Bad Manners

Formed in 1979, Bad Manners – a nine-piece ska band from north London – were one of the many bands to take their inspiration from The Specials and the Ska Revival movement.

They quickly became the novelty favourites of the fad, through their bald, enormous-bodied frontman, Buster Bloodvessel, (real name Douglas Trendle) and his silly onstage antics.

They earned early exposure through 2 Tone package tours and appearing in the documentary Dance Craze.

In the early 80s, they managed several UK hits including Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu, Lip Up Fatty, Special Brew, My Girl Lollipop and Can Can.

Sadly, a growing wave of National Front skinhead-incited violence at the group’s London gigs resulted in a ban from most clubs in the British capital.

By the mid-80s, the ska craze was over, and Bad Manners retired temporarily, only to return in 1989 with Return Of The Ugly, remaining a solid live attraction despite a lack of subsequent hits.

TRIVIA
Bad Manners had their name on the shirts of Margate FC in the late 1990s as part of a sponsorship deal with their record label. singer Buster Bloodvessel was running a hotel in Margate at the time and actually joined the football club’s board of directors.

Buster appeared in the film, Eldorado, starring Daryl Hannah, in 2012. He had a cameo role as a sheriff and also recorded music for the film.

“We were so drunk when we signed our (record) deal we got thrown out of six restaurants afterwards. The next day I thought we’d signed to WEA until the rest of the band showed me the things we’d nicked from the Magnet office”.
Buster Bloodvessel. 1980

Buster Bloodvessel (Douglas Trendle)
Vocals
Louis Alphonso (Louis Cook)
Guitar
David Farren
Bass
Martin Stewart
Keyboards
Brian “Chew-it” Tuitti
Drums
Gus “Hot Lips” Herman (Paul Hyman)
Trumpet
Chris Kane
Tenor sax
Marcus Absent (Andy Marson)
Alto sax
Winston Bazoomies (Alan Sayag)
Harmonica

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