999 - A history Part 2

999 Part 3

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Things really started moving for 999 in April 1977 when Albion, the management and agency with whom they signed, began getting them regular gigs. They played the Nashville, Red Cow, Hope & Anchor and Roxy quickly building up a following. One section of it having originated from Southall and calling themselves the Southall Contingent. They went through numerous name changes - the Dials, Fanatics and 48 Hours - until finally settlling on 999 mid year and released on their own LaBritain record label the single I'm Alive which sold around 10,000 copies. At the time they didn't think of themselves as a punk band, 'We're just modern" write songs that obviously appeal to punks.'

On the basis of this United Artists signed them up and 999 went on a great singles run including Emergency, Nasty Nasty, Homicide and re-releasing I'm Alive. Other signings to UA like The Stranglers and Buzzcocks both enjoyed chart success but for some reason it eluded 999.

Their biggest chance came with the anthemic Homicide in 1978 released on green vinyl which would have seen them gain a spot on the chart programme Top Of The Pops and a near certain rise up the charts. However a technicians strike meant no TOTP that week and the momentum was lost.

Even worse was next when Pablo was injured in a car crash and stand in drummer Ed Case was recruited but they still toured America to great acclaim. Their return however saw them move to Radar records.

Punk had changed and 999 attempted to change with it like so many others. While never gaining back the their original popularity and record sales, they have for the past 30 years or so maintained a live and recording profile to become one of Britain's best loved punk acts and always a great live act.