The Ruts in Brighton

The Ruts are a British punk rock band formed in Hayes, London, in 1977, whose music also draws on reggae and dub. Their original lineup comprised singer Malcolm Owen, guitarist Paul Fox, bassist John “Segs” Jennings and drummer Dave Ruffy. They released their debut album, The Crack, in 1979, and their single “Babylon’s Burning” reached number seven on the UK singles chart. The Ruts toured as support for The Damned in 1979. After Malcolm Owen’s death in 1980, the remaining members continued as Ruts DC. In 2007, Paul Fox, John “Segs” Jennings and Dave Ruffy reunited for a benefit concert for Fox, joined on vocals by Henry Rollins.