Colin Jerwood, the frontman of English punk group Conflict, has died aged 63.
Formed in Eltham, South London, in 1981, the band’s first release was 1982’s The House That Man Built.
Two years later they set up Mortarhate Records label, which released their own records, as well as ones from other bands including Hagar the Womb, Icons of Filth, Lost Cherrees, The Apostles, and Stalag 17.
Since they started out, Conflict have been known for being outspoken regarding issues such as anarchism, animal rights, and the anti-war movement.
In the 1980s several of their gigs were followed by riots and disturbances.
Last year the band released the album Live in Dublin, their first new music in over 20 years. It was followed by This Much Remains, which was released last month.
However, the band has now announced the death of its lead vocalist Jerwood, who died after a ‘short illness’.
‘As you can imagine we are struggling to find the words to describe how sad and upset we feel upon hearing of the loss of our band member and dear friend Colin,’ the statement began.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to James, Georgia and the rest of Colin’s family and friends. We ask that you respect their wishes and understand that we are all currently grieving a great loss. Thank you. Gav, Fi, Fran and Matt.’
His family also said that they shared the news ‘with a heavy heart’.
‘We know for his supporters that this is difficult news to hear,’ they said.
Jerwood’s family then shared details of an online memorial page (https://colinjerwood.muchloved.com/) and said fans could ‘donate to charities in his memory’.
‘We appreciate all your support for Colin and Conflict over the years,’ they added.
They asked fans not to attend the funeral, but said they would be ‘reading through any comments on the memorial page and your presence will be felt’.
Paying tribute, UK organisation Unite Against Fascism also wrote: ‘Many anti fascists will be sad to hear that Conflict’s Colin Jerwood has died. His Eltham roots & the poisonous racism at times locally meant he backed a/fascists for many a year & when it really mattered.’
Meanwhile Cherry Red Records said he was ‘sharp, driven, and always pushing forward’ and had ‘left a mark on punk music that won’t be forgotten’.
Before his death, Jerwood had been working on a memoir to document ‘conflict, the movement, and me’.
Conflict’s original line-up included Jerwood, Francisco ‘Paco’ Carreno, John, Steve, Pauline, and Paul, also known as Nihilistic Nobody’.
Former drummer Carreno died aged 49 in 2015.
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