Angelic Upstarts

The Profile

Angelic Upstarts are a British punk/Oi! band formed in South Shields, England, in 1977. Fronted by Thomas “Mensi” Mensforth, they became known for a fiercely working‑class, anti‑fascist stance and a run of influential late-70s/early-80s singles and albums.

Formed in South Shields in 1977; core style spans punk rock and Oi!. Noted for anti-fascist, working‑class themes and frontman Thomas “Mensi” Mensforth. Key releases include Teenage Warning, We Gotta Get Out of This Place, 2,000,000 Voices, Reason Why?, and singles like The Murder of Liddle Towers.

One glowing review hails Teenage Warning as an immensely important, musically tight Oi!/punk cornerstone. The write-up praises its energetic yet nuanced sound, highlights tracks like We are the people and Little Tower, and celebrates Mensi’s raw, sensitive vocal power. Overall tone: reverent and fired-up.