History
999: A London Punk Fixture
Formed in London in 1976, 999 emerged as a significant force in the English punk scene. The band was founded by singer and guitarist Nick Cash. The initial lineup solidified with Guy Days on vocals and guitar, Jon Watson on bass, and Pablo LaBritain on drums. Following LaBritain's injury in 1978, Ed Case briefly took over drumming duties.
Lineup Evolution and Early Success
Over the years, the bass position saw changes, with Danny Palmer stepping in from 1986 to 1991, followed by Arturo Bassick, formerly of The Lurkers, who has been with the band since 1991.
999 quickly gained traction within London's punk circuit. Their debut single, "I'm Alive," was released independently in 1977. The band soon achieved commercial success, charting five singles in the UK Top 100 under the United Artists label. Despite this initial popularity, their momentum began to slow in the early 1980s.
Enduring Legacy and Pure Punk Sound
999 disbanded in the mid-1980s but quickly reformed. Since then, they have continued to release music and perform live. Similar to contemporaries like The Ruts, 999 cultivated a strong following through consistent performances in the raw venues of West London, particularly around Southall. However, unlike The Ruts, 999 largely maintained a distinct 'pure punk' sound, eschewing reggae influences.