The Oppressed is a Welsh Oi! band that formed in 1981 in Cardiff, Wales. Most of the musicians in the band's various lineups have been
skinheads. Throughout the band's career, the members (especially vocalist Roddy Moreno) openly expressed opposition to
racism and
fascism ? in their lyrics, interviews, on-stage comments and other actions. In 1989, Moreno visited New York City and met a few members of
Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice (
SHARP). On his return to the
United Kingdom, he started promoting
SHARP ideals to British
skinheads. The band has also had ties to other
anti-racist groups, such as
Anti-Fascist Action. Moreno is a Cardiff City F.C. supporter, and some of the band's songs
… Read more express that support.
The band has split and re-formed several times, the first occasion in
1984 after which Moreno focused on his record labels, Oi! Records and
Ska Records for the remainder of the decade. Their most recent split was in 2016, but they re-formed in 2020, and continue performing today. The present day line-up is Roddy Moreno (vocals/
guitar), fellow founder member Russell "Ducky" Payne (
guitar), Che Jones (drums) and Ross Goldworthy (bass).