The Oppressed, a pioneering skinhead band from Cardiff, Wales, emerged in 1981 with a strong anti-fascist message. The group disbanded in 1984 but reformed a decade later in 1994.

The Oppressed Oi! Story: 1981 to 202?

In March 1981, both Russel "Ducky" Payne and I were released from incarceration—Ducky from Borstal and I from prison—though we were unaware of each other at the time. Coincidentally, we both faced sentences for violent offenses. Ducky (guitar), his brother Ronnie (bass), Gary Tier (drums), and Martin Brennan (vocals), a skin from the valleys, came together to form an Oi! band. After considering various names, including Forced Oppression, they settled on The Oppressed. With a mix of limited musical ability and abundant enthusiasm, the band set out to enjoy the experience.

Meanwhile, I was forming my own band, Insanity Squad, with myself on guitar, my brother Dom on bass, Vince King on vocals, and Ed Flemming on drums. We were a blend of skins and punks, which led us to label ourselves Cardiff's first "Skunk" band. After a few local gigs and a lack of recordings, Insanity Squad disbanded following a rather chaotic performance.

At Ducky's house, Ronnie had already left The Oppressed, and when they sought a new bassist, my friend, who had no musical skills, recommended me. Having seen their first gig, I thought I would be a good fit. Ducky, Gary, and Brennan eventually approached me with an offer I could not refuse. I suggested that Dom join on bass while I took on a second guitar role, a lineup that lasted roughly a year. When Brennan and Gary departed, I took over as lead vocalist, and we recruited 16-year-old drummer Lee Jenkins from Risca, who confidently claimed, "I'm fucking brilliant" when asked about his skills and equipment.

This lineup lasted about two years and produced nearly all of our releases in the 1980s. However, many of our performances ended in chaos, leading to frustration within the group. We did manage to record three cover songs with Juan Garcia, a local punk, but did not perform any gigs during this period. Thus concluded our activities in the 1980s, which lasted less than four years but felt like a lifetime.

Oi! Story: The 90s

After the band's split in 1984, I dedicated the next six years to establishing and managing Oi! Records and Ska Records, while also helping to create the S.H.A.R.P movement. During 1987-1988, I formed The Rude Boys with my brothers Dom and Adrian (R.I.P) and three saxophonists. By the late 1980s, The Rude Boys had disbanded, and my record labels were struggling. With a new baby on the way, I stepped away from music to find employment.

In 1994, motivated by a surge of fascist activity in my area, including the distribution of C'18 stickers, I reformed The Oppressed. After tearing down the offensive stickers, I was inspired to utilize the band's platform to combat fascism. For the next two years, Dom, Adrian, and I recorded several anti-fascist songs, including the benefit EP "FUCK FASCISM." We played local shows, culminating in a farewell gig with the Warriors, which was filmed for the video "THEY THINK IT'S ALL OVER - IT IS NOW." Although it was intended to be our last performance, we received an offer to play at the Camden Irish Center for Anti-Fascist Action on October 5, 1996. Following a previous incident where The Business had their gig disrupted by C'18 due to security issues, the Anti-Fascist Action crew organized a concert for us. Floyd joined on guitar for this performance, which turned out to be a memorable night without any trouble.

In 1998, we reunited with a new drummer, Yan, and recorded more music, but we went quiet again after that. By 2004, we found ourselves back in rehearsals, with the lineup including me, Dom, and Floyd, along with Tony Kizmus (ex-Society’s Rejects) on drums, gearing up for potential festival appearances later that year.

Oi! Story: The 00s

In 2005, we toured extensively across Europe and even had a night in Canada, which was filmed for the Brotherhood DVD alongside The Prowlers. I turned 50 in 2006 and decided it was time to conclude my involvement with the band.

Fast forward to 2010, we returned for another series of performances, and by 2016, after touring worldwide, I made the decision to retire. Health issues and reaching the age of 60 weighed heavily in this choice, though I reflect on my time with pride.

As of 2020, at 63, I have reassembled the band, welcoming Ducky back on guitar after a 36-year hiatus. The new lineup includes Che on drums and Ross on bass, both from Bridgend and members of the South Wales punk band The Evil Turkeys. They have integrated seamlessly into the group, bringing their humor and energy.

Cheers to all—it has truly been an emotional journey. Roddy Moreno