A must-see performance from the band in their 46th year of performing will not disappoint anyone young or old to get into the party spirit in the week before Christmas.
Fronted by 65-year-old iconic vocalist Bloodvessel, aka Douglas Trendle, the ska legends will be bringing their silly on-stage antics and catalogue of hits back to Swansea.
Rising to prominence during the late ‘70s ska revival movement, the group were founded with friends at Woodberry Down Comprehensive School, Finsbury Park in North London in 1976.
“From a very early age, and when we started it was definitely ska and rhythm ‘n’ blues. That’s what we based our style of music on. I was influenced by people like Ian Dury, Louis Jordan, Perez Prado, Van Morrison and bands around at the time,” said Buster.
Bad Manners quickly gained early exposure through 2-Tone Records package tours and an appearance in the live documentary Dance Craze. Securing themselves a string of UK hits including “Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu”, “Lip Up Fatty”, “Special Brew”, “My Girl Lollipop” and “Can Can”.
The songs have remained timeless with generation after generation introduced to the bands unique feel-good style.
“My favourite song is Lip-Up Fatty. Even though it wasn’t our biggest hit [that being the Can Can] it’s well known and what we are known for,” enthused Buster.
“One thing that is unique about Bad Manners, it’s that we produce music that allows people to go as crazy as they want. I think that’s why we keep on getting new audiences year after year.
“Since Covid, the crowds are more intense on seeing the band and dancing – years before Covid, it was intense, but not like this.”
Over the years the band have become notorious for the outlandish behaviour of the huge-tongued and shaven-headed frontman.
A series of close-to-the-edge incidents from Bloodvessel led Bad Manners to be prohibited from performing on Top of the Pops, whilst the Londoner was also banned from Italian TV after Bloodvessel as he describes ‘got his bum out’ to a concert audience after being told the Pope was watching on TV.
The larger-than-life star also once ate 25 Big Macs during one of BBC DJ Richard Skinner’s radio shows.
“I’m a bit naughty,” said Buster, with a chuckle. “We all got one so why not I thought”. Talking about his Italian incident.
After an amazing career where the band have had no less than 300 different members over the years, Bloodvessel and co. are closing in on nearly 50 years and have no plans of stopping anytime soon with another World Tour planned for their big anniversary and new music to go with it.
“I’m addicted to touring and performing. I enjoy getting on that stage and bouncing around,” continued Buster.
“After I’ve had the first couple of weeks off in January to recover from the tour, we’re going to start and sit down and write an album,”
“The whole aim is that the album has got to be in the same vein as what we do which is produce fun and danceable music. We have to stick to who we are. I’m very excited about it.”
Bad Manners were most popular in the early 80s when ska revival bands such as the Specials and the Selecter topped the charts. Having spent 111 weeks in the UK singles Chart between 1980 and 1983, the band have relentlessly toured across the UK, Europe, America, Japan, New Zealand and Australia over the past four decades. At one time the band rivalled Madness in popularity.
Buster is enjoying his latest tour just as much but admits the aches and pains are getting more but won’t let him affect his energetic performance.
“We just played last night, and my hip is in agony age is starting to take its toll, but I’ll be back out there tonight to perform again. I can’t quite get my leg up as much as I used to for the Can Can but I give it a good try.
“We’ll be down in Wales soon and the Welsh are such a great crowd, there’s always such a good buzz. It should be brilliant.”
Bad Manners – Live in Swansea 18 December 2023 @ Sin City
Tickets available now here.
