In the smoldering ruins of the late 70s punk scene, a few bands managed to claw their way out of the wreckage and deliver a raw, unadulterated blast of energy that echoed the movement's primal scream. One of those bands was 999, and their 1977 single "Nasty Nasty" b/w "No Pity" remains a testament to their relentless, no-frills approach to rock and roll.
Released on green vinyl, a color as brash and in-your-face as the music itself, the single captured 999 at their peak. It was a time when punk was still a dirty word, a threat to the established order, and 999 embraced that outsider status with a gleeful abandon. "Nasty Nasty" is a two-minute sonic assault, a whirlwind of buzzsaw guitars, pounding drums, and snarling vocals. It's a song about rebellion, frustration, and the sheer joy of letting loose in a world that seems determined to keep you down.
The flip side, "No Pity," is equally ferocious, a relentless attack on hypocrisy and conformity. It's a call to arms for anyone who's ever felt marginalized or misunderstood, a reminder that sometimes the only way to survive is to fight back.
999 weren't the most technically proficient band, but they more than made up for it with sheer energy and attitude. They were a product of their time, a band that emerged from the same grimy pubs and clubs that spawned the Sex Pistols and The Clash. But while those bands often seemed intent on burning the whole world down, 999 were more focused on having a good time while they were doing it.
The single was produced by Martin Rushent, who would later go on to produce some of the most iconic albums of the New Wave era. But on "Nasty Nasty," Rushent captured 999's raw power without sacrificing any of their edge. The recording was done at TW Studios in Fulham, a legendary studio that had seen its fair share of rock and roll history.
"Nasty Nasty" b/w "No Pity" wasn't a huge commercial success, but it quickly became a favorite among punk fans. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was still room for a little bit of fun. And while 999 may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of their peers, they left behind a legacy of uncompromising rock and roll that continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
The green vinyl 45 is more than just a collector's item; it's a snapshot of a band at their most vital, a reminder of a time when punk was still a dangerous and exciting force. It's a testament to the power of music to challenge, provoke, and ultimately, to set you free.
