Bromley’s punk beginnings

10:10am Wednesday 21st December 2005

The energy of punk attracted a hoard of devoted followers. KERRY ANN EUSTICE learnt some of its earliest fans came from a leafy London suburb

If the Sex Pistols' loud, aggressive and anarchistic rock was the sound of choice during the punk era, then Bromley was the borough.

The Bromley Contingent, a group of a art-school drop-outs turned Pistols fans, helped make the area as well known as any city haunt.

Members who lived in and around Bromley left studies at Ravesnbourne and Orpington College and followed the Pistols on their raucous world tour after seeing the band play their second ever gig at Orpington College in 1975.

These devout followers went on to define the look and ethos of the era with their punk-styled garb and attitudes. The Contingent's clothing inspired many other kids caught up in the punk movement how to dress - or undress as the case may be.

The ripped tights, revealing corsets and coarse colour schemes of the Bromley Contingent were even used as a vehicle by Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren and clothing designer Vivienne Westwood to promote the controversial and groundbreaking fashion boutique Sex on the King's Road in London.

The outskirts of London were full of disenchanted youths finding inspiration and excitement in the music of the time.

Famous revellers from the Bromley Contingent include punk pretty boy Billy Idol and rock-siren Siouxsie Sioux, of Siouxsie and the Banshees, whose hit Hong Kong Garden was inspired by a Chinese restaurant in Chislehurst.

Also floating around the area during the late 1970s was David Bowie on the cusp of iconic stardom. One contingent member, Bertie Marshall, lived three doors down from Bowie's mum and claimed he often heard the screech of his guitar. Bowie, like many of the Bromley Contingent, went on to form bands and enjoy a high level of success.

But before moving on to make musical achievements, the Contingent were best known for their controversy.

They may have just been fans but their reputation was equal if not in excess of the Pistols themselves.

The most infamous of the tales associated with the punk-loving group involves presenter Bill Grundy on the prime-time early evening Today TV show. The contingent, along with Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten, were being interviewed by the host when he made an attempt to chat-up Siouxsie.

Grundy was met with a barrage of insults, signature to the punk era. The Contingent found themselves to be the first to swear on pre-watershed live TV and Grundy was forced to resign.

Billy Idol has said "the contingent doesn't live in Bromley anymore", yet its legend lives on across the borough and across the world too.

Did you ever encounter the Bromley Contingent? Do you remember the bad behaviour and mad clothes? Email keustice@london.newsquest.co.uk or call Kerry on 01689 885734 with your memories and stories.

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