Nazi rock star: Ian Stuart - Skrewdriver Biography

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British Movement was well represented at this event, both in terms of the audience and the bands, with the customary involvement of BM in the various roles ensuring that the function passed smoothly and also providing an opportunity to sell BM merchandise and to catch up with comrades from across the UK. In 1978, Donaldson moved to Manchester, where he recruited guitarist Glenn Jones and drummer Martin Smith. This line-up toured extensively, but certain venues were reluctant to book the band because of their reputation as a skinhead band. GAZA – The Conflict in the Middle East – Are these the opening shots of a new war in the Middle East? Unfortunately the gig never took place, although I did meet Ian Stuart at a number of NF activities and also on nights out in the Angel pub in Islington. As they say, the rest is history! On the 5th of October, Ian Stuart Donaldson funeral was held at Carleton Crematorium. Among the 20 or so people who attended was Cat, Ian's fiancé Diane, his brother Tony and his life long friend, and original Skrewdriver drummer, Grinny. Bon Jovi's song ‘Blaze Of Glory’ was played and it’s been said that Lemmy of Motörhead sent flowers.

A couple of lads with multi-coloured Mohican haircuts (ok, Mohawks if you want to be factual!) began selling NF News with us every Saturday morning at our spot in Leeds City Centre, much to the dismay and anger of the reds. Not the ideal NS look admittedly, but I’m sure those lads now have ‘normal’ lives, with families and a mortgage. And normal haircuts!Since his death he has become the icon of far-right skinhead groups, with concerts planned each year in commemoration, where white power bands perform in front of swastika banners with Third Reich memorabilia openly on sale. His former friend and mentor Joe Pearce, once a leading member of the National Front, explained that during his time in prison Donaldson became more hardened in his beliefs. The city of Sunderland in the North-East of England was the focus for the 2023 Ian Stuart Donaldson memorial concert. This enthusiastic gathering celebrated the life, music and politics of Ian Stuart and suitably marked the 30th anniversary of his tragic death.

The enormity of our task is almost beyond comprehension. Sometimes state oppression, red opposition, and treachery by traitors in our midst makes us all feel like giving up – but at all costs we must continue our battle.”– Ian Stuart Donaldson. The ISD 2023 should be noted as being a gig that Ian Stuart himself would have recognised and would have immediately felt at home in the setting, the music and the crowd. This was a fitting tribute to the memory of Ian Stuart and a symbolic gesture of continuity and defiance towards those who would deny the opportunity to stage such an occasion and celebration of the man, his politics and his music. I was having a quiet drink… 15 of them came storming in, they had baseball bats. They tried to smash my elbows and knees. Before forming Skrewdriver, Ian was singing in a band called Tumbling Dice who mostly played cover versions of the Stones, Free and The Who. At the time it was common for Pub bands to play cover songs all night. Tumbling Dice soon became popular around the Poulton area. Things were going pretty well for Tumbling Dice, so a rough demo was cut and Ian set about forwarding the tapes to various record companies. He soon found himself pleasantly surprised to receive an invitation to join a record label in London. Unfortunatly, the other band members weren't as keen on the move and in 1976 The Tumbling Dice disbanded.

When the Skinhead craze died down Ian turned to the Suedehead scene. It was a natural progression. The new scene was made up mostly of ex-Skinheads who had out grown their crops and were listening to Northern Soul music. For Ian, transport became a trendy Lambretta scooter. Although he had listened to Ska and Northern Soul music of the Skins and Suedes, his main musical influence remained the Rolling Stones. Skrewdriver Interview". AinaSkin.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2012 . Retrieved 9 November 2012. Ian Stuart visiting Andreas J. Voigt and the Kreuzritter für Deutschland in Stuttgart, Germany, 1993