Rock against Thatcher

Human garbage
 

Ding dong, the bitch is dead! Here’s some old-fashioned protest folk, vintage ska, hate ballads, hardcore punk and petulant pop music inspired by the former British prime minister’s reign of terror, from 1979–1990, wherein England was remodelled into cookie-cutter towns, trade unions were crushed and a war with Argentina happened for no reason. Good riddance, you awful hag.

 

Billy Bragg, “Between the Wars”

Bragg supported the miners’ strikes of the mid ’80s, writing this song from the frontlines.
 

 

Elvis Costello, “Shipbuilding”

About the Falklands War and Britain’s Military-industrial complex. (Costello also wrote a song called “Tramp the Dirt Down,” in which he says he wishes to live long enough to stomp on Thatcher’s grave. Congrats, Elvis!)
 

 

Crass, “How Does It Feel to Be the Mother of a Thousand Dead”

More Falklands fallout from these beloved British punks.
 

 

The English Beat, “Stand Down Margaret”

Self-explanatory ska track.
 

 

Hefner, “The Day That Margaret Thatcher Dies”

From 2000, this obscure Britpop track is one of several to envision this day.
 

 

The Larks, “MAGGIE MAGGIE MAGGIE, OUT OUT OUT!”

Based on the protest chant from the miners’ strike.
 

 

Morrissey, “Margaret on the Guillotine”

From the first solo album by the former Smiths singer, Viva Hate. “When will you die?” Today, apparently.
 

 

The Exploited, “Maggie You Cunt”

Enough said!
 

 

The Varukers, “Thatcher’s Fortress”

More anti-Maggie punk.
 

 

Frank Turner, “Thatcher Fucked the Kids”

From 2008, a tune about the long-term effects of Thatcherism as seen by this English folk-punk.