Red Saunders | Rock Against Racism, 1970s

As a founder of the Rock Against Racism movement in the 1970s Red Saunders was a key player behind the gigs and festivals that inspired a generation of musicians and activists.

Over six years between 1977-1983 RAR organised over five hundred gigs up and down the country, as well as the national carnivals organised in conjunction with the Anti Nazi League. Hundreds of thousands came onto the streets to march and unite against racism and the National Front, with bands such as The Clash, X-Ray Spex, Buzzcocks and Steel Pulse, all appearing at events throughout the country.

Moss Side, Manchester, 1978.
Moss Side, Manchester, 1978.

Taken for RARs Fazine Temporary Hoarding to coincide with the Northern Carnival at Alexandra Park.

Photo © Red Saunders.

Paul Marsh Record Shop, Moss Side, Manchester, 1978.
Paul Marsh Record Shop, Moss Side, Manchester, 1978.

Taken for RARs Fazine Temporary Hoarding to coincide with the Northern Carnival at Alexandra Park.

Photo © Red Saunders.

Paul Marsh Record Shop, Moss Side, Manchester, 1978.
Paul Marsh Record Shop, Moss Side, Manchester, 1978.

Taken for RARs Fazine Temporary Hoarding to coincide with the Northern Carnival at Alexandra Park.

Photo © Red Saunders.

Backstage at a RAR gig, late 1970s.
Punk girls backstage at a RAR gig, late 1970s.

Photo © Red Saunders.

Backstage at a RAR gig, late 1970s.
Backstage at a RAR gig, late 1970s.

Photo © Red Saunders.

Nicky Tesco, RAR gig, late 1970s.
RAR gig, late 1970s.

Photo © Red Saunders.

Punk Band 999 on stage at a RAR gig, late 1970s.
Punk Band 999 on stage at a RAR gig, late 1970s.

Photo © Red Saunders.

RAR gig, late 1970s.
RAR gig, late 1970s.

Photo © Red Saunders.

RAR gig, late 1970s.
RAR gig, late 1970s.

Photo © Red Saunders.

Soundcheck. RAR gig, late 1970s.
Soundcheck. RAR gig, late 1970s.

Photo © Red Saunders.

RAR gig, late 1970s.
RAR gig, late 1970s.

Photo © Red Saunders.

RAR Gig with 'People Unite' community group. Southall, 1977.
RAR Gig with 'People Unite' community group. Southall, 1977.

Photo © Red Saunders.

Gallery first published April 17th, 2020.

© Red Saunders / British Culture Archive. All rights reserved.

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