Preempting Sham 69's identification with the skinhead clan, Menace lined up as Morgan Webster (vocals), Steve Tannett (guitar), Charley Casey (bass), and Noel Martin (drums) and quickly developed a serious no-nonsense approach, effortlessly encapsulated by their debut single, "Screwed Up," released on Miles Copeland's IRS label in August 1977. A second 45, "I Need Nuthin'," was recorded with John Cale at the helm, but was scrapped when the band moved to the Small Wonder label.

"G.L.C." in 1978, and two further singles in 1979, the Final Vinyl EP and "Last Year's Youth," wrapped up Menace's career -- ironically at a time when the burgeoning Oi! culture was beginning to latch onto them. It would be close to 20 years before Casey and Martin relaunched as the Collection, with vocalist John Lacey and guitarist Andrew Teedie. The band performed all new material, bar the classic "G.L.C."; it was the response to that song, from audiences who didn't actually recognize the bandmembers, that convinced them that Menace might be worth relaunching. The group played its official comeback at Holidays in the Sun in 1997.

A pair of new Menace EPs, "Society Still Insane" and "C&A," appeared in 2000; Live in Bermondsey and a new studio set, Crisis, followed. Their second album, Rogues Gallery, featuring new vocalist Oddy and guitarist Uncle Albert, was released in 2004. ~ Dave Thompson