Pioneers or Sell-outs? (appeared in issue 2)
written by Mike Jones
“Hersham boys, Hersham boys, lace up boots and corduroys...” Ladies and Gentleman, is
this not Oi at it’s best? Well, sadly enough I have no so many times that I begin to wonder.. am I
missing something? Why would people hate such a talented band. The sad thing I learned about
being in this scene is the issue of selling out. Punk is supposed to be an underground thing. Selling
out is the worst thing most punk bands could think about, but if I recall it has not always been like
this. Nothing was wrong with the Ramones or the Clash having songs on the radio... am I wrong?
Hell, the Stiff Little Fingers even had stuff on the Billboards. Nowadays, it’s impossible to have a
song on the radio and consider yourself a true punk band. Same thing with ska. Reel Big Fish and
the Mighty Mighty Bosstones are hated for “selling-out” to MTV and the media. Well, didn’t
Madness sell-out with “Our House” ??? or not.. I’m not sure.. but I think if someone gets a hit song
or album fans should abandon them.. cause what fun is having a band and not being able to have
the crowd know all your songs? My take is you should be in it for the fun, not the money.. but you
do need money, cause it’s like your job.. And as in a business you need to plan effectively to make
money to support yourself, in a band you need to plan to so you can support yourself.. sometimes
bands need to look to MTV or the radio. If you don’t like their music that’s one thing, but you should
hate a band for selling-out. Raising a point...why would someone hate Sham 69 for “selling-out”?
First of all, just because they are one of the more popular Oi bands. I think that is the dumbest
thing I have ever heard.. Anyhow.. I am just telling you the truth like Sham did.. it’s about the music
and there is no reason for hating them.. all they did is provide us with hits.
