Cult heroes - Interview with UK Subs' Charlie Harper - The Peter Pan of Punk

The UK Subs frontman, who is 80 is one of Britain's musical cult heroes and is fast becoming a national treasure.
Charlie was born in London but moved to the Sussex countryside when he was eight years old. Harper attended a "radical secondary school" where he was the Chairman of the Young Farmer's Club. He left school at the age of 15 to start a hairdressing apprenticeship. Following the apprenticeship, Harper began busking and playing the guitar and harmonica. In 1970, Harper got married and began working as a hairdresser at his sister-in-law's shop.
He first started making music in London’s R&B scene in the 60s: he chatted to the Stones at their gigs and was taught to play harmonica by Rod Stewart. His first band in 1964 was named Charlie Harper Free Press Band.
Before performing as the UK Subs, (they were formed in 1977) he was the frontman and founder of The Marauders which was a pub rock band. After seeing a couple of punk rock shows at The Roxy, the band changed their name to the Subversives and started playing punk rock. The name was eventually shortened to the U.K. Subs.
In 1980 his solo single release "Barmy London Army" spent one week at #68 in the UK Singles Chart. He has also recorded with his side project The Urban Dogs and released a solo album entitled Stolen Property and a second solo single "Freaked". As well as singing he also plays the harmonica and bass, he played rhythm guitar on the UK Subs album Diminished Responsibility. He still typically performs between 150 and 200 gigs per year with the UK Subs.
His band scored four top 20 albums and seven consecutive top 40 singles (Stranglehold, Tomorrows Girls, She’s Not There, Warhead, Teenage, Party in Paris and Keep on Running) between 1979 and 1981 and have long outlasted most of their punk peers.
Charlie and his band to this day remain one of Britain’s best-loved punk bands.
Biography of the Subs.
The UK Subs is a band hailing from London, England that formed in 1976. For nearly forty years they have remained one of the most respected British punk bands of all time, and have released over 20 studio albums since their debut in 1979.
Originally formed under the name U.K Subversives, lead singer Charlie Harper wanted his band to bridge a divide that Harper felt shouldn’t be there. A rhythm & blues singer by trade, he nonetheless felt a strong kinship with the up-and-coming punk rock movement. In his mind, it shared too many similarities with the thriving, blues-influenced pub-rock scene to be separate from it. So in 1976, he put together the first line-up of what would later become the U.K Subs to act as a bridge between the two scenes. Despite the line-up of the band changing frequently at first, the band scored their first session on Radio 1 legend John Peel’s radio show in 1977 and would go on to have several more in the next two years. These sessions were vital to the success of the band, and as a direct result of them, they scored a record deal with GEM Records in 1979.
They released their debut album “Another Kind Of Blues” the very same year, and both the album and it is lead single “Stranglehold” were top 30 hits on the albums and singles charts. Between 79’ and 81’ the band was hailed as one of the last true punk bands to see mainstream success, with their 1980 album “Crash Course” rocketing into the top ten at number eight. However, they were not able to maintain this kind of success, especially as straight punk rock was becoming increasingly passé in the face of the much cooler New Wave movement. However, Harper and the Subs were far stronger than fashion, and the band kept on going stronger than they ever were, releasing album after album and touring with the likes of The Ramones and Agent Orange all throughout the 1980s.

[@johnnyblythe5375]

I started following the Subs at around 13/14 years old. At that time, around 77, they were already filling pretty big pubs etc, but were also the regular support act for bands like The Damned, so they’d play bigger venues like the Lyceum and were well enough known that when they played everyone knew they’re songs and was having it large as if the UK Subs were the main act. Charlie was great and I remember him regularly at the bar talking to us and other fans before they went on stage. He realised I was still a school kid and would put me and few others on the guest lists wherever they played. He really was just a genuine geezer who cared about the fans who would follow them. I’m so glad he’s still doing the stuff he likes at his age, more power to ya elbow Charlie!

[@ricksimpson]

I was a regular at the Lyceum gigs, followed them around on tour 78 to 79, like you say, very welcoming and friendly honest types. 👍

[@joebloggs513]

Me and my late best pal went to see the subs circa 1980,my mate was refused entry by a bouncer for looking"too young",next thing I knew,Charlie was pulling my mate through the toilet window.thats what is so endearing about Charlie he is a fan,if he wasn't singing in a band,he'd be up the front pogoing,and is regularly with lots of bands.he is really humble and genuine.

[@squiresquiffy3728]

What a lovely chap. The music of the Subs has stood the test of time, still sounds great and exciting and I still want to hear it 45 years after I first heard it.

[@ChawkDee]

Can't believe I'm now 58 and still listening to them. Missed their gig in Aberdeen as I was only 14 and couldn't get in to the pub. Only fan club I ever joined, after buying that blue vinyl.

[@bubcentral23]

Charlie's not just a punk legend he was around with Hendrix and co in the 60s too. Crass say the UK subs were the only real punk band ever out of the London lot. Also the only band to release an lp record for every letter of the alphabet.

[@josephduffy6455]

I've been a uk subs fan since first hearing c.i.d on John peel in 78 I've seen them countless times over the years I've spoke to Charlie a few times and yes a real punk legend but also a perfect gentleman who has time for everyone great guy and a great live band who never disappoint

[@mummyd1990]

Charlie is the man,just being playing the brand new age lp today which is 23rd of May 2023 and it is just a pure UK punk rock album of all time.

[@charleshannam]

What a lovely guy! Can't picture him without a smile on his face.

[@paulrishworthhunter5715]

The first punk single I ever bought was ' Tomorrow's Girls' on blue vinyl from what was then Station Records in Keighley probably 77/8 and in 2022 Charlie is still ripping it up on tour with the UK Subs - Respect - and much to my surprise I'm still here to witness it.

[@tonygannon1438]

Bumped into Charlie at South Ken Tube one Saturday night, 1984, i said.. 'Give my band a support slot Charlie, he said sure pop round my house tomorrow with your demo' and i did and Charlie gave us a couple of gigs, more if we wanted. He is the nicest bloke ever and i hate seeing him get old. I loved the Subs gigs, 100 club, Lyceum, Ballroom... Nice days.

[@Britclip]

What was the name of your band Tony?

[@tonygannon1438]

Hello Britclip. We were called 'Pakov Liez', Charlie gave us a support at the Greyhound and support for the Urban Dogs at the Tunnel Club. Knox was a really nice as well.

[@JOjibwe]

Awesome to see you Charlie! Great video already stole it! Happy Birthday and hope to grab your book soon and have you sign it next time your in Canada!

[@tonyajm8289]

What a lovely bloke. Long live Charlie Harper

[@marko1314]

Huge respect for this guy - l remember seeing the UK Subs at a pub-gig in Islington once back in the early 80s - Spent the whole gig down the front in the mosh-pit - How chuffed was l when Charlie pulled me up on stage to sing the chorus of Warhead with him - What a legend.

[@jonwykes348]

charlie is a living punk time capsule! the word legend doesn't quite cover him!🔥

[@chrisinfidel]

My band played on the same bill as the Subs a few times and I met and talked with Charlie, Genuinely nice chap.

[@ianbarnett4511]

Just a lovely guy who has got a lot of time for his fan's. It will be sad to see him retire soon. But we all wish him and his wife the best in the future. BARNEY GLASGOW. 😎

[@written12]

Excellent interview. As Charlie says, it was more of a chat. But an informed one that managed to sketch out all the key parts of his musical background.

[@nowthen873]

What a great guy, love Charlie

[@TONY0765]

I was at the Lewes show, nice to see the pre-show interview.

[@nodtripRS]

Charlie Harper, the main man. Fabulous band, as we know brilliant live.

[@SCUNDY100]

always loved the subs , im in a band with current guitarist stephan straughan were called the hi fi spitfires , charlies always been great gives every one his time , i even played pills with him on vocals 3 times with my other mob firstwave

[@davidtozer802]

MY LEGEND ! MY hero !

[@jerrybailey5797]

A real down to earth guy , l bought one if there CDs of Charlie Haroer at a gig once and l gave him just over the price , and told him to keep the change , but he insisted l take it . Thats the kind of guy he is , hes the Grandfather of Punk in my eyes 👍

[@Britclip]

Like “grandfather of Punk.” Thanks for your comment.

[@trevorhurst6480]

Great interview. Saw you guys supporting Bad Religion earlier this year. You were great. First saw you in 77

[@bajoperfilrecs6997]

At the begining...arround 89 or so i wasnt much into the uk subs sound (lyrics have always been good).....after many years i could just not belive the Subs never sold out......made the music they wanted and kept writing amazing texts ...

[@Andrewjg_89]

A real Punk legend.

[@Britclip]

A lovely man to interview - lots of good stories.

[@Andrewjg_89]

👍🤘

[@MisterJonVox]

I bought you a hieneken at Spankys Cafe in Riverside Ca. 1992. We took a photo together given cheers. My friends band, Old Nick opened with a song I actually wrote. 😁👍☮️ Charlie...

[@deadlegification]

Looking forward to the book

[@greg16266]

What a bloody good interview, and such a nice bloke our Charlie… keep on keepin’ on ✌️btw reverse engineering is fookin killer

[@Britclip]

Thanks Greg - He's such a nice chap.

[@johnthompsonjohnthompson5926]

Modest as anything. Like all the greats!

[@paddycampbell576]

A TRUE LEGEND 😎

[@LarzGustafsson]

Charlie seems like a nice fellow. And I love the U K Subs.

[@hughzapretti-boyden9187]

I remember Charlie when he had his perm mincing about down the Roebuck.😂

[@adriansymcox1641]

great band i have seen them in leicester bedford and coalville best record warhead

[@spirallion6829]

Easy one of the best punk bands

[@garryherd3042]

This man came to my shitty wee town to play a gig, total gent, one off

[@stevenmccarthy534]

Its RED stripe Charlie!!! I'll give you a pass though!!!! Your the BEST!!

[@marcjones7775]

I went to see him at Lewes Con club

[@johnblaber3461]

seen the subs god knows how many times -lost count, from about 1978 onwards and many other punk bands especially the damned, clash, anti nowhere league etc and finally managed to see the sex pistols at finsbury park.-missed them 1st time. anyway ive met charlie several times in the past but recently i saw him twice in the library in my town! imagine how i was surprised to find that hes moved to my town and lives about 10 mins down the road from me!

[@Britclip]

Would that be the town next to Newhaven?

[@johnblaber3461]

yes britclip, i live in seaford which is next to newhaven.

[@Britclip]

Do you know if he has finished his book John?

[@johnblaber3461]

@@Britclip i didnt know he was writing one but if he does ile definately buy it.

[@philipwatts9033]

❤❤

[@davetommo4739]

Charlie mate. I did gigs with you back in 1980's. (4 Minute Waning) why did you stay quiet about the 3 jab arm game . could have saved a lot of fans from misery. Punk died 2020 when they all got hypnotised

[@gilramirez1373]

Book should be interesting.....

[@mattidohmeier5260]

Punk Hero 👍👈 !

[@stephenheffernan4163]

Xx

[@martiromero7894]

This guy apparently claims to be the nephew of actor Cesar Romero He is NOT. Why the f&$^ does he make this claim? (not in this video, at lease not in the small amount I could listen to, but in Wikipedia)

[@Buckseed]

Chelsea ended up on a segment of Mile's Urgh! A Music War documetary. James is playing guitar.."I'm on Fire!". 😂

[@koont666]

Red stripe

[@petegriffiths8239]

All interviews of Punk singers, are Kuntz. They never ask the singers personal opinion of current events. They just lead the interview back down boring memory lane that wev all heard a 1000 times. What the opinion on current events.???

[@Pissedman]

The most EPIC dude... EVER!!