English Rose

Coalville (Leicestershire) based Oi! band, formed in 1987. Originally called White Aggression but months before their first concert they changed their name to English Rose when it was realised a Swedish skinhead band (Vit Aggression) was using the same name. The original line-up was Jonesy vocals, Mick on guitar, Dean Porter on guitar, Spen on bass and Blakey on drums. Jonesy and Spen had both been in Oi! band British Born. Porter didn't last long in the band. This line-up recorded an eight-track demo, which was sold on the scene and sent to a few labels. The label that showed most interest was Rebelles Europeens and after a few letters and phone calls a deal was struck to record. The first release was a single called 'Proud Nationalist Warriors', which was released in 1989. The next recording session was also for Rebelles Europeens in which four songs were recorded. 'Warriors Of The Rose' and 'Stop The Invasion' were released in 1992 on the 'Last Chance' compilation album. The other two tracks 'We're Back' and 'Justice-There's No Justice' were meant for volume 2 but it was never released. By this time Mick had left the band and a new guitarist was found by the name of Guiness, he played a handful of gigs and started recording the new album 'Never Be Silenced' before leaving the band following an incident with a gang of immigrants and a spell in prison. The album was completed with the help of former guitarist Mick and released by Rebelles Europeens in 1992.

The band was out of action for a while until along came a local ex-punk called Steve. Some practice sessions were arranged and the result was a new CD called 'The Flame Still Burns' released by German label Skull Records. Steve quit, he was replaced by Martin Cross. They went into the studio to record four new songs, the first two 'You Know Our Name' and 'Voice Of The Right'. The other two tracks 'Choose Your Side' and 'White And Proud' were released on a single by French label Boha Records. This is when Martin Cross quit the band and was replaced in 1995 by Dirk, ex-Close Shave. They went into the studio again to record six new songs for various labels. The first two songs were 'Feel Our Power - Feel Our Force' and 'Our Nation' and were released on the Polish label Thor Records. The next two songs, 'One Mission' and 'By Any Means', were released by Nordland Records. The last two songs were recorded but have never been released these tracks were 'Cheers, Thanks And All The Best' and a cover of Skrewdriver's 'Blood And Honour'.