BAD MANNERS History
Bad Manners were formed in London in 1976 by charismatic frontman Buster Bloodvessel (born Douglas Trendle) and quickly became one of the most colourful and entertaining bands to emerge from the British 2 Tone ska revival. While many ska groups combined music with political messages, Bad Manners focused on fun, humour and energetic live performances, helping them build a devoted fan base that continues to this day.
The band developed their reputation playing London’s pub and club circuit before signing a recording contract at the height of the ska revival. Although they were often associated with the 2 Tone movement alongside bands such as The Specials, Madness and The Selecter, Bad Manners were never officially signed to the 2 Tone record label. Instead, they carved out their own identity with infectious rhythms, playful lyrics and the unforgettable stage presence of Buster Bloodvessel.
The 1980 debut Ska ’n’ B included Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu, Lip Up Fatty and Special Brew. Lorraine appeared on the follow-up Loonee Tunes!, also released in 1980. The two albums establish the band’s early mix of ska rhythms, brass and comic vocals.
Buster Bloodvessel is the stage name of Douglas Trendle, Bad Manners’ lead singer. His comic delivery and physical stage performances gave the band a recognisable public identity alongside its ska arrangements.
Throughout the early 1980s, Bad Manners enjoyed a string of successful singles and albums including Loonee Tunes!, Gosh It’s… Bad Manners and Forging Ahead. Songs such as Special Brew, Can Can, Walking in the Sunshine and My Girl Lollipop helped establish the band as regular chart performers while maintaining their reputation as one of Britain’s best live acts.
Bad Manners continued performing after the initial ska revival faded. While many bands disbanded or changed direction during the mid-1980s, Bad Manners remained active, touring extensively throughout Europe and continuing to release new material for loyal fans.
Buster Bloodvessel remained the link between successive Bad Manners line-ups. The musicians around him changed over time, making the recording date useful context when comparing concert releases.
The band’s repertoire draws on ska, rhythm and blues and older pop material. Familiar tunes sit alongside original songs, with brass arrangements and offbeat rhythms giving them a shared character.
Bad Manners’ records often use humour in the vocals and arrangements. Songs such as Lip Up Fatty and Special Brew place that approach within the rhythm-led sound of the British ska revival.
Ska ’n’ B and Loonee Tunes! document the first year of Bad Manners’ album releases, followed by Gosh It’s… Bad Manners and Forging Ahead. Compare singles compilations with those original track lists, as familiar hits come from different albums. Live recordings add audience participation and arrangements from the particular touring line-up.
The band developed their reputation playing London’s pub and club circuit before signing a recording contract at the height of the ska revival. Although they were often associated with the 2 Tone movement alongside bands such as The Specials, Madness and The Selecter, Bad Manners were never officially signed to the 2 Tone record label. Instead, they carved out their own identity with infectious rhythms, playful lyrics and the unforgettable stage presence of Buster Bloodvessel.
The 1980 debut Ska ’n’ B included Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu, Lip Up Fatty and Special Brew. Lorraine appeared on the follow-up Loonee Tunes!, also released in 1980. The two albums establish the band’s early mix of ska rhythms, brass and comic vocals.
Buster Bloodvessel is the stage name of Douglas Trendle, Bad Manners’ lead singer. His comic delivery and physical stage performances gave the band a recognisable public identity alongside its ska arrangements.
Throughout the early 1980s, Bad Manners enjoyed a string of successful singles and albums including Loonee Tunes!, Gosh It’s… Bad Manners and Forging Ahead. Songs such as Special Brew, Can Can, Walking in the Sunshine and My Girl Lollipop helped establish the band as regular chart performers while maintaining their reputation as one of Britain’s best live acts.
Bad Manners continued performing after the initial ska revival faded. While many bands disbanded or changed direction during the mid-1980s, Bad Manners remained active, touring extensively throughout Europe and continuing to release new material for loyal fans.
Buster Bloodvessel remained the link between successive Bad Manners line-ups. The musicians around him changed over time, making the recording date useful context when comparing concert releases.
The band’s repertoire draws on ska, rhythm and blues and older pop material. Familiar tunes sit alongside original songs, with brass arrangements and offbeat rhythms giving them a shared character.
Bad Manners’ records often use humour in the vocals and arrangements. Songs such as Lip Up Fatty and Special Brew place that approach within the rhythm-led sound of the British ska revival.
Ska ’n’ B and Loonee Tunes! document the first year of Bad Manners’ album releases, followed by Gosh It’s… Bad Manners and Forging Ahead. Compare singles compilations with those original track lists, as familiar hits come from different albums. Live recordings add audience participation and arrangements from the particular touring line-up.
