Anti-Pasti

Anti-Pasti is a British punk rock band formed in 1978 in Derby, England. The band, known for its raw sound and energetic performances, was part of the second wave of British punk in the early 1980s. The original lineup included Martin Roper (vocals), Dugi Bell (guitar), Kev Nixon (drums), and Will Hoon (bass). Their first album, The Last Call, spent seven weeks in the UK Albums Chart, peaking at No. 31. Despite lineup changes and disbanding in 1982, the band reformed multiple times, most notably in 1995 and 2012.

History

Formation and Early Years (1978–1981)

Anti-Pasti was founded by vocalist Martin Roper and guitarist Dugi Bell. The band emerged from a local Derby outfit called The Scrincers and went through several lineup changes before stabilizing. Early members Russell Maw and Eddie Barke eventually left, with Kev Nixon and Will Hoon joining on drums and bass, respectively. The band released their debut EP, Four Sore Points, on their own Dose label in 1980. Their live shows, supporting acts like The Clash and U.K. Subs, helped build a local following.

Breakthrough Success (1981)

In 1981, Anti-Pasti signed to Rondelet Records and re-released Four Sore Points followed by the single “Let Them Free.” Their debut album, The Last Call, was released later that year and reached the UK Top 40. The band further solidified their presence in the punk scene with their single “Six Guns,” which topped the UK Indie Chart. They also collaborated with The Exploited on the EP Don’t Let ‘Em Grind You Down, which reached No. 70 in the UK Singles Chart.

Touring and Disbandment (1981–1984)

Anti-Pasti joined the “Apocalypse Now” tour in 1981, alongside The Exploited, Discharge, Vice Squad, and others. The band toured the United States and Canada, performing with the Dead Kennedys and Naked Raygun. Their second album, Caution in the Wind, was released in 1982, but tensions within the band led to the departure of Roper and the group’s eventual disbandment in 1984.

Reunions and Later Years (1995–Present)

The band briefly reunited in 1995 for a series of mini-tours in the UK and Germany. In 2012, Anti-Pasti reformed again with a lineup consisting of original members Martin Roper, Ollie Hoon, and Kev Nixon, along with new bassist Ben Hanson. They performed at several festivals, including the Rebellion Festival, and demoed new material, though Roper left again in 2014 to pursue interests outside of music. The band continued with new vocalist Gez Addictive and released their first studio album in 34 years, Rise Up, in 2016. The band is now a trio, with Ben Hanson taking over lead vocal duties.

Discography

Singles

• Four Sore Points EP (1980, Dose Records)
• Four Sore Points EP (1981, Re-release – Rondelet Records)
• Let Them Free (1981, Rondelet Records)
• Six Guns (1981, Rondelet Records)
• Don’t Let Them Grind You Down EP (1981, Split with The Exploited) – UK No. 70
• East to the West (1982, Rondelet Records)
• Caution in the Wind (1982, Rondelet Records)

Studio Albums

• The Last Call (1981, Rondelet Records) – UK No. 31
• Caution in the Wind (1982, Rondelet Records)
• Rise Up (2016, Westworld Recordings)

Compilation Albums

• Anti-Pasti (1983, Rondelet Records)
• The Best of Anti-Pasti (1996, Dojo Records)
• The Punk Singles Collection (2005, Anagram Records)

Band Members

Current Lineup

• Ben Hanson – Bass, Lead Vocals
• Ollie Hoon – Lead Guitar
• Kev Nixon – Drums

Former Members

• Martin Roper – Vocals (1978–1984, 1995, 2012–2014, 2016–2017)
• Dugi Bell – Guitar (1978–1984)
• Will Hoon – Bass (1981–1984)
• Gez Addictive – Vocals (2014–2016)
• Glynn Barber – Vocals (2017)
• Micky Bones – Vocals (2017)