Some 30 years ago a group of political activists got together with a group of musicians to form Rock Against Racism. It was a movement formed in reaction to rising xenophobia and racism fuelled by Nazi organisations like the National Front.
Bands like The Clash, Steel Pulse and the Tom Robinson Band, to name but a few, helped create a political movement among music fans. The most memorable event was the Rock Against Racism “Carnival against the Nazis” in April 1978. A huge rally of 100,000 people marched the six miles from Trafalgar Square through London’s East End – the heart of National Front territory – to a Rock Against Racism concert in Victoria Park. The concert and march spelled the beginning of the end for the NF in the face of a young and diverse mass movement.
Our music is living testimony to the fact that cultures can and do mix. It unites us and gives us strength, and offers a vibrant celebration of our multicultural and multiracial society. Racism seeks only to divide and weaken us.
We want to create a national movement against racism and fascism through music, so it’s vital everyone gets involved however they can.
Find out more on the Love Music Hate Racism website.
The Carnival Against The Nazis on April 30, 1978 was a day that exceeded everyone’s wildest expectations. The Tom Robinson Band had been keen supporters of Rock Against Racism - playing small gigs right from our earliest days. But when RAR teamed up with the Anti Nazi League to stage this march and concert,the anti-racist struggle suddenly became headline news.
(Tom Robinson's article continues...)
Carnival!!! Poster from Rock Against Racism Carnival in Victoria Park, 1978.
In April 1978, around 100,000 people marched from Trafalgar Square through London's East End to a Rock Against Racism concert in Victoria Park. See The Clash play London’s Burning at Rock Against Racism and The Clash’s White Riot also at Victoria Park.
Watch Love Music Hate Racism’s YouTube channel.
The Rock Against Racism / Anti Nazi League Carnival in Victoria Park in 1978. (picture: Ray Stevenson)
2005, not 1980... Estelle with Holocaust survivor Leon Greenman at Trafalgar Square event co-hosted by Love Music Hate Racism.
Babyshambles’ Pete Doherty plays the Trafalgar Square event in 2005.
Drew McConnell from Babyshambles and DJ Statik, backstage at the 2006 Love Music Hate Racism Carnival in Trafalgar Square.
Catch up with Lethal Bizzle, The View, The Enemy, Dirty Pretty Things, Bloc Party and Babyshambles on set at an LMHR photoshoot for our CD in 2007 on YouTube here and here.
Watch Roll Deep’s music video for their track Racist People made in partnership with Love Music Hate Racism.
YouTube clip of Love Music Hate Racism supportersThe View, performing Superstar Tradesman at Hull United Against Racism gig.
