The Warriors’ debut single, “Born To Run,” was released in 1982 and initially failed to make much of an impact. However, the band’s fortunes changed when they signed to indie label Secret Records and released their second single, “You Came Along.” The song peaked at number 46 in the UK charts and cemented the Warriors’ reputation as one of the most exciting new punk bands around.
Over the next few years, the Warriors released a string of classic punk anthems, including “Living In Hope,” “Noizy Boys,” and “The Creeper.” Their lyrics were often confrontational, highlighting the issues faced by young people in Thatcherite Britain, but they were delivered with a raucous energy that made them impossible to ignore.
Despite gaining a loyal following and critical acclaim, the Warriors never quite made it to the big leagues. They never enjoyed a top 40 hit and were largely ignored by the mainstream media. However, they remained dedicated to their music and their message, touring extensively throughout the UK and Europe and building a reputation as one of the most intense live bands around.
The Warriors’ hard work paid off in 1985 when they signed a deal with Polydor Records and released their first full-length album, “The Age Of The Meek Shall Pass.” The album was a critical success and showcased the band’s raw energy and political convictions. However, it failed to sell in large numbers and the band’s relationship with Polydor soured.
The Warriors soldiered on, releasing two more albums in the late 1980s, “War Is Hell” and “Behind The Mask.” These albums saw the band experimenting with different styles, incorporating elements of hard rock and heavy metal into their sound. However, they failed to match the success of their early singles and the Warriors eventually called it quits in 1990.
In the years since their split, the Warriors have become cult heroes of the British punk scene. Their influence can be heard in the music of countless bands that followed in their wake, and their dedication to social justice and political activism remains an inspiration to this day.
Despite their relative lack of commercial success, the Warriors’ impact on the punk scene cannot be overstated. Their uncompromising lyrics and ferocious live shows helped to define the sound and attitude of British punk in the 1980s, and their legacy lives on today.
In conclusion, The Warriors were a seminal British punk band who, while never quite achieving mainstream success, left an indelible mark on the punk scene of the 1980s. Their uncompromising message and raucous energy continue to inspire new generations of punk rockers and their influence can still be heard in the music of countless bands today.