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Sham 69: Where Are They Now?

Martin Aston, Q, May 1991

FAMOUS – OR SHOULD that be infamous? – for their punk-era, terrace-anthem hits 'If The Kids Were United (They Would Never be Divided)' and 'Hurry Up Harry', Sham 69 were caught up and eventually worn down by the political agitation of the time, with rioting skinhead factions at their shows amid accusations that Sham themselves held extreme right-wing views. "We were always a punk band, but when the National Front send supporters to your gigs and the media report the riots, that's it," reflects guitarist Dave Parsons. Sham 69 split in 1979, but where are the Hersham Boys now, Matthew Hall of Sydney asks?

Total word count of piece: 571

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