Ancient Grease Records

11/08/2025

::: first song you’d blast on this lil boombox ?

11/01/2025

::: AGR NEWS ::: We’re thrilled to welcome SHAGGY to the Ancient Grease Records artist roster. Read more about this great band below, and watch here for release updates 🔊🔊🔊

Thank you Fidde & Tom

Shaggy: Gothenburg, Sweden • 1972-current
 
Shaggy came out of Gothenburg’s rock circuit in 1972, fusing the talents of Thomas Engström on vocals, Fidde Rognås on guitar, Jan Gustavsson on bass, Tom Ryan on keyboards, and Kurt Kästner on drums. The individual members had gained experience with various bands throughout Sweden, England, and Austria, drawing influences from Free, Bad Company, Yes, and Jethro Tull. Though the Swedish scene favored local-language acts, Shaggy went against the grain and sang in English. They built their reputation playing youth centers and rock clubs across Sweden before breaking through in 1975 with their debut LP, “Lessons for Beginners.” That same year, they landed a high-profile support slot opening for Sweet at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, marking their arrival on Sweden’s national stage. Shaggy’s music balanced muscular rock jams with thoughtful arrangements and British-style guitar flair, carried by Tom Ryan’s lyrics and Fidde Rognås’s expressive axe work. Despite their growing popularity, internal changes and Ryan’s return to England in 1977 brought the first chapter of Shaggy to a close. In 2006, Shaggy reunited and continues to perform today, carrying forward the legacy of one of Sweden’s original underground heavy rock groups.

10/20/2025

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09/25/2025

::: DIGITAL RELEASE TODAY ::: We’re psyched to welcome ENGLAND to the AGR artist roster! You can now stream their sole 1976 masterpiece album on all major platforms. Read more about England below, and watch here for more news…

Thank you Olly, Phil, and Ben

ENGLAND: Carlisle, England, UK • 1971-1983
 
England was a heavy progressive rock trio from Carlisle, in the northern English county of Cumbria, active in the early-to-mid 1970s. Centered around guitarist and lead vocalist Olly Alcock, the group featured Ben Eggleston on bass and vocals, and Phil Cook on drums. Alcock had honed his skills in earlier bands Burgundy Blues, The Weight, and Universe before forming the first version of England in 1971 in London with Mike Kidson on drums and John Waite on bass. When Waite left for the U.S. to form The Babys, Alcock returned north and reassembled the band with Ben and Phil.

Known for their tight and dynamic live performances, England built a strong following throughout Cumbria and the North East, playing universities, clubs, and festivals like Kendal and The Carlisle Great Fair. They appeared on regional radio and occasionally shared bills with groups such as UFO, AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, and Rory Gallagher at venues like Newcastle’s Mayfair Ballroom.

In 1976, England self-released their lone album on the collectible Deroy label, and it’s now a prized rarity among private-press vinyl collectors. The LP captured the band’s melodic blend of bluesy hard rock and UK prog influences. Despite growing recognition and support from figures like Alexis Korner and BBC Radio Carlisle, the band eventually disbanded. England remain regionally beloved and an under-observed gem in the mosaic of British underground rock.

07/16/2025

::: ANCIENT GREASE RECORDS :::

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06/25/2025

We’re heartbroken to say that Greg Magie of Sudden Death and Sorcery (and many other bands) has passed away. I know AGR would likely not even be here if it weren’t for Greg, as he was my initial motivation many years ago to find out the full Sudden Death story and all the members of the band. I initially set out to find Greg over 15 years ago never realizing that journey would, in many ways, eventually lead to the existence of Ancient Grease Records.

Thank you Greg, for the great music and the many phone chats when I first found you. Thank you for sharing your memories of seeing The Doors as a fledgling rock band at a small club in the Valley, and other great LA music stories.

I’m so glad Greg got to see new waves of enthusiasm for his music with the reissues of Sudden Death, Sorcery, and an early band of his from the ’60, The Grim Reepers. My deepest condolences to his partner Wendy, family, friends, and musical collaborators John Binkley, Smokey Huff, among many others. Rest easy Greg

05/21/2025

05/09/2025

::: HELL HOUND 7” out today at noon PST :: limited variants available only on the AGR site ::: shops can stock copies from now 🔊🔊🔊

05/02/2025

::: DIGITAL RELEASE TODAY ::: the second single from our upcoming reissue release for YESTERDAY’S CHILDREN is out today. You can stream “Sad Born Loser” on all major platforms now. Add it to your heavy playlists and plz let ‘em know 🔊🔊🔊The wax will be out in late May — SHOPS; please get in touch if you want to stock copies 🔊🔊🔊 Ancient Grease Records is honored to have produced the first official reissue of this incredible LP. This release will have the full scoop, with memories from band members and the original producer—plus previously unpublished photos all in a large-format 8 page booklet. Stay tuned.. more updates coming soon

04/29/2025

::: first song you’d blast on this boombox ?

04/18/2025

::: NEWS ::: We are so psyched to announce that Ancient Grease Records is now working in partnership with Secretly Distribution — a major step for us, and one that means it’s now easier than ever for your favorite local record shops (in the U.S. and around the globe!) to get AGR releases onto their shelves.

We feel honored to be working with such a great company and group of people. When we launched AGR four years ago, we never imagined we’d someday join a roster filled with so many stellar labels whose work we love and deeply respect.

So make no mistake — this is big news! Thank you everyone for your support and interest in the work we do. Your dedication is what brought us to this day. THANK YOU