short-lived member Cliff. Stammers and Rendle left to join the Pack, who turned into Theatre of Hate, while Forbes left to join the Wall. For the recording of the Straps' debut single, 1980's "Just Can't Take Anymore" (Donut Records), the lineup was Grant, Reeves and three former members of the Pack: Jim Walker (also original drummer of Public Image Ltd.) and brothers Jonathan and Simon Werner. The same lineup recorded their second single, "Brixton," likewise released in 1982 on Walker's Donut label. The band's debut album was issued in 1982 on the Cyclops label. The album featured UK Subs drummer Pete Davies (Walker only played on one track, departing for the Human Condition) and guest appearances by Andi Sex Gang and the Damned's Rat Scabies. The Straps enjoyed a cult following around London, and performed alongside the Damned on their 1980 Black Album tour, as well as Sham 69 and Stiff Little Fingers, before splitting in 1983. Frontman Grant and Simon Werner later formed Bartok with Jah Wobble, recording a 12" single, "Insanity" (1983). Grant went on to form Freakshow 1984, performing around the UK without any record releases. The Straps reformed in 1991 for a one-off gig at the Brixton Academy with other original punk bands including Sham 69, UK Subs and the Lurkers. In 2005, Captain Oi! Records) issued a Straps compilation, The Punk Collection, and the reunited band (including Grant, Reeves, Stuart Phillips on guitar, Mark Hobbs on bass and Lloyd Dudley on drums) released the limited-edition album In Love With the New World Order to coincide with that year's Rebellion Festival performance. The Straps played the Rebellion Festival three years running, until Grant suffered an accidental knee injury, and they separated again in 2008. The band returned to the UK gig scene in 2012 for the ill-fated Last Jubilee and Punk by the Sea festivals, with a new lineup of Grant, Reeves, Davies and two new members: ex-Concrete Gods guitarist Phil McDermott and Morgellons bassist Mark Geraghty. As well as playing a now infamous DIY show in Southsea with Sham 69, UK Subs, Vice Squad and the Defects, this lineup played the legendary 100 Club with Chelsea and sold out a headline show at Camden's Barfly. In August 2013, the band released their third studio album, Brave New Anger, recorded at Pat Collier's Perry Vale Studios.