The Bruisers
The Bruisers |
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The Bruisers were pioneers of the American streetpunk/oi! movement, formed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1988. Continually dogged by line-up changes and bad luck, they continued to make records right up to their demise. The original lineup included: Al Barr (vocals, now the lead singer of the Boston Celtic punk band the Dropkick Murphys), Scotty Davies (bass), Jeff Morris (guitar) and Rodger Shosa (drums).
The band were originally composed of the four men who lived under the Skinhead culture (though, not as Neo-Nazi Skins). After a few short years and lineup changes, the band and their style changed slightly. The band covered several songs, such as "Work Together" by The Oppressed, "SPG" by The Exploited, "Ollie Vee" by Buddy Holly, "Nation On Fire" by Blitz, "Police Oppression" by Angelic Upstarts, "Live For Now' by Iron Cross and "Ode To Johnny" by Johnny Thunders. Coincidentally, The Bruisers did a 7" split with the Dropkick Murphys in 1997 (while Mike McColgan was still with the Boston band). By mid 1998, Al Barr was the only remaining original member of the band. He then decided to disband the Bruisers and pursue his new role as singer for Dropkick Murphys.
The Bruisers reunited on September 14, 2005 to perform a show at The Roxy in Boston, Massachusetts. The bill included local acts The Ducky Boys and Tommy & The Terrors, as well as The Casualties from New York City.
Discography
- Intimidation ep (1989)
- Independence Day ep (1990)
- American Night ep (1991)
- Cruisin' for a Bruisin' (1993)
- Up in Flames (1996)
- In The Pit - Live And Rare (2000)
- The Authorized Bruisers: Anything You Want (2000)
- Better Days! (2001)