Conflict
This anarchist punk band were formed in south east London in 1979, previously existing under a variety of names such as Splattered Rock Stars. Having followed Crass around the country they were essentially motivated by similar concerns: pacifism, animal welfare, anarchism. ‘We call ourselves anarchists. That doesn't mean we believe in chaos—our ideal society would be one of small self-governing communities, with people being able to run their own lives. But above all we're trying to say that we don't want to be used by the political left or right.’ They played their first gig in their native Eltham in April 1981. The basic line-up featured Colin Jerwood (b. 6 May, 1962, London, England; vocals) Graham (guitar) Ken (drums) and John Clifford (bass), although their early line-ups were very fluid, with newcomers Steve and Paco taking over on guitar and drums soon after. Paul Fryday, meanwhile, became technician, visuals supervisor and general motivator. Their debut EP THE HOUSE THAT MAN BUILT came out on the Crass label, with Pauline Beck adding vocals. To A Nation Of Animal Lovers, on which Crass’ Steve Ignorant guested, saw the band faced with incitement charges over the cover. Their policy of direct action in protest to many causes, in particular the Orkney seal hunters, led to many live appearances being broken up by police action. After this there were numerous line-up changes, the most significant of which was the two-year tenure of Ignorant as joint vocalist between 1987 and 1989. Jerwood, meanwhile, had been assaulted at a pub in Eltham, nearly losing the use of his eye in the process. Conflict set up their own Motorhate label, going on to release albums throughout the '80s for a loyal audience of social miscreants. The best of their efforts were the studio side of INCREASE THE PRESSURE and THE UNGOVERNABLE FORCE, in 1984 and 1985 respectively. The widescale rioting which occurred after the band's 1987 Brixton Academy gig was documented by TURNING REBELLION INTO MONEY. The group continue into the early '90s to perform and record whenever possible.