Signed to Hellcat Records, the label founded by Tim Armstrong of Rancid, Grade 2 are one of the freshest and most vital acts in British punk rock.
The young trio rewrites classic ’70s and ’80s street punk, blending the energy of Oi! with the punchy sound of American melodic hardcore. On top of this, they add a strong Rancid-style influence — fittingly, Rancid themselves produced their latest records and have become mentors and long-time allies to the band.
Formed as teenagers, the three musicians grew up immersed in punk and skinhead culture, steadily building a solid reputation across Europe. Their first two albums, Break The Routine (2017) and Graveyard Island (2019), established them by drawing on classic influences from bands such as Cock Sparrer, UK Subs, and The Clash.
From the very beginning, they cut their teeth on tour: taking ferries with guitars in hand and backpacks full of merch, playing shows wherever possible, and developing a truly DIY ethos.
Their early years also included legendary moments now part of their mythology. Stealing beer from Lars Frederiksen’s dressing room at one of their first shows — and ending up on the Rancid blacklist — nearly halted their momentum. But redeeming themselves during a tour with German band Stomper 98 proved decisive.
Signing with Hellcat Records in 2018, the Epitaph-linked label led by Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, opened doors worldwide and brought the band to landmark tours with heroes like The Interrupters and Social Distortion.
From there, the leap was rapid: increasingly important tours, long runs across the United States, playing alongside Rancid, and even opening for Guns N’ Roses — milestones unimaginable for a band that started in the most underground corners of the British punk scene.
After recording their first Hellcat releases in Los Angeles, working with Dan Lucas at Joplin House in Kent brought them closer to home and allowed them to focus more clearly on the emotions they wanted to express.
The punks from the Isle of Wight tackle a whirlwind coming-of-age on their fourth album, Talk About It.
Although not one of the most overtly political bands in the punk scene, singer and bassist Sid Ryan often emphasizes that Grade 2 are:
“anti-sexist, anti-racist, anti-homophobic, with our values always in place.”
Those values will remain central as Grade 2 continue to grow, winning over punk veterans on stages like the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool and attracting new fans at festivals such as 2000trees.
With one foot in the tradition of British street punk and the other in the energy of contemporary punk rock, Grade 2 are today one of the most authentic and promising bands of the new generation.
PUNKADEKA FESTIVAL 2026
Saturday, September 5
From early afternoon until late evening (ending compatible with public transport)
Circolo Magnolia, Segrate (Milan, Italy)
MXPX, TALCO, GRADE 2, UGUAGLIANZA and many more bands to be announced soon!
Tickets on DICE!
Official festival website
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