Bad Manners

Bad manners are certainly a band you MUST experience. A possible marketing ploy would be to emphasise the fact that when you see Bad manners you will be guaranteed hours of ‘ska’ dancing.
The last time I saw bad manners was at a small music venue named ‘Fat Paulies’ in Norwich. This was a perfect venue for this crowd-pleasing band. The gig was held 3 days before Christmas day, so festive merriment was imminent.
It was obvious straight away as you entered the venue, the different sorts of people that were in the crowd. From one extreme there were the ‘bull boys’ of the hay day ere when Bad manners were gracing Top of the Pops. This group of people are recognisable by their skinheads and by their authentic Dr.Martin shoes. The other extreme of crowd members were the new area of skate engrossed teenagers, with their spiky authentic ‘Greenday’ hair and Vans skate shoes. Bad manners are clearly a band that bring together many generations of people in one venue, simply to have fun and enjoyment.
Recent media reports have indicated that bad manners motives for their recent tour were purely financial, especially after the collapse of “Fatty towers” ( Buster’s hotel) was publicised in a Virgin direct advert. This is clearly not the case and the band’s thirst and enjoyment are clearly indicated in the lengths they go to, to please their fans.

Norfolk based, ‘bully boy ‘band,’ Short and Curlies supported bad manners on the night. This was the time when the ‘bully boys’ within the crowd were able to go crazy at the expense of other peoples bruise less faces. ‘Short and Curlies’ were a pretty simple band, with very little change in the chords that were played.
Once the crowd had been initially warmed up by the out spoken support band, Bad Manners graced the small and inelegant stage. As customary to Bad Manners, the band entered the stage minus the main character, lead singer, Buster Bloodvessel. His legendary status within the ska world meant that he deserved a welcome to Norwich on his own. The crowd roared as the large as life legend jumped energetically on the stage, so small it was unbelievable it held the weight of the band! The lyrics rolled off the middle-aged front man’s famous massive tongue. The accompanying brass instruments carried throughout the whole of the venue. This eleven-piece band then continuously belted out classics that have made Bad Manners famous throughout the land. Tunes that stand out for me are, Special Brew, Lip Up Fatty, and Lorraine. As one tune finished another began, leaving ska-dancers completely dehydrated, aching all over, but begging for more of the catchy up-beat tunes.

Since Bad Manners were formed in 1976 they have been making people dance, and making people smile. I believe this ‘party band’ outfit (although different to the one formed in 1976, Bar Buster) will carry on doing so well into the future.