Oi! facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oi! |
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|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | Punk rock, glam rock, pub rock, drinking songs, football chants, folk music, ska |
| Cultural origins | Late 1970s United Kingdom (particularly the east end of London) and Australia |
| Typical instruments | Vocals, drums, electric guitar, bass |
| Derivative forms | Street punk |
Oi! is a type of punk rock music that started in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s. The musicians who created Oi! wanted to connect punk music with everyday people, especially those from working class backgrounds. Oi! music mixes the sounds of early punk bands like The Clash and the Sex Pistols. It also takes ideas from early British rock and roll, football chants, pub rock, and glam rock. The music is often very simple, and the lyrics are direct and honest.
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What is Oi! Music?
Oi! is a style of punk rock that became popular in the late 1970s. It was created to be music for ordinary people. The songs often talk about daily life and common experiences. This music is known for its simple, strong beats and clear, honest words.
How Oi! Started
Punk rock became very popular in the 1970s. However, some people felt that punk was becoming too focused on making money. This went against what punk was supposed to be about. Oi! music began partly because of this feeling. It was also a way to push back against ideas people had about punks. Some thought early punks were just trying to sound smart or artistic. Oi! aimed to be more real and down-to-earth.
The Sound of Oi!
The music of Oi! is usually very straightforward. It often has strong electric guitar riffs and a clear beat from the drums and bass. The vocals are often sung in a powerful, direct way. You might hear influences from drinking songs and football chants in the music. This makes it easy for people to sing along.
Where the Name "Oi!" Came From
Some early Oi! bands, like Sham 69, played this style of music for years. But the word Oi! was not used to describe it until 1980. A journalist named Garry Bushell first used the name. He got the idea from the band Cockney Rejects. They would shout "Oi!" during their live shows to start songs. Their second album even had a song called "Oi! Oi! Oi!". The word "Oi!" is an old Cockney expression. It means "hey" or "hello."
Famous Oi! Bands
Many bands were called Oi! bands in the early days. These included Angelic Upstarts, The 4-Skins, The Business, Blitz, The Blood, and Combat 84. Later punk bands have also been inspired by Oi! music. For example, Rancid and Dropkick Murphys have said that Oi! influenced their sound.
