The Partisans

The Partisans are a punk rock band formed in Bridgend, in South Wales in early 1978, when all four members were in their early teens.
The Rise and Fall of The Partisans: A Look into Their Musical History
Many musicians have come and gone over the years, each with their own unique style and sound. However, few have left a mark quite like The Partisans. This British punk rock band formed in the late 1970s and gained a massive following that was cut short due to the tragic death of their lead singer. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of The Partisans, their best songs, music genre, famous concerts, and what made them stand out from the crowd.
The Partisans formed in South Wales in 1978, led by Ricky ‘Rockstar’ Williams. The band initially gained popularity for their hard-hitting punk rock sound, which was influenced by the likes of The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and many other punk bands of the era. However, over time they branched out and experimented with different sounds, incorporating elements of ska and reggae into their music. This experimentation led to their unique sound, which set them apart from other punk rock bands of the time.
One of The Partisans’ most popular songs is Blind Ambition, which was released on their debut album, Partisans. This song showcases the band’s punk rock roots, with fast-paced guitar riffs and angry lyrics. However, it also features a catchy chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. Police Story is another one of their standout songs, which is a scathing critique of police brutality. The song is classic punk rock, with high energy and rebellious lyrics that resonate with fans to this day.
The Partisans’ sound evolved over the years, and they began incorporating more ska and reggae influences into their music. This evolution is best seen on their third album, The Time Was Right, which features songs like No Time and Come Clean. These songs feature a faster, more upbeat tempo than their earlier work, with an emphasis on horns and harmonica.
The Partisans were known for their energetic live shows, which often involved crowd surfing and stage diving. They performed at many venues in the UK, and also toured extensively throughout Europe. One of their most famous concerts was a show they played at the Hammersmith Palais in London in 1984, which was immortalized in the live album Police Story – Live. This album captures the raw energy of the band’s live shows and is a must-listen for any fan of punk rock.
Critics were often divided on The Partisans, with some praising their unique sound and commitment to experimentation, while others criticized their departure from pure punk rock. However, for fans of the band, their sound and energy were unmatched. The tragic death of Ricky ‘Rockstar’ Williams in 1992 brought an end to the band, but their legacy and influence can still be heard in the music of many current punk rock bands.
The Partisans may have been short-lived, but their impact on the punk rock scene was significant. Their willingness to experiment and evolve their sound set them apart from other punk rock bands of the era, and their energy and intensity on stage are still unmatched to this day. For anyone interested in the history of punk rock and its evolution over time, The Partisans are a band that should not be missed.