Isle Of Wight Punk Pioneers Stormtrooper Reuniting For First Gigs In 50 Years

An Isle of Wight band widely regarded as pioneers of the punk scene are set to reunite for their first live performances in more than half a century.

Stormtrooper will take to the stage again for the first time since October 1975, with two special reunion shows on the Island as part of a wider 2026 tour.

The band will perform at Blacksheep Bar on Friday 13th March, followed by a second show at Quay Arts on Friday 27th March.

Stormtrooper played just a single live show during their original run – a concert in Bath – before releasing their debut single I’m A Mess in 1977 through Solent Records.

The track became a cult favourite, with promotional badges famously seen being worn by punk icon Sid Vicious, formerly of the Sex Pistols.

Speaking ahead of the reunion, founding bassist Jeff Piccinini said:

“We couldn’t get arrested back in 1975 but here we are 50 years later playing our songs. A storm is coming!”

The band recorded a follow-up single, I’m On Fire, in 1978 but it was never officially released.

After Stormtrooper split, Jeff went on to join Chelsea, while singer Nigel Hutchings became assistant manager of the legendary Marquee Club in Soho.

The group briefly reunited in 2003 in a studio in California, re-recording I’m A Mess with help from Brain of Guns N' Roses and Nicky Garratt of UK Subs.

For the 2026 reunion, Jeff and Nigel will be joined by guitarists Pete Galpin and Graham McCollough, alongside drummer Kevin Mann, who has performed with Alternative TV and The Creation.

Following their Isle of Wight shows, the band are set to headline gigs in London and Toronto later this year.

Stormtrooper 2026 Live Dates

• 13 March – Blacksheep Bar, Ryde

• 27 March – Quay Arts, Newport

• 3 October – Hope & Anchor, Islington, London