Times Up: The UK's Punk Rock Provocateurs

Times Up is a British punk rock band known for their politically charged lyrics and energetic live performances. The group achieved notable commercial success in the early 2000s with their platinum-certified album State of Emergency, which charted in the Top 10 in the United Kingdom.

Early career

Formed in Manchester in 1997, Times Up emerged from the city's vibrant DIY punk scene. The original lineup, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Mark Vance, bassist Siobhan Clarke, and drummer Rob "Tank" Ellis, self-released their debut EP No Warning in 1998, which quickly sold out its initial pressing.

This early buzz led to interest from several independent labels. The band signed with the respected indie imprint Riot Act Records in 1999, releasing their first full-length album, Broken System, that same year.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2003 following their move to a major label. Their second album, State of Emergency, released on Capitol Records, debuted at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart.

Propelled by relentless touring and sharp social commentary, the album was certified platinum in the UK, selling over 300,000 copies. This period marked their transition from cult club act to mainstream rock contenders.

Key tracks

Last Broadcast — This lead single from State of Emergency became their first Top 40 hit in the UK and a staple of rock radio.

System Failure — An anthem of disillusionment that perfectly encapsulates the band's raw, melodic punk sound and lyrical focus.

Echoes — A later career track showcasing a more refined, anthemic style that expanded their audience on alternative rock stations.

Stand Your Ground — Known for its driving rhythm and call-to-arms chorus, it remains a fan favorite at live shows.

The momentum from State of Emergency led to high-profile festival slots and a support tour across Europe. Their 2006 follow-up, The Loudest Silence, debuted at number 12 but did not match the sales of its predecessor, reflecting shifting musical trends.

Times Up continued to record and tour independently, releasing albums like 2010's Counter Culture and 2015's Resist on smaller labels, maintaining a dedicated core fanbase. They have collaborated with artists like fellow punk veteran Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers on the 2018 protest song One Voice.

For fans of Times Up's urgent British punk sound, similar artists featured on our site include The Subways, who share a similar garage-punk energy and melodic sense. Frank Turner also echoes the folk-punk storytelling and socio-political themes. The Libertines capture a comparable raw, British rock and roll spirit. Finally, Idles continue the tradition of confrontational, cathartic punk from the UK.

The music of Times Up maintains a strong presence on radio stations featured on this website. Their classic hits are regularly played on classic rock FM stations, while their later material finds a home on independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams dedicated to alternative and punk genres.

Listeners can discover the powerful discography of Times Up by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com, where their influential punk rock anthems continue to resonate with audiences.