1980s chart stars Bad Manners make a return to Newport next week as part of their Christmas tour.
The bands charismatic frontman, Buster Bloodvessel promises Andy Howells, it will be a night to remember: “It’s our fortieth anniversary tour. Its quite a wild party and we’re experts at making people party!
“We’ve put together a set that just kills everyone, we’ve been around the world with it this year and now it’s the last of our fortieth celebrations. So, I’m certain it’s going to be a good show.”
Bad Manners were formed in 1976 at Woodberry Down comprehensive school, London.
“it was a silly idea of mine really,” laughs Buster, known for his off-the-wall stage persona. “I just thought rather than breaking off and going our separate ways, we should meet up on a regular basis and start rehearsing. Eventually getting to a point where we could start playing pubs.”
Bad Manners own special brew of Ska music combined humour and fun into their act and soon started to gain broad appeal.
“It was the time of Two Tone,” continues Buster, “there was a bit of an explosion going on, not caused by us, but we were certainly there longer than anybody else. We’re quite proud of the fact that we’re still here and never really broken up. We’ve had our moments of quietness, but most of the time we just work.”
Bad Manners were a regular fixture of the music charts and numerous television shows between 1980 and 1983, scoring hits with Special Brew, Can Can, My Girl Lollipop and Walking in The Sunshine.
Fans old and new continue to enjoy the bands live performances. “There is definitely a youth out there that likes to look around,” says Buster.
“A lot of young people come along to Bad Manners gigs because they hear it’s a crazy night. They enjoy the whole experience of the party show and that is what we are giving. Its Christmas, we know everyone’s had a long few weeks at work but it’s also time to let your hair down.”
- Bad Manners play Newport’s Neon on December 15.
- Interview archived – July 2023.