The Redskins were originally called No Swastikas and were formed by NME journalist Chris Moore and included Martin Hewes and Nick King. The band produced a string of anti Thatcher and anti Tory tracks, not surprising as they were also members of the Socialist Workers Party. They were also skinheads. As explained via Neither Washington Nor Moscow site:
Although skinheads had at that time become associated with the far right, Chris Dean recognised them as genuinely proletarian youth cult, "I don't think of it as an image, it just happened to be there. But at the same time it does have a political significance because most people probably think all skinheads are morons".
The band released their debut single Lev Bronstein in 1982 and followed it a year later which arguably their most recognisable single the double a-sided Lean On Me/Unionize. The band then signed to London Records and were also championed by journalist Gary Bushell, who is now a reactionary journalist for the UK's right wing media! The band played many benefit gigs for the miners who were involved in a year long dispute with the then Tory government. They also played a benefit gig for the Greater London Council in 1984 and it was during this performance that the band were attacked by neo-nazi skins whilst on stage.
The band underwent line-up changes and finally released their one and only album, the critically acclaimed Neither Washington ...Nor Moscow. in May 1986. Following one last single the band disbanded in 1987. More on the bands history can be read here.
The Redskins - Keep On Keeping On
The Redskins - The Peasant Army
You can download more tracks or stream them via My Space which is rather ironic now that Murdoch has got his hands on the site!
How creeepy! Last time I listened to my copy of "Neither Washington..." must've been a good 16 years ago. A few days ago "It Can Be Done" started to rotate in my brain, and today -lo and behold!- I come across this fine post. Gosh, I'm feeling all red and fired up now...
Keep on keepin' on!
FiL