Denial of neo-Nazi label

In the intervening years, Combat 84 were frequently labelled as a neo-Nazi , white power or Rock Against Communism (RAC) band, a charge which has been denied by ‘Deptford’ John and Jim, noting that the band’s songs contained no racist lyrics, nor were they ever aligned with any far-right political party. The band’s reputation was made worse by the similarity in name to a neo-Nazi group called Combat 18 . ‘Deptford’ John was able to retain a career by joining The Exploited , whose lyrics on certain issues were different to Combat 84 (e.g. The Exploited were against nuclear weapons), but John noted in a 2001 interview with the “Pissed and Proud” fanzine that he believes in free speech and whilst not supporting it, that RAC music should be allowed a platform as “people should be allowed to say what they want”. In his book, Chris Henderson said that the 84 in the name was a reference to George Orwell’s book 1984 and that the band adhered to the philosophy of George Orwell .