Colin Jerwood, frontman of iconic punk group Conflict, has died aged 63.
The news was confirmed by Jerwood’s family yesterday (June 2), through a statement shared on the band’s social media. “It is with a very heavy heart to announce Colin passed away after a short illness,” they wrote. “We know for his supporters that this is difficult news to hear.”
An official statement from Conflict adds: “As you can imagine we are struggling to find the words to describe how sad and upset we feel upon hearing of the loss of our band member and dear friend Colin. We extend our deepest condolences to James, Georgia and the rest of Colin’s family and friends. We ask that you respect their wishes and understand that we are all currently grieving a great loss.”
Jerwood’s family have asked fans not to attend the funeral, but have said they will be “reading through any comments on the memorial page and your presence will be felt.”
It is with a very heavy heart to announce Colin passed away after a short illness. We know for his supporters that this…
Posted by CONFLICT on Monday, June 2, 2025
Conflict formed in Eltham, south east London in 1981, and garnered attention for their lyricism that criticised capitalist society under Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government.
The following year they released their debut EP ‘The House That Man Built’ via Crass Records, and formed their own record label Mortarhate Records, which released albums for the likes of Hagar the Womb, Icons of Filth, Lost Cherrees, The Apostles, and Stalag 17. Their debut album ‘It’s Time to See Who’s Who’ was released in 1983.
Jerwood was an advocate for veganism, animal rights and anti-capitalism, which has been recognised in the tributes pouring in from fans and colleagues.
UK organisation Unite Against Fascism wrote: “Many anti fascists will be sad to hear that Conflict’s Colin Jerwood has died. His Eltham roots & the poisonous racism at times locally meant he backed a/fascists for many a year & when it really mattered.”
Cherry Red Records wrote: “We’re sad to hear of the passing of Colin Jerwood, frontman of Conflict. We worked with Colin for over 20 years on the Mortarhate label. He was a character – sharp, driven, and always pushing forward. Colin left a mark on punk music that won’t be forgotten. We’ll miss him.”
Conflict frontman Colin Jerwood has died
The sad news was confirmed on the evening of June 2nd via the band's social media channels.
His family later announced: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Colin has passed away after a short illness"
Rest in punk Colin 💔 pic.twitter.com/PeLNyvvEKz
— Punkrock History (@PunkRockStory) June 3, 2025
Many anti fascists will be sad to hear that Conflict's Colin Jerwood has died.
His Eltham roots & the poisonous racism at times locally meant he backed a/fascists for many a year & when it really mattered.
Condolences to family & his many pals.@lmhrnational @Searchlight_mag pic.twitter.com/uMqVFcJpnG
— Unite Against Fascism (@uaf) June 2, 2025
R.I.P. Colin Jerwood. Conflict was easily my favorite band in the late 80s/ early 90s and mortarhate by far my favorite label. To me, Conflict defined anarchopunk. Even more so than crass. Conflict turned me into a record nerd buying copies of 12" singles even though I already – pic.twitter.com/yVDTTorBs2
— Dee Generate🏴Ⓐ (@DeGener8Oi) June 2, 2025
RIP Colin Jerwood, lead singer of Conflict, honor him by becoming an ungovernable force yourself. pic.twitter.com/kkMPMuIqbT
— Detritus Books (@DetritusBooks) June 2, 2025
We’re sad to hear of the passing of Colin Jerwood, frontman of Conflict. We worked with Colin for over 20 years on the Mortarhate label. He was a character – sharp, driven, and always pushing forward. Colin left a mark on punk music that won’t be forgotten. We’ll miss him. pic.twitter.com/ZYk4PpuikN
— Cherry Red Records (@CherryRedGroup) June 3, 2025
Conflict’s latest album, ‘This Much Remains’, was released in May this year. Before his death, Colin Jerwood had been working on a memoir to document the story of “Conflict, the movement, and me.”
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