Riot City was a British
record label
A record label, or record company, is a brand or trademark of music recordings and music videos, or the company that owns it. Sometimes, a record label is also a publishing company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the produ ...
based in
Bristol
Bristol () is a city, ceremonial county and unitary authority in England. Situated on the River Avon, it is bordered by the ceremonial counties of Gloucestershire to the north and Somerset to the south. Bristol is the most populous city in ...
, active between 1980 and 1988, and run by
Heartbeat Records
Heartbeat Records is an independent record label based in Burlington, Massachusetts. The label specializes in Jamaican music.
Founded by reggae music enthusiasts Bill Nowlin and Duncan Brown, the label's first release was a vinyl LP reissue of L ...
boss
Simon Edwards along with Dave Bateman and Shane Baldwin from the band
Vice Squad
A vice is a practice, behaviour, or habit generally considered immoral, sinful, criminal, rude, taboo, depraved, degrading, deviant or perverted in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a negative character trai ...
.
Vice Squad's ''Last Rockers EP'' was Riot City's first release - it reached number 1 in the UK Alternative Chart and sold 22,000 copies.
The label released dozens of singles, albums, and
EPs by bands including
Chaotic Dischord
Chaotic Dischord are a punk rock band from Bristol, England, allegedly formed by members of Vice Squad and their road crew in 1981, although this still remains unconfirmed by members of the band. The band also recorded a one-off EP under the ...
,
The Ejected
The Ejected were an English punk rock/Oi! band from Dagenham, London, active mainly between 1981 and 1983.
History
The band was formed by ex-Dawn Patrol members Big Jim Brooks (vocals, guitar), Gary Sandbrook (bass, vocals), and drummer Mick ...
,
Chaos UK
Chaos UK is an English punk rock band formed in 1979 in Portishead, near Bristol. They emerged as part of the anarcho-punk scene, developing a fast and aggressive hardcore punk style. The band recorded two EPs and a full LP for Riot City Re ...
, and
Abrasive Wheels
Abrasive Wheels are a punk rock band of the late 1970s β early 1980s. They hailed from Leeds, England and were seldom out of the Independent charts between 1980 and 1984 when the band split. The band were Shonna Rzonca β vocals, Dave Ryan β ...
, selling over 200,000 records in total.
In 1982 an American punk compilation album "Hell comes to your House" (Reagan 1) was licensed from Bemisbrain Records USA, and issued on the subsidiary Riot State Records label. In 1985
Chaotic Dischord
Chaotic Dischord are a punk rock band from Bristol, England, allegedly formed by members of Vice Squad and their road crew in 1981, although this still remains unconfirmed by members of the band. The band also recorded a one-off EP under the ...
released the spoof NOW! album, "NOW! Thatβs What I Call A Fuckin' Racket (Vol 1)" (GRR 1) on another subsidiary, Not Very Nice Records.
Riot City received its share of criticism, with journalist
Garry Bushell
Garry Bushell (born 13 May 1955) is an English newspaper columnist, rock music journalist, television presenter, author, musician and political activist. Bushell also sings in the Cockney Oi! bands GBX and the Gonads. He managed the New York Ci ...
describing the label as "the dustbin of punk", and members of
Crass
Crass were an English art collective and punk rock band formed in Epping, Essex in 1977, who promoted anarchism as a political ideology, a way of life, and a resistance movement. Crass popularised the anarcho-punk movement of the punk s ...
accusing the label of being the "back door to
EMI
EMI Group Limited (originally an initialism for Electric and Musical Industries, also referred to as EMI Records Ltd. or simply EMI) was a British transnational conglomerate founded in March 1931 in London. At the time of its break-up in 201 ...
" (Vice Squad had gone on to sign with EMI).
Riot City folded in the late-1980s and label boss Edwards continued with his job as a route planner with the
AA. In 1994 he returned to the music industry as head of
Trash City Records.
Discography
Albums
* ASSEMBLY 1 V/A - Riotous Assembly LP (10,000 copies, red vinyl)
* CITY 001
Abrasive Wheels
Abrasive Wheels are a punk rock band of the late 1970s β early 1980s. They hailed from Leeds, England and were seldom out of the Independent charts between 1980 and 1984 when the band split. The band were Shonna Rzonca β vocals, Dave Ryan β ...
- When The Punks Go Marching In LP
* CITY 002
Chaos UK
Chaos UK is an English punk rock band formed in 1979 in Portishead, near Bristol. They emerged as part of the anarcho-punk scene, developing a fast and aggressive hardcore punk style. The band recorded two EPs and a full LP for Riot City Re ...
- Chaos UK LP
* CITY 003
The Ejected
The Ejected were an English punk rock/Oi! band from Dagenham, London, active mainly between 1981 and 1983.
History
The band was formed by ex-Dawn Patrol members Big Jim Brooks (vocals, guitar), Gary Sandbrook (bass, vocals), and drummer Mick ...
- A Touch Of Class LP
* CITY 004
Chaotic Dischord
Chaotic Dischord are a punk rock band from Bristol, England, allegedly formed by members of Vice Squad and their road crew in 1981, although this still remains unconfirmed by members of the band. The band also recorded a one-off EP under the ...
- Fuck Religion, Fuck Politics, Fuck The Lot Of You! LP
* CITY 005
Varukers
The Varukers are a British punk rock band formed in 1979 by vocalist Anthony "Rat" Martin. They produced their most influential recordings in the early 1980s. The band play in D-beat, the musical style of Discharge. Also like Discharge, the ...
- Bloodsuckers LP
* CITY 006 Undead - The Killing Of Reality LP
* CITY 007
The Ejected
The Ejected were an English punk rock/Oi! band from Dagenham, London, active mainly between 1981 and 1983.
History
The band was formed by ex-Dawn Patrol members Big Jim Brooks (vocals, guitar), Gary Sandbrook (bass, vocals), and drummer Mick ...
- Spirit Of Rebellion LP
* CITY 008
Chaotic Dischord
Chaotic Dischord are a punk rock band from Bristol, England, allegedly formed by members of Vice Squad and their road crew in 1981, although this still remains unconfirmed by members of the band. The band also recorded a one-off EP under the ...
- Live in New York LP
Singles
* RIOT 1
Vice Squad
A vice is a practice, behaviour, or habit generally considered immoral, sinful, criminal, rude, taboo, depraved, degrading, deviant or perverted in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a negative character trai ...
- Last Rockers / Living On Dreams / Latex Love 7"
* RIOT 2
Vice Squad
A vice is a practice, behaviour, or habit generally considered immoral, sinful, criminal, rude, taboo, depraved, degrading, deviant or perverted in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a negative character trai ...
- Resurrection EP 7"
* RIOT 3
The Insane
''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the ...
- Politics / Dead And Gone / Last Day 7"
* RIOT 4
Abrasive Wheels
Abrasive Wheels are a punk rock band of the late 1970s β early 1980s. They hailed from Leeds, England and were seldom out of the Independent charts between 1980 and 1984 when the band split. The band were Shonna Rzonca β vocals, Dave Ryan β ...
- Vicious Circle / Attack / Voice Of Youth 7"
* RIOT 5 Court Martial - Gotta Get Out / Fight For Your Life / Young Offender 7"
* RIOT 6
Chaos UK
Chaos UK is an English punk rock band formed in 1979 in Portishead, near Bristol. They emerged as part of the anarcho-punk scene, developing a fast and aggressive hardcore punk style. The band recorded two EPs and a full LP for Riot City Re ...
- Burning Britain EP 7" (4 track EP)
* RIOT 7 Undead - It's Corruption / Undead 7"
* RIOT 8 Expelled - No Life, No Future / What Justice / Dreaming 7"
* RIOT 9
Abrasive Wheels
Abrasive Wheels are a punk rock band of the late 1970s β early 1980s. They hailed from Leeds, England and were seldom out of the Independent charts between 1980 and 1984 when the band split. The band were Shonna Rzonca β vocals, Dave Ryan β ...
- The Army Song / Juvenile / So Slow 7" (Red vinyl)
* RIOT 10
Chaotic Dischord
Chaotic Dischord are a punk rock band from Bristol, England, allegedly formed by members of Vice Squad and their road crew in 1981, although this still remains unconfirmed by members of the band. The band also recorded a one-off EP under the ...
- Fuck The World / You're Gonna Die / Sold Out To The GPO 7"
* RIOT 11 Court Martial - No Solution / Too Late / Take Control 7"
* RIOT 12
Chaos UK
Chaos UK is an English punk rock band formed in 1979 in Portishead, near Bristol. They emerged as part of the anarcho-punk scene, developing a fast and aggressive hardcore punk style. The band recorded two EPs and a full LP for Riot City Re ...
- Loud Political And Uncompromising EP 7" (3 track EP)
* RIOT 13 Mayhem - Gentle Murder EP 7" 4 track EP
* RIOT 14
The Ejected
The Ejected were an English punk rock/Oi! band from Dagenham, London, active mainly between 1981 and 1983.
History
The band was formed by ex-Dawn Patrol members Big Jim Brooks (vocals, guitar), Gary Sandbrook (bass, vocals), and drummer Mick ...
- Have You Got 10p? / Class Of 82 / One Of The Boys 7"
* RIOT 15 Undead - Violent Visions 7"
* RIOT 16
Abrasive Wheels
Abrasive Wheels are a punk rock band of the late 1970s β early 1980s. They hailed from Leeds, England and were seldom out of the Independent charts between 1980 and 1984 when the band split. The band were Shonna Rzonca β vocals, Dave Ryan β ...
- Burn 'Em Down / Urban Rebels 7"
* RIOT 17 Expelled - Government Policy / Make It Alone 7"
* RIOT 18 Resistance 77 - Nowhere To Play EP 7" (4 track EP)
* RIOT 19
The Ejected
The Ejected were an English punk rock/Oi! band from Dagenham, London, active mainly between 1981 and 1983.
History
The band was formed by ex-Dawn Patrol members Big Jim Brooks (vocals, guitar), Gary Sandbrook (bass, vocals), and drummer Mick ...
- Noise For The Boys! EP 7" (3 track EP)
* RIOT 20 No Choice - Sadist Dream / Cream Of The Crop / Nuclear Disaster 7"
* RIOT 21 Emergency - Points Of View / City Fun / Does Anybody Realise? 7"
* RIOT 22
Chaotic Dischord
Chaotic Dischord are a punk rock band from Bristol, England, allegedly formed by members of Vice Squad and their road crew in 1981, although this still remains unconfirmed by members of the band. The band also recorded a one-off EP under the ...
- Never Trust A Friend / Are Students Safe? / Popstars 7"
* RIOT 23 Sex Aids - Back On The Piss Again / The Amazing Mr Michael Hogarth / We Are The Road Crew 7"
* RIOT 24 Mayhem - Pulling Puppet Strings EP 7" (3 track EP)
* RIOT 25 Ultra Violent - Crime For Revenge / Where Angels Dare Not Tread / Dead Generation 7"
* RIOT 26 Underdogs - East Of Dachau / Johnny Go Home / Dead Soldier 7"
* RIOT 27
Varukers
The Varukers are a British punk rock band formed in 1979 by vocalist Anthony "Rat" Martin. They produced their most influential recordings in the early 1980s. The band play in D-beat, the musical style of Discharge. Also like Discharge, the ...
- Die For Your Government / All Systems Fail 7"
* RIOT 28
The Ejected
The Ejected were an English punk rock/Oi! band from Dagenham, London, active mainly between 1981 and 1983.
History
The band was formed by ex-Dawn Patrol members Big Jim Brooks (vocals, guitar), Gary Sandbrook (bass, vocals), and drummer Mick ...
- Press The Button EP 7" (3 track EP)
* RIOT 29
Varukers
The Varukers are a British punk rock band formed in 1979 by vocalist Anthony "Rat" Martin. They produced their most influential recordings in the early 1980s. The band play in D-beat, the musical style of Discharge. Also like Discharge, the ...
- Led To The Slaughter / The End Is Nigh / You're Dead 7"
* 12 RIOT 1/2
Vice Squad
A vice is a practice, behaviour, or habit generally considered immoral, sinful, criminal, rude, taboo, depraved, degrading, deviant or perverted in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a negative character trai ...
- Special Edition Tour EP 12" (6 track EP)
* 12 RIOT 30
Chaotic Dischord
Chaotic Dischord are a punk rock band from Bristol, England, allegedly formed by members of Vice Squad and their road crew in 1981, although this still remains unconfirmed by members of the band. The band also recorded a one-off EP under the ...
- Don't Throw It All Away 12" (8 track
mini-LP
A mini-LP or mini-album is a short vinyl record album or LP, usually retailing at a lower price than an album that would be considered full-length. It is distinct from an EP due to containing more tracks and a slightly longer running length. A ...
)
* 12 RIOT 31
Varukers
The Varukers are a British punk rock band formed in 1979 by vocalist Anthony "Rat" Martin. They produced their most influential recordings in the early 1980s. The band play in D-beat, the musical style of Discharge. Also like Discharge, the ...
- Another Religion Another War 12" (8 track mini-lp)
* 12 RIOT 32
Chaos UK
Chaos UK is an English punk rock band formed in 1979 in Portishead, near Bristol. They emerged as part of the anarcho-punk scene, developing a fast and aggressive hardcore punk style. The band recorded two EPs and a full LP for Riot City Re ...
- The Singles 12" (8 track mini-lp)
See also
*
List of record labels
File:Alvinoreyguitarboogie.jpg
File:AmMusicBunk78.jpg
File:Bingola1011b.jpg
Lists of record labels cover record labels, brands or trademarks associated with marketing of music recordings and music videos. The lists are organized alphabetically, b ...
*
List of bands from Bristol
This is a list of notable music groups, musicians and singers from, and associated with, the English city of Bristol and its surrounding areas (including North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, Western Wiltshire, and South Gloucestershire) ...
*
List of record labels from Bristol
The English city of Bristol has, since the mid-1970s, had a fertile music culture, resulting in not only influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound, Bristol sound or trip hop. Along with the music, a number of local record labels als ...
*
the Cartel
*
Heartbeat Productions
Heartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot ...
References
External links
Riot City Records at Discogs.comListen to Vice Squad at last.fmListen to Abrasive Wheels at last.fmThe Story of Riot City Records on YouTube
{{Authority control
British independent record labels
Record labels established in 1980
Punk record labels
Music in Bristol