999 - The Early Stuff (The UA Years) (2009)

999 is an English punk band of the first wave (one of the longest-lived of its genre), formed in 1976 in London by singing guitarist Nick Cash. The highest hit of 999 in the UK charts was No. 40 in November 1978 (Homicide). In the early 80s, the group disbanded, but was reformed in 1986 and continues to tour to this day. The band's history began when Nick Cash, a student at Canterbury College of Art, formed the band in December 1976. The first line-up also included Guy Days (Guy Days, vocals, guitar), Jon Watson (Bass) and Pablo LaBritain (Drums).
After releasing the first single I'm Alive (1977) on their own record label LaBritain Records, the band then signed a contract with United Artists Records: here the debut 999, recorded with producer Andy Arthurs, was released, at first reservedly received by the press, but in retrospect considered a classic punk album of his time. The second album Separates (produced by Martin Rushent) marked the quartet's attempt to "get serious": along with samples of punk bubblegum, there are elements of heavy metal and even art rock. In 1978, LaBritain was injured and was temporarily replaced by Ed Case. In 1986, 999 returned to the scene again: John Watson was replaced by Danny Palmer (1986-1991), who in turn lost the dream to Arturo Bassick (Arturo Bassick, 1991-present). The group still pleases its fans with performances and new albums, the last of which was released in 2007.