The Cortinas

**The Cortinas** were a fiery young punk band bursting out of Bristol, England, in 1976. Known for their raw energy and teenage rebellion (some members were still in school!), they became darlings of the UK punk scene with sneery anthems like "Fascist Dictator" and gigs supporting The Clash. Their scrappy 1977 singles and only studio album, *True Romances* (1979), captured their bratty charm and political bite. Though they split by 1979, their cult status lives on through compilations like *Punk Rock Anthology* and gritty demo collections (including the *GBH Demos 1977*), which showcase their role in punk’s DIY spirit. Guitarist Nick Sheppard even later joined The Clash, proving their scrappy roots left a mark.