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In 2024 the band find themselves, like everyone, trying to get back to normal having just completed a sell-out European tour in January. The band released their 7th original album TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH which followed BLACK DOG back in 2021, which the band wanted to reflect in some way the events and happenings without the boring cliches.
The band was formed in 1975, and its original founding member and guitarist Neil Harris remained in this line up, until his untimely death 6 years ago.
Neil Harris formed the band with Jimmy Pursey in 1975. Neil Harris along with the other original members Albie Slider, Johnny Good-for-nothing and Billy Bostik were performing live with hits such as Borstal Breakout and Hey Little Rich Boy prior to the bands second line up change in late 1977.
With hits such as BORSTAL BREAKOUT and HEY LITTLE RICH BOY being performed in 76-77, Sham 69 went on to have other successes such as HURRY UP HARRY, ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES and the anthem IF THE KIDS ARE UNITED.
Sham 69 has had many line-up changes, the most notable of which was Jimmy Pursey’s departure following his sacking in 2006, after which he was immediately replaced by the now vocalist Tim V.
Tim V’s reign has seen him take the band from its lowest point to touring worldwide with 7 successful selling albums, along with World Tours and major festivals and he has clocked up more shows than any other previous line up.
The band currently features alongside Tim V, the bands longest serving drummer at 38 years behind the kit for Sham 69, Ian Whitewood.
Paul Brightman plays lead guitar and joined for the bands’ US Tour in 2016 and Al Campbell who joined the band in 2009 plays bass. Alan has a pristine pedigree in Punk after serving 13 years with UK SUBS and playing with both Marky Ramone and Jayne County and the Electric Chairs.
With such anthemic like songs as SING WHEN YOUR WINNING making the charts both here in the UK and Europe and other songs in the last 4 years such as LAST GANG IN LONDON / GOODBYE BILLY BLUE / SHOUT and more recently SIGN OF THE TIMES being used in movies, the band have achieved so much against the tide. The band who are praised for kicking arse onstage at a ripe old age are dumbfounding audiences worldwide with their passion and stage presence.
Now, with a new album out the world needs to be ready for some full-on Street Punk!!!
This is Sham 69 now and the band plays with real purpose, belief, and positivity – something it feels is needed in these post-pandemic times