Bad Manners

Bad Manners, composed of vocalist Buster Bloodvessel (born Douglas Trendle), Louis Cook (guitar), David Farren (bass), Martin Stewart (keyboards), Brian Tuitti (drums), Gus Herman (trumpet), Chris Kane (saxophone), and Andrew Marson (saxophone), were one of the many bands to take their inspiration from the Specials and the ska revival movement in England in the late 70s. They quickly became the novelty favorites of the fad through their bald, enormous-bodied frontmans silly on-stage antics, earning early exposure through 2-Tone Records package tours and an appearance in the live documentary Dance Craze. In the early 80s, they managed several U.K. hits including Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu, Lip Up Fatty, Special Brew, and Can Can. By the mid-80s, the ska craze was over and the band retired temporarily after the release of 1985s Mental Notes, only to return in 1989 with Return of the Ugly, remaining a live attraction despite a lack of recent hits. By the mid-90s, a third wave ska revival renewed interest in the band. Eat the Beat was released in 1996 and Uneasy Listening followed in 1997, as well as several collections from the bands peak years.