Croydon has a rich history in alternative music, with many notable artists and bands hailing from the town. Here are a few highlights:
The Damned
Formed in Croydon in 1976, The Damned were one of the first punk rock bands in the UK. Their debut single, “New Rose,” is often cited as the first punk single to be released in the UK. The original lineup consisted of Dave Vanian (vocals), Brian James (guitar), Captain Sensible who stills lives in Croydon today (bass), and Rat Scabies (drums).
“New Rose”, released in October 1976, received critical acclaim and became a hit on the independent charts. The band’s debut album, “Damned Damned Damned,” followed in February 1977 and is widely regarded as a classic of the punk rock genre.
Over the years, The Damned went through numerous lineup changes and stylistic shifts. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, they experimented with gothic rock and new wave, producing albums like “Machine Gun Etiquette” and “Strawberries.” In the mid-1980s, they briefly split up, but reformed in 1987 with a new lineup that included former Lords of the New Church member, Roman Jugg.
In the 1990s, The Damned continued to tour and release albums, including “Not of This Earth” and “Grave Disorder.” They also became known for their energetic live shows, which often included elaborate stage props and theatrical elements.
Today, The Damned is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential punk rock bands of all time. They helped to pave the way for the punk movement in the UK and beyond, and their music has influenced countless artists in the decades since their formation. Despite numerous lineup changes and creative shifts over the years, The Damned has remained a beloved and respected fixture of the punk rock scene.
David Bowie
The legendary British musician and songwriter, was born on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, England. While he spent his early years in Brixton and other parts of London. While not originally from Croydon, David Bowie lived in the town for a brief period in the early 1970s. It was during this time that he recorded his breakthrough album, “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” at nearby Trident Studios in Soho
In 1966, Bowie and his then-girlfriend, Hermione Farthingale, moved into a flat in South London, which was located on the top floor of a Victorian house on Foxley Lane in the suburb of Purley, near Croydon. The couple lived there for about a year, during which time Bowie was working on his music and developing his distinctive style.
Bowie was known for his unique and innovative approach to music, fashion, and performance, and he went on to become one of the most influential and acclaimed musicians of his generation. His music continues to inspire and influence artists around the world, and his legacy is celebrated by fans of all ages.
Stormzy
Born and raised in Croydon, Stormzy is one of the UK’s most successful grime artists. His debut album, “Gang Signs & Prayer,” topped the UK charts in 2017, and he has since become a major figure in British music. He was born on July 26, 1993, and was raised in the Thornton Heath area of Croydon, where he grew up with his mother and siblings.
Stormzy has often spoken about his love for Croydon and the impact that growing up there had on his music and identity. In his early years, he was involved in the local grime music scene, performing at local venues and collaborating with other artists from the area.
In 2017, Stormzy funded the Stormzy Scholarship, which provides financial support to black students at the University of Cambridge. He has also donated money to help fund youth programs and community initiatives in Croydon and other parts of London.
Stormzy’s music has been praised for its socially conscious themes and its ability to speak to the experiences of young people in urban communities. He has won multiple awards for his music, including several MOBO Awards and a Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist in 2018.
Dubstep
While not a single artist or band, Croydon played a significant role in the development of dubstep music in the early 2000s. Many of the genre’s pioneers, including Skream, Benga, and Coki, were from Croydon or had connections to the town.
Dubstep is characterized by its heavy basslines, sparse rhythms, and use of sound effects and samples. The genre quickly gained popularity in the UK and around the world, with artists like Burial and Rusko achieving international acclaim.
Croydon’s influence on dubstep is significant, as many of the genre’s most important producers and labels were based in the area. The Big Apple Records shop was a hub for dubstep fans and producers, and the nearby club night FWD>> played an important role in the genre’s development.
Today, dubstep continues to be a popular genre of electronic music, with artists and fans around the world. However, Croydon remains an important part of the genre’s history and legacy, and is often cited as the birthplace of dubstep.
The Slits
Although they formed in London, The Slits had strong ties to Croydon, as two of their founding members, Ari Up and Palmolive, lived in the town. The band’s pioneering mix of punk rock and reggae was highly influential and helped to pave the way for later genres like dub and post-punk. They were also known for their feminist and political activism, and were one of the few all-female punk bands of their era.
In 1978, The Slits recorded their debut album “Cut” at Ridge Farm Studio in Rusper, near Croydon. The album was produced by reggae musician Dennis Bovell, who also worked with The Clash and other punk bands of the era. “Cut” is considered a classic of punk and post-punk music, and has been praised for its innovative sound and political lyrics.
The Slits continued to perform and record throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, although the band underwent several lineup changes. Despite their relatively short career, The Slits are regarded as an influential and groundbreaking band, and their association with Croydon is an important part of their legacy.
These are just a few examples of the rich and varied music history of Croydon. From punk to grime to dubstep, the town has played a significant role in shaping the sound of British music over the past few decades