Outrageous ska band Bad Manners is back to perform at Monroe’s Live on Thursday, November 21, from 8pm.
A powerhouse of the ska revival scene since their formation in 1976, Bad Manners will bring their trademark humour, high-energy beats, and brass-driven sound still sounding loud four decades later.
Led by the larger-than-life Buster Bloodvessel (born Douglas Trendle ), Bad Manners rose to prominence during the second wave of ska in the late 1970s and early 1980s, alongside bands such as The Specials, Madness, and The Selecter.
This revival, known as 2 Tone Ska, blended traditional Jamaican ska rhythms with the raw energy of punk rock. The band’s quirky image, irreverent humour, and Bloodvessel’s unique on-stage antics set them apart in a crowded music scene.
They first hit the charts in Britain in 1980 with their album Ska ‘n’ B, and quickly followed with a string of hits including ‘Lip Up Fatty’, ‘Special Brew’, and ‘My Girl Lollipop’.
Bad Manners became regulars on Top of the Pops, and appeared at high-profile festivals, solidifying their status as ska icons.
Their stage presence is complemented by Buster’s trademark shaved head, long tongue, and exaggerated physicality.
Through the years, Bad Manners faced line-up changes and shifts in the music industry, but Bloodvessel’s commitment to the band, and the genre, has kept them going.
His distinctive voice and exuberant personality remain the backbone of Bad Manners. They continue to perform regularly, delivering nostalgic ska hits as well as newer material with the same, unfiltered enthusiasm.
The band’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer a sense of escapism while embodying the cheeky, carefree spirit of ska.
Support on the night is from Aoife Destruction And The Nilz.
Tickets €30 from www.monroes.ie
