Far right skins attack Scritti Politti at Rock Against Racism gig in Hitchin, 1979

In July 1979 Scritti Politti played a benefit for Stevenage Rock Against Racism at Hitchin College, supported by Acme Sewage Company (a punk band from Welwyn Garden City)Advert for the gig, from NME, 7 July 1979As reported in the local paper, the Stevenage Comet, a gang of skindeads 'attacked members of the crowd, charged the band and tried to smash up their equipment'. The trouble apparently started during Scritti's second number and the paper reports that 'lead singer Tom was cut on the head when he appealed to the skinheads to behave'. I assume this refers to Scritti drummer Tom Morley, rather than the singer Green Gartside. Not a great night for the band as their transit van was in an accident on the way home. The report also mentions that jazz saxophonist Lol Coxhill was playing with the band.'Skinheads attack crowd at rock dance' - report from the Stevenage Comet, 11 July 1979 and follow up letter. From Hertfordshire Archives.Gareth Dent from Stevenage RAR wrote to complain…