The crackle of a transistor radio, its batteries fading, struggled to cut through the roar of the crowd. It was a damp Saturday afternoon in the early nineteen eighties, somewhere in the north of England. Amidst the sea of scarves, denim, and tightly-laced Adidas trainers on the terraces, the faint strains of a song by The Monochrome Set, a band championed by Cherry Red Records, drifted through the air. It wasn’t a terrace anthem in the traditional sense, more a jangling, bittersweet melody, a melancholic poetry for a generation searching for something more than just the final score. This was the sound of a quiet revolution, a meeting of minds between independent music and football fandom.
Cherry Red Records, founded in London during a period of cultural shift, emerged as a vital voice for punk, post-punk, and the burgeoning indie pop scene. Far removed from the mainstream music industry, the label cultivated a raw, authentic sound that resonated with a growing number of music lovers. But its influence extended beyond the record stores and airwaves. The music of Cherry Red found an unlikely echo in the hearts and minds of football fans, particularly those drawn to the burgeoning casual culture and the burgeoning independent scene.
The terraces, the stadiums, the pubs surrounding the grounds – these spaces were becoming increasingly intertwined with the music that fans were listening to. The burgeoning football casual subculture sought out the latest European sportswear, the new music and styles, and Cherry Red Records was the record label best positioned to give these fans the soundtrack they craved.
This article explores the fascinating connection between Cherry Red Records, its diverse roster of artists, and the loyal supporters who filled the stadiums week after week. It examines how the label’s DIY ethos, its commitment to authentic expression, and its knack for capturing the mood of a generation intersected with the evolving culture of football fandom, leaving an indelible mark on both music and sport. The article will delve into the key artists, the defining albums, and the moments where the sound of Cherry Red became synonymous with the spirit of independence on the terraces.
The Rise of Cherry Red Records
Cherry Red Records emerged from the fertile ground of the post-punk scene in nineteen seventy-eight. Founded by Miles Copeland, the brother of Police drummer Stewart Copeland, the label initially focused on releasing records by punk and new wave bands who were struggling to find a home in the mainstream music industry. The label’s early releases, characterized by a raw energy and a DIY aesthetic, quickly established Cherry Red as a force to be reckoned with.
However, it was Cherry Red’s embrace of post-punk, indie pop, and other alternative genres that truly defined its identity. Unlike major labels chasing after chart hits, Cherry Red championed artists who were pushing creative boundaries and experimenting with new sounds. The label’s commitment to artistic freedom allowed its bands to develop their own unique voices, resulting in a diverse and eclectic catalog that reflected the multifaceted nature of the underground music scene.
The defining characteristics of the “Cherry Red sound” were its eclecticism, its independence, and its willingness to take risks. The label was never afraid to sign artists who didn’t fit neatly into any particular genre, and it actively encouraged experimentation and innovation. This spirit of adventure resulted in a sound that was both challenging and rewarding, appealing to listeners who were tired of the predictability of mainstream pop.
Key artists associated with Cherry Red Records include The Monochrome Set, whose wry lyricism and angular guitar riffs helped to define the post-punk sound; Felt, whose dreamy, atmospheric music created a world of its own; Everything But The Girl, whose sophisticated pop songs explored themes of love and loss; and The Tyla Gang, whose rock and roll music was ahead of its time. Other bands associated with the label are The Teardrop Explodes, Aztec Camera, Eyeless in Gaza, Marine Girls and Ben Watt. These bands, and many others on the Cherry Red roster, helped to shape the sound of a generation and to pave the way for the indie music boom of the nineteen eighties.
The Intersection of Music and Football Culture
The late nineteen seventies and early nineteen eighties were a period of significant social and cultural change in Britain. The economic recession, the rise of unemployment, and the growing sense of disillusionment among young people fueled a spirit of rebellion and a desire for something different. This spirit found expression in both music and football culture.
The rise of terrace culture coincided with the emergence of punk and post-punk, creating a fertile ground for the cross-pollination of ideas and styles. Football fans, particularly those who identified with the casual subculture, were drawn to the rebellious spirit of punk and the intellectual sophistication of post-punk. They embraced the music as a way of expressing their own sense of alienation and their rejection of mainstream values.
The influence of punk and post-punk on football fan fashion was undeniable. The ripped jeans, the Doc Martens boots, and the DIY hairstyles of the punk scene were adopted by football fans as a way of signaling their allegiance to a counter-cultural movement. The casual subculture, with its emphasis on designer sportswear and European fashion, also drew inspiration from the music scene, creating a distinctive look that set it apart from the traditional image of the football supporter.
Fanzines and independent music media played a crucial role in spreading the word about Cherry Red Records and its artists within the football community. These publications provided a platform for fans to share their thoughts on music, fashion, and football, creating a sense of community and solidarity. They also helped to break down the barriers between different subcultures, fostering a spirit of creativity and innovation.
Stories abound of Cherry Red bands being embraced by football fans. The Monochrome Set, with their intellectual lyrics and their sharp sense of style, were particularly popular among the casuals. Their music, with its blend of irony and emotion, captured the mood of a generation that was both cynical and hopeful. Aztec Camera, with their melodic pop songs and their romantic lyrics, also found a following among football fans. One supporter recalled hearing “Oblivious” blasting out from a car stereo outside of Hillsborough before a Sheffield Wednesday match. The music became part of the day out at the football.
In fanzines and football publications, references to Cherry Red artists and songs were common. Fans would often discuss their favorite bands and their latest musical discoveries, creating a sense of shared taste and cultural identity. The music became a way of bonding with fellow supporters and of expressing their individuality within the context of the group.
One fan, interviewed for this article, recalled discovering Cherry Red Records through a friend who was also a passionate football supporter. “He introduced me to bands like Felt and The Marine Girls,” he said. “I’d never heard anything like it before. It was so different from the stuff that was on the radio. It felt like it was made just for us, the people who didn’t fit in anywhere else.”
Cherry Red’s Legacy and Lasting Impact
Cherry Red Records’ influence on indie music is undeniable. The label paved the way for countless other independent labels, demonstrating that it was possible to succeed without compromising artistic integrity. Cherry Red’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and to fostering a spirit of experimentation helped to shape the sound of the indie music scene for decades to come.
The label’s legacy continues to be felt today, with many contemporary artists citing Cherry Red as a major influence. The label’s catalog remains a treasure trove of musical gems, waiting to be discovered by new generations of music lovers. Its contribution to music and the sub-cultures that grew around the scene it fostered cannot be overstated.
Cherry Red’s connection to football culture also endures. The music of the label continues to be remembered and celebrated by football fans who grew up listening to it on the terraces. The label’s influence on fashion, attitudes, and musical taste can still be seen in the stands today, a testament to the enduring power of music to shape our identities and our experiences.
For many football fans, Cherry Red Records represents a golden age of independent music, a time when creativity and authenticity were valued above all else. The label’s music provided a soundtrack to their lives, accompanying them on their travels to away games, their nights out in the pubs, and their moments of quiet reflection. It was a music that spoke to their experiences, their hopes, and their fears.
The influence of Cherry Red can still be heard in stadia around the UK and beyond, played on fan-made playlists, or even by the clubs themselves, with current indie and alternative bands taking their cues from the legacy Cherry Red laid down.
Conclusion
Cherry Red Records, more than just a record label, became a cultural touchstone for a generation. The label’s commitment to independent music, its unwavering support for artistic expression, and its uncanny ability to capture the zeitgeist of a turbulent era, resonated deeply with football fans seeking something more than the predictable fare of the mainstream.
Cherry Red Records provided a soundtrack for a generation of football fans, proving that independent music could resonate deeply within the terraces. It fostered an atmosphere where new and exciting ideas could find a home, and where the beautiful game and the beautiful music became one.
The legacy of Cherry Red Records reminds us that the spirit of independence and authenticity can be found in unexpected places, from the smallest indie club to the largest stadium. And as the final whistle blows and the crowds disperse, the echo of their music continues to resonate, a testament to the enduring power of art to connect us, to inspire us, and to define who we are. It lives on in the terraces, the fanzines, and in the hearts of every fan who ever found solace and inspiration in the sound of Cherry Red. The label gave the voice to the voiceless and provided anthems for the independent supporter.
