The Newtown Neurotics
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 in Harlow, Essex, England |
| Headquarters | Harlow , England |
| Products | Punk rock music |
The Newtown Neurotics—later shortened to The Neurotics—are a punk rock group originating from Harlow, Essex, established in 1979, noted for their politically motivated songwriting.
History
Originally performing under the name The Newtown Neurotics, their initial musical style drew strong inspiration from bands such as The Clash and The Ramones. Between 1979 and 1983, they issued multiple singles that were eventually gathered in the compilation 45 Revolutions per Minute. Their first full-length album, Beggars Can Be Choosers, was released in 1983. Throughout the 1980s, the band adopted the shorter moniker The Neurotics and evolved their sound to incorporate slower rhythms and brass instrumentation. Significant albums released through the UK post-punk label Jungle Records include Repercussions (1986) and Is Your Washroom Breeding Bolsheviks (1988).
Steve Drewett, the lead vocalist and guitarist, consistently integrated socialist perspectives into his lyrics and was recognized for affixing an anarcho-syndicalist sticker onto his guitar. Beginning in 1986, The Neurotics were pioneers among Western bands to perform behind the Iron Curtain, playing concerts in East Germany alongside acts such as Billy Bragg and Attila the Stockbroker.
Following bassist Colin Dredd’s departure due to pleurisy, Mac (known from Travis Cut / The Pharaohs / The Skabilly Rebels) joined for farewell performances that featured their entire repertoire. The group officially disbanded in October 1988.
Post break-up
After the split, Drewett established the Afropunk ensemble The Indestructible Beat, which dissolved in 1995. He also pursued solo performances internationally—including appearances in North Korea and Cuba—and released his first solo album, KuJenga Society, in 2015.
Reformation
The Newtown Neurotics reunited for shows in London and Brighton as preparation for Blackpool’s Wasted festival in 2006 and the Rebellion punk festival in 2008. Starting in 2007, Drewett was supported by a refreshed rhythm section featuring David Walsh on drums and Adam Smith on bass, both hailing from Harlow; this lineup performed at the 2009 Rebellion Festival. Drewett made his United States debut at The Big Takeover magazine’s 30th Anniversary festival in 2010.
Simon Lomond returned to the band in 2015 for live performances including appearances at the Rebellion Festival. Original bassist Colin Dredd (Masters) passed away on 19 May 2015.
In 2018, the band successfully raised funds via Kickstarter to produce a comprehensive documentary chronicling their journey. Titled Kick Out!: The Newtown Neurotics Story and directed by Luke J. Baker, it premiered at London’s 100 Club on 5 September 2023.
Their first album release in over three decades, Cognitive Dissidents, arrived in 2022, preceded by the single Climate Emergency.
Newtown Neurotics
- Beggars Can Be Choosers (Razor Records) 1983
- 45 Revolutions per Minute: Singles 1979–1984 (Jungle) 1994
- Punk Singles Collection (Cherry Red Records) 2000
- Punk Collection (Captain Oi!) 2001
- Triumph Over Adversity (Live in 1987) (Cruel Binary) 2015
- The Elephant Demos (1980) (No Plan Records) 2018
- Cognitive Dissidents (Cadiz) 2022
Neurotics
- Repercussions (Jungle Records) 1986
- Kickstarting a Backfiring Nation (Jungle) 1987
- Is Your Washroom Breeding Bolsheviks (Jungle) 1988
- Never Thought EP (Jungle) 1988
- His Masters Voice – The Very Best Of 1992
- Daily Life... Enemies, Dreams, Memories of the Neurotic (Guttersnipe) 1998
Neurotics' Songs Included in Various Compilations
- Punk & Disorderly III – The Final Solution (Anagram Records) 1983 – features "Kick Out The Tories"
- They Shall Not Pass (CNT Records) 1985 – includes "Mindless Violence" and "Kick Out The Tories"
- Wake UP (Womble Records) 1986 – presents a live version of "This Fragile Life"
- Not Just Mandela (Davy Lamp Records) 1986 – contains "Africa" performed alongside Billy Bragg
- The Shit Factory (Warner) 1998 – showcases "Living With Unemployment"
Appearances in Popular Media
- The opening theme of stand-up comic Tom Mayhew's series on BBC Radio 4, Tom Mayhew is Benefit Scum, features the track "Living With Unemployment".