Blaggers ITA (formerly The Blaggers) are an Oi!/punk and agitpop band founded in 1988 in England.[1] They are noted for their strong anti-fascist and left wing lyrics and activism. They had a couple of top 60 singles in 1993 followed by a top 50 single in 1994.[2][3] Although the band started out as an anti-racist skinhead band playing hard-edged Oi! music, they eventually incorporated influences from hip hop and electronic dance music, adding the letters ITA to their name, which stood for "In The Area".[4]
The band had close links with Anti Fascist Action (AFA), donating money to the organisation and promoting its ideology.[5] The band's support for revolutionary politics and AFA, along with their earlier association with the Oi! scene, meant that in the early 1990s they became a target of neo-Nazi groups such as Combat 18.
In 1993 they signed a record deal with EMI[6] and enjoyed moderate commercial success. Their signing to EMI resulted in some criticism from individuals in the independent music scene. The record deal alienated some of their fans because of EMI's former links with the arms trade and because EMI was seen as a large corporation dominating the music industry. Blaggers ITA justified the move by arguing that it is pointless having a message if you're only spreading it to a small number of people. They also argued that the deal gave the band more money to spend on political causes.
In the summer of 1993, the group embarked on a high profile UK tour supporting the Manic Street Preachers. In July 1993, frontman Matty Blagg allegedly punched Melody Maker writer Dave Simpson, resulting in a court case which was dismissed on legal technicalities.[7] The incident led to the cancellation of many of the band's biggest supporting tours and festival slots, as well as an effective boycott by the music press. Shortly after being dropped by EMI in 1994, Blagg left the band, which continued without him for a short while. Blagg died in February 2000.[8]
Blaggers AKA, a new version of the band reformed in 2002. This line up has played some concerts throughout Europe[9] including benefits for the Independent Working Class Association[10][11] and Antifa groups.[12] Blaggers AKA have not released any records.
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