Angelic Upstarts Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Members

Select a Angelic Upstarts band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Thomas Mensforth

Roles:

Music Producer

No gear added

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Tony Frater

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Cockney Rejects

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John the Boy
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Tony Feedback
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Brian Hayes

Roles:

Composer

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Nick the Blonde
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Glyn Warren

Roles:

Composer

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Tony Morrison

Roles:

Composer

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Gaz Stoker

Roles:

Composer

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Sticks Warrington

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

Cockney Rejects

No gear added

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About

Angelic Upstarts is an influential English punk rock band hailing from South Shields, formed in 1977. Known for their politically charged and socially conscious lyrics, the group originally consisted of Thomas "Mensi" Mensforth (vocals), Mond Cowie (guitar), Ronnie Wooden (bass), and Derek "Sticks" Wade (drums). While initially categorized as a skinhead band, Angelic Upstarts quickly distinguished themselves by vocally opposing racism and fascism, themes that permeated their early work. Their music, rooted in punk, evolved to incorporate elements beyond the genre's traditional confines, touching on proto-punk influences and even branching into reggae and folk.

How to Sound Like Angelic Upstarts

The sound of Angelic Upstarts is characterized by its raw, aggressive energy, often marked by gritty guitar tones and driving rhythms. Their music balances a stripped-down punk aesthetic with a melodic complexity that became more pronounced over time. To emulate their sonic ethos, musicians might focus on achieving overdriven guitar sounds through the use of distortion pedals and high-gain amplifiers. The bass lines, typically straightforward yet powerful, provide a solid backbone, while the drums drive the music forward with punchy, unyielding beats. The dynamic interplay of these elements creates a sound that is both urgent and anthemic, making it essential to emphasize energy and authenticity in performance and production.