Shane MacGowan, The Jam And Polydor Records - 1977

Rockapedia | 20th Dec, 2024 theBeat.ie

In the mid 1970's a surge of energy spread across London. Tired of listening to the same music as their parents, British teens were turning their ears towards the US. Emerging from the Garage Rock scene, Punk-Rock had arrived thanks to bands such as Iggy and The Stooges, The Ramones, MC5 and The New York Dolls.

Inspired by the music coming out from New York, bands started forming across London. Leading the charge was the Sex Pistols, followed closely by The Clash. Soon venues started popping up across the city, equally matched by even more bands.

With the success of The Sex Pistols and The Clash, punk-rock was now mainstream. Eager not to miss out on the next big act, music labels began searching the pubs and clubs.

Chris Parry, from Polydor Records, was one of the many A&A men on the lookout for new talent. Parry had made it known he was searching for the next big act when he was approached by a well known name on the punk-scene.

Before finding worldwide fame as Pogues front-man, songwriter Shane MacGowan was a popular face on Londons early punk-scene. Due to his unusual looks, and outgoing personality, MacGowan had earned the reputation for having his finger on the pulse of all things punk. Aware that Parry was on the lookout, MacGowan gave him the name of a band he was friends with.

Formed in the early 1970's, The Jam, began as a rock'n'roll covers band until Paul Weller discovered The Who and The Small Faces. Fascinated with Mod culture, Weller would expand The Jam's sound blending R&B with soul, along with the newly emerged punk-rock.

With fashion playing a large part in the punk-rock scene, some fans were put off by The Jams matching suits. However, MacGowan who had no interest in their fashion style, praised the band for their soul-influenced sound and raw energy.

In The City, For A Second Time, Route 66 and Faking Your Love, climaxing in Paul Weller going mad and throwing his amp to the people in front who tore it to bits. I was really inspired by the violence in their act - it was fucking great. - Shane MacGowan (A Furious Devotion, The Life Of Shane MacGowan)

Parry took MacGowans advice and went to hear The Jam perform at The Marquee, London. Impressed by what he seen Parry went to see the band perform again, finally offering them a contract. The Jam signed to Polydor Records for £6,000 and released their debut single, In the City, on 29th April, 1977.

The Jam remained with Polydor for their career releasing a number of chart hits, including four number ones, Going Underground, Start, Town Called Malice and their final release, Beat Surrender, in 1982.

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