The Angelic Upstarts are an anti-fascist, socialist working class Oi! punk and skinhead band formed in the North-East of England in 1977. More than two decades after its release, their debut single, "The Murder Of Liddle Towers", was included in Mojo magazine’s list of the best punk rock singles of all time.

The original lineup was Thomas Mensforth (aka Mensi) on vocals, Ray Cowie (aka Mond) on guitar, Steve Forsten on bass guitar, and Decca Wade on drums.

Angelic Upstarts has reformed and split a few times, and some of the ex-members include bassists Ronnie Wooden, Glyn Warren, Tony Feedback, Ronnie Rocker and Max Splodge (who also had a stint playing drums). Other drummers have included Sticks (who later joined Cockney Rejects), Paul Thompson (ex-Roxy Music) and Chris White. Decca Wade rejoined the band for a few years before leaving again.

Brian Hayes originally joined the band as second guitarist until Mond left, leaving Hayes as the only guitarist. Mensi was the only original member still in the band.

In August 2006, Mensi announced he was resigning, however he requested that the band continue with Chris Wright (of the band Crashed Out) on vocals. The band's lineup became Chris Wright on vocals, Dickie Hammond on guitar, Neil Newton on guitar, Gaz Stoker on bass and Decca Wade on drums.

In the latter part of 2007 Mensi rejoined the band and the line up is now as follows. Mensi-vocals, Gaz Stoker-bass, Dickie Hammond-guitar, Neil Newton-guitar and Brett Mulvaney,drums.