Colin Jerwood — frontman of Conflict and one of anarcho-punk’s most furious voices — has died at 63 after a short illness.
The announcement came from the band’s social media on June 2. It was brief, respectful, and straight to the point. Which feels fitting. Jerwood never needed theatrics. He let the work — and the rage — speak.
If you were anywhere near punk in the UK from the ’80s onwards, you would’ve known Conflict. Formed in Eltham in 1981, they didn’t just play in the Crass Records universe — they built their own with Mortarhate, a DIY label that gave a platform to the likes of Lost Cherrees, Icons of Filth, and Hagar the Womb.
Jerwood wasn’t interested in fame, trends, or even the punk scene’s approval. He gave a shit about action. Anti-capitalism, veganism, animal rights. Not as slogans either, but as instructions.
Tributes came fast. Unite Against Fascism praised his decades of support. Cherry Red Records, who worked with Conflict for years, called him “sharp” and “driven.” Which sounds about right. Jerwood was all edges. Pointed, focused, unrelenting.
Just weeks ago, Conflict dropped their latest record, This Much Remains. Jerwood had also been working on a memoir about the band and the movement. Whether that project sees the light of day remains to be seen, but the title alone says it all.
And yeah, there are no funeral invites. The family asked fans to stay away, but encouraged messages on the memorial page. Because Conflict wasn’t a band for spectators — it was a band that made you show up. Physically, politically, emotionally.
Jerwood’s death won’t get primetime coverage. But in squats, record stores, and community spaces, his voice is still ringing out. Still pissed. Still loud. And still asking the same question punk never really answered: what are you going to do now?
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