The Straps

The Straps are an English streetpunk band, formed in 1978 in Battersea, South London by vocalist John Grant (aka Jock Strap) and guitarist Dave Reeves.

The band played their first gig at the Park Tavern in Streatham on 28 September 1978 with the UK Subs, The Tickets and Security Risk. Their original bassist, Green, died of a heroin overdose shortly after the first show, and was temporarily replaced on bass by Grant's roommate, Andi Sex Gang, for a show at the Latchmere Pub in Battersea.

Stan Stammers, a former Epileptics bassist, joined in 1979, and guitarist Steve MacIntosh was replaced by Andy "Heed" Forbes. Drummers in this period included Luke Rendle (previously of Crisis) and the short-lived member Cliff. Stammers and Rendle left to join The Pack, who turned into Theatre of Hate, while Forbes left to join The Wall.

For the recording of The Straps' debut single, 1980's "Just Can't Take Anymore" (Donut Records), the lineup was Grant, Reeves and three former members of The Pack: Jim Walker (also original drummer of Public Image Ltd.) and brothers Jonathan and Simon Werner. The same lineup recorded their second single, "Brixton," likewise released in 1982 on Walker's Donut label. The band's debut album was issued in 1982 on the Cyclops label. The album featured UK Subs drummer Pete Davies (Walker only played on one track, departing for The Human Condition) and guest appearances by Andi Sex Gang and The Damned's Rat Scabies.