The Adverts

The Adverts were an English punk band who formed in 1976 and broke up in late 1979. They were one of the first punk bands to enjoy chart success in the UK, and their lineup included Gaye Advert, whom The Virgin Encyclopedia of 70s Music called the first female punk star.
The Adverts: Remembering the British Punk Band that Inspired a Generation
The Adverts were a British punk band that rose to fame during the late 70s. They were one of the most influential bands during the second wave of punk rock, inspiring many other bands that followed in their footsteps. Formed in London in 1976, The Adverts quickly gained a reputation for their raucous live performances and heartfelt, politically-charged lyrics. In this article, we'll be exploring the musical biography of The Adverts, their best songs, music genre, famous concerts, and a critical look at their legacy.
The Adverts were pioneers of the punk genre, and their music was characterized by a raw energy that was unlike anything else at the time. Their debut single One Chord Wonders was a perfect example of their stripped-back sound, with lead singer T.V. Smith's snarling vocals and guitarist Howard Pickup's blistering riffs creating a sound that was both chaotic and instantly catchy. The Adverts' music was often described as a cross between punk and garage rock, with its pounding drums, fuzzy feedback, and relentless energy.
The band's debut album, Crossing the Red Sea with the Adverts, released in 1978, is still considered one of the most important punk albums of all time. The album features classic tracks like Gary Gilmore's Eyes, Bored Teenagers, and No Time to be 21. The opening song, One Chord Wonders, was a powerful statement of intent, boldly proclaiming the band's disdain for the music industry and their determination to do things on their own terms.
The Adverts were also known for their politically charged lyrics, which often addressed social issues such as unemployment, nuclear war, and government oppression. The song Bombsite Boy, for example, was an anguished plea for the UK government to take responsibility for the post-WWII housing crisis. The band's political stance was not just empty rhetoric - they were actively involved in social and political causes, such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Anti-Nazi League.
In terms of live performance, The Adverts were legendary. Their shows were often chaotic and unpredictable, with T.V. Smith frequently jumping into the audience and stage-diving, inviting fans to grab the mic and sing along with the band. They played many famous concerts, including a notorious gig at London's Roundhouse in 1978, where the band's raucous performance caused a near-riot. The Adverts' live shows were a vital part of their appeal, and their electrifying energy was a major influence on the punk scene that followed them.
The Adverts were one of the most important bands of the British punk rock scene, and their influence is still felt today. Their raw, stripped-back sound and politically charged lyrics inspired many other bands that followed in their footsteps, and their legendary live performances were the stuff of punk rock legend. The Adverts helped to re-shape British music in the late 70s, and their legacy continues to be celebrated by music lovers around the world.