Oi Guide

Oi!, sometimes spelled Oi! or spelt as Oy!, is a subgenre of punk rock that originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s. It is characterized by its aggressive, working-class sound and lyrics, which often deal with issues such as unemployment, poverty, and violence. Oi! bands typically have a simple, straightforward sound, with catchy melodies and simple lyrics. The subgenre is often associated with skinhead culture, and many Oi! bands have strong political views, ranging from left-wing to right-wing.

Some of the most well-known Oi! bands include Cock Sparrer, Sham 69, The 4-Skins, and Skrewdriver. Oi! has also been influential in the development of other genres of punk rock, such as hardcore punk and street punk.

Here are some of the key characteristics of Oi!:

• Aggressive, working-class sound: Oi! bands typically have a simple, straightforward sound, with catchy melodies and simple lyrics. The music is often aggressive and energetic, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and power chords.
• Lyrics about unemployment, poverty, and violence: Oi! lyrics often deal with issues that are relevant to the working class, such as unemployment, poverty, and violence. The music can be angry and confrontational, but it can also be uplifting and empowering.
• Association with skinhead culture: Oi! is often associated with skinhead culture, and many Oi! bands have strong political views, ranging from left-wing to right-wing. However, it is important to note that not all skinheads are Oi! fans, and not all Oi! fans are skinheads.
• Influence on other genres of punk rock: Oi! has been influential in the development of other genres of punk rock, such as hardcore punk and street punk. These genres share many of the same characteristics as Oi!, but they often have a more aggressive and political sound.

Oi! continues to be a popular subgenre of punk rock today, with new bands emerging all the time. The music is often seen as a way for working-class people to express their anger and frustration with the status quo.

The History Of Oi

Oi!, also known as street punk or oi punk, is a genre of punk rock that originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s. It is characterized by its aggressive, working-class sound, its often political lyrics, and its association with skinhead subculture.

The roots of Oi! can be traced back to the late 1970s, when a number of British punk bands began to adopt a more aggressive, streetwise sound. These bands, which included the Cockney Rejects, the 4-Skins, and the Angelic Upstarts, were often influenced by the music of football hooligans and other working-class youth subcultures.

Oi! quickly gained a following among skinheads, who were attracted to its aggressive sound and its lyrics about working-class life and struggles. The music became a soundtrack for the skinhead subculture, which was often associated with violence and hooliganism.

In the early 1980s, Oi! began to spread beyond the UK, reaching countries such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. The music became increasingly popular, and a number of bands emerged that were influenced by the Oi! sound. These bands included Agnostic Front, Blitz, and Discipline.

Oi! has continued to be a popular genre of punk rock, and it has spawned a number of subgenres, including Oi! ska and Oi! core. The music continues to be associated with the skinhead subculture, and it has often been criticized for its association with violence and hooliganism. However, Oi! remains a popular genre of music among many working-class youth, and it continues to be an important part of the punk rock scene.

Here are some of the key characteristics of Oi! music:

• Aggressive, working-class sound
• Often political lyrics
• Association with skinhead subculture
• Use of simple, catchy melodies
• Fast, driving tempos
• Often includes gang vocals

Oi Band

• The 4-Skins
• Blitz
• The Business
• Cockney Rejects
• Criminal Class
• GBH
• The Last Resort
• Oxymoron
• The Partisans
• Peter and the Test Tube Babies
• Red London
• Sham 69
• Skrewdriver
• The Sladogs
• Splodgenessabounds
• Toy Dolls
• UK Subs
• The Varukers
• Vice Squad