The Ruts were formed in West London in 1977, but guitarist Paul Fox and vocalist Malcolm Owen were school friends who had already been in several bands. Meeting with drummer Dave Ruffy and bassist John 'Segs' Jenning - the group played many Rock Against Racism benefit concerts and rose to prominence supporting The Damned in early 1979. A contract with Virgin followed, and by June of that year, the group were in the UK Top 10 with 'Babylon's Burning'. 'The Crack' followed in September, benefitting from a crystal-clear production from Mick Glossop. Reaching No. 16 in the UK, it sounds as vibrant and pugnacious now as it did on its first release. Representing the very apex of politically conscious British punk, 'The Crack' stands as a perfect snapshot of the inner-city temperature of the late '70s.