Rock Against Racism (RaR)

Rock Against Racism (RAR), a political and cultural movement, emerged in 1976 in reaction to a rise in racist attacks on the streets of the United Kingdom, and increasing support for the neo-Nazi National Front at the ballot box. Between 1976 and 1982 RAR activists organized national Carnivals and tours, as well as local gigs and clubs throughout the country. RAR brought together black and white fans in their common love of music, in order to discourage young people from embracing racism. The musicians came from all pop music genres, something reflected in one of RAR’s slogans: “Reggae, soul, rock’n’roll, jazz, funk and punk”. The movement was founded, in part, as a response to racist statements by well-known rock musicians. 

Their in-house publication, Temporary Hoarding, was a group effort of the movement’s founders. Hat & Beard Press, working the original members of RAR, have assembled every back issue of the magazine, along with several new essays that put the movement in context with the anti-racist messages we’re seeing today in the Black Lives Matter initiatives all over the world. With original essays by Vivien Goldman, Michael Reilly and Simon Reynolds and oral history text by Daniel Rachel.

This book is being produced as a historical document, and all proceeds will be give to the nonprofit organizations Stand Up to Racism and The Southern Poverty Law Center.

Edited by J.C. Gabel & Vivien Goldman 

Designed by Brian Roettinger