INSTIGATORS

In the latter half of the Eighties you'd have struggled to find a harder working group than INSTIGATORS. Tirelessly gigging up and down the UK, around mainland Europe, and even across the USA, on self-booked zero-budget tours, they inspired a new generation of young British bands to go blaze their own trails, often to great effect.

The first incarnation of Instigators can be traced to West Yorkshire in the early Eighties. A friendship with Subhumans Dick Lucas saw his label Bluurg release their debut EP in 1984 and an LP ‘Nobody Listens Anymore’ a year later. The records were well received, putting them on the cover of revered magazine Maximum Rock ‘n Roll. American artist Pushead also championed Instigators, including songs on his worldwide compilation ‘Cleanse The Bacteria’. And then the vocalist, bassist and drummer all walked out, leaving founder member Simon Mooney without a band. With touring commitments, and a determination to carry on, Simon immediately assembled a new line-up, with Andy Turner and Andy Turnbull drafted in as vocalist and bassist, their band Xpozez having recently split. With the addition of Steve Curran on drums the began touring Europe non stop with the reinvigorated line-up debuting in Swansea, July ’85, officially marking the next era of Instigators.

Following another mainland jaunt in January ‘86 the band assembled at Woodlands Studio, in Castleford, during March and April to record their new album ‘Phoenix’. It was produced by the band with Bruce Treasure (Subhumans) and saw a subtle change in the bands musical direction that reflected the increasing influence of bands from North America on their listening habits.

With their new album out in the summer of ’86, the band now headed across the Atlantic for a North American tour commencing on 27th June at Lupos, Providence (Rhode Island) with The Adolescents and Murphy’s Law and finishing at On Broadway in San Francisco on 14th August.

The wheels were truly turning for this incarnation of Instigators, and they would continue with tireless tours across the UK and mainland Europe and kept their profile up with tracks on various compilations. 1987 saw them release the memorable ‘Full Circle / Sleeper’ single and with ‘88’s ‘Shockgun’ album moving the goalposts again and clocking up the mileage on what would eventually be over 16 lengthy European jaunts.

INSTIGATORS bowed out after two massive European tours at the start of the ’90’s in Milan, Italy. Now they’re back for the first time in over 30 years for three special nights beginning at the world renown Rebellion Festival in Blackpool with headline shows in London and Huddersfield. If you weren’t there to witness them in full flow back then it’s time to see what you were missing

The Instigators were a revelation when they appeared on the UK punk scene, their hard yet melodic sound, precise professional delivery and positive political lyrics a literal breath of fresh air amongst a quagmire of thrashing nihilistic rage. Over the course of the next ten years they would set new standards of musicianship and professionalism within the UK hardcore scene

Join us for the after party from 11pm to 3am at The Underworld's Camden Rocks Club, get your tickets!

This is a 14+ event. 14 and 15 year olds MUST be accompanied by an adult (18+) / All ticketholders under the age of 25 will be required to carry PHOTO ID.