The Oppressed

The Oppressed
OriginCardiff, Wales
GenresOi!, punk
Years active1981–1984, 1994–1996, 1998–2006, 2009–2016, 2020–present
LabelsOppressed Records, Step-1 Music, Oi! Records, Dojo, Knockout, Insurgence Records, Captain Oi! Records

The Oppressed are a Welsh Oi! band that formed in 1981 in Cardiff, Wales. Most of the musicians in the band's various lineups have been skinheads. Throughout the band's career, the members (especially vocalist Roddy Moreno) openly expressed opposition to racism and fascism[1] — in their lyrics,[2] interviews, on-stage comments and other actions. In 1989, Moreno visited New York City and met a few members of Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice (SHARP). On his return to the United Kingdom, he started promoting SHARP ideals to British skinheads.[3][4] The band has also had ties to other anti-racist groups, such as Anti-Fascist Action. Moreno is a Cardiff City F.C. supporter, and some of the band's songs express that support.

The band has split and re-formed several times, the first occasion in 1984 after which Moreno focused on his record labels, Oi! Records and Ska Records for the remainder of the decade.[5][6]

Their most recent split was in 2016, but they re-formed in 2020, and continue performing today. The present day line-up is Roddy Moreno (vocals/guitar), fellow founder member Russell "Ducky" Payne (guitar), Che Jones (drums) and Ross Goldworthy (bass).

  1. ^ "The Oppressed Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  2. ^ Bradley Torreano. "Music for Hooligans". AllMusic. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  3. ^ "The Oppressed; Official Website". Archived from the original on 25 February 2010. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  4. ^ "BBC - Wales - The Oppressed". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  5. ^ "Oi! Records". Discogs.com. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  6. ^ "The Oppressed". 30 September 2015. Archived from the original on 30 September 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2020.