RIP Colin Jerwood, singer with Anarcho punk band Conflict
Shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Colin Jerwood, lead vocalist with anarcho punk legends Conflict, at the age of 63 following a short illness. The tragic news started to appear on social media on June 2nd and has led to hundreds of tributes to the legendary front man of one of Britains most committed and controversial bands.
Colin’s musical DNA came out of his love for early punk acts like the Clash mixed with the anarchy and peace influences of Crass. He took a different path though from the original hippy ideals of peace and love. Espousing direct action, never backing down from a confrontation, he took the fight (quite literally) to the far right and, in particular, animal abusers.
Colin’s lyrics were incendiary. Coupled with Conflicts intensely aggressive performances over the years, the band had a reputation for angry, fast and uncompromising gigs. Colin was never hesitant in sorting out problems in the crowd. During the 80’s I saw this many times at venues across London including Brunel University and Woolwich Poly but it was at Surbiton Assembly Rooms and Brixton Academy where things reached a peak. Targeted by the Police, both events ended up with rioting and multiple arrests. I sat down with him for an interview after the Brixton gig which had closed with arguments with the crowd following stage invasions, huge bills and serious repercussions for the band. He was open and honest in his answers and generous with his time. The results were published in my zine, Crisispoint, at the time and he let me know he appreciated the opportunity to put across his perspective.
In more recent years Colin’s spirit seemed re-energised by a particularly intense concert, played without permission, on the bank of the River Thames. Along with the Restarts and Shot! the band were protesting against the obscene amounts of money being spent on a private bridge. Colin said at the time it was maybe the best gig he had played with Conflict. It was certainly up there.
The history of Conflict and its multiple line changes is too long to document here but it’s nice to see so many of his acquaintances over the years writing lovely tributes. From bands he championed back in the day to current band members there’s a common theme. Yes, he could be difficult at times but underneath it all there was a genuine man who cared much about his friends and family and often did things in the background for others that are only seeing the light of day now that his time has passed. That oddly chimes with a line he used in one of his songs ‘To live on in hearts is to never die’. Rest easy Colin.
