Sham 69, an influential British punk rock band, emerged from the effervescent punk scene of the late 1970s, wielding a brand of proletarian "street punk" that resonated with the working-class youth of the United Kingdom. Formed in Hersham, Surrey in 1975, the original lineup consisted of frontman Jimmy Pursey, guitarist Dave Parsons, bassist Albie Slider, and drummer Mark Cain (later replaced by Ricky Goldstein). Known for their raucous live performances and anti-racist stance, Sham 69 became synonymous with anthemic tracks that mixed social commentary and sing-along choruses.

The band's name, often mistakenly associated with football hooliganism, actually came from a piece of graffiti that Pursey saw in Hersham, combining the word "Sham" with the number "69," reported to have been the founding year of a local youth organization. Throughout the late 1970s and early '80s, Sham 69 released a string of successful singles such as "If the Kids Are United" and "Hurry Up Harry," and albums including their debut “Tell Us The Truth” and "That's Life." Despite multiple line-up changes and hiatuses, the band's influence persisted. In the 21st century, Sham 69 continued to release new music with albums and tracks like "Who Killed Joe Public" (2010) and "Black Dog" that maintained their trademark raw energy and confrontational style. Their ability to draw new fans while keeping the old guard's loyalty has allowed them to endure as enduring figures in the punk pantheon, offering a bridge between punk's heyday and its contemporary iterations.