THE OUTCASTS (Band, Irish Punk Rock ) Vinyl Discography and Album Cover Gallery

  The Outcasts were a punk rock band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Formed in 1977, they quickly became one of the most important bands in the Irish punk scene, along with bands like Stiff Little Fingers and The Undertones.

The Outcasts' music was characterized by its energetic, raw sound, and socially and politically conscious lyrics. Their early releases, including their debut EP "Self Conscious Over You" and their first full-length album "Self Defense", showcased their aggressive sound and political message, which was often critical of the political climate in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

The band's lineup consisted of Colin Cowan on vocals, Martin Cowan on guitar, Greg Cowan on bass, and Colin "Getty" Getgood on drums. The Cowan brothers were originally from Belfast, while Getgood was from London. The band's music was influenced by a variety of punk and new wave bands, including The Clash, The Jam, and The Sex Pistols.

In addition to their music, The Outcasts were known for their DIY ethos and their willingness to play anywhere and everywhere. They often performed at small venues and community halls, and they were a regular fixture at the Harp Bar in Belfast. They also released their own records on their own label, GBH Records, which was named after the band's favorite punk band, Charged GBH.

The Outcasts continued to release music throughout the 1980s, although their sound evolved over time. Their second album, "Blood and Thunder", featured a more melodic sound, and their third album, "Seven Deadly Sins", included elements of country and western music. They also gained a following in the United States, and they toured there several times during the 1980s.

Despite their success, The Outcasts never achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their contemporaries. However, they remained an important band in the punk scene in Ireland and beyond, and they continue to be influential today. Their music has been covered by a variety of artists, and their legacy is evident in the continued popularity of punk music in Ireland and beyond.