History: Sham 69 formed in 1976 (the 12 November issue of NME notes they were rehearsing at this time, although only Pursey would remain from this early line-up 12 months later). Sham 69 lacked the art school background of many British punk bands of the time, and brought in football chant back-up vocals and a sort of inarticulate political populism. The band had a large skinhead following (left wing, right wing and non-political), which helped set the tone for the Oi! movement. Their concerts were notoriously plagued by violence, and the band ceased live performances after one of their gigs at Middlesex Polytechnic in 1978 was broken up by National Front skinheads fighting and rushing the stage. Sham 69 released their first single, "Ulster", on Step Forward Records in August 1977, and its success in the independent charts prompted Polydor to sign the band.
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Geoffrey Thomas Lyrics
Sham 69
Geoffrey Thomas was born in Wales
He was in and out of those dole queue jails
They said he was a burglar
But they made him feel like a murderer
Now Geoffrey Thomas is dead
And he died in bed
Geoffrey Thomas is dead
And he died in bed
Geoffrey Thomas was chained to a bed
No questions asked, it was the nurse that said
This man's dying, he's still in pain
But no we're never going to see him again
Now Geoffrey Thomas is dead
And he died in bed
Geoffrey Thomas is dead
And he died in bed
Geoffrey Thomas we hope and pray
That nobody else will die this way
I'll sing your name with dignity
To take away the misery
Now Geoffrey Thomas is dead
And he died in bed
Geoffrey Thomas is dead
And he died in bed