Biography

Formed in Derby, England in 1978, the second-wave punk unit Anti-Pasti was founded by guitarist Dugi Bell, bassist Russell Maw and drummer Eddie Barke; originally dubbed the Scrincers, the group received its new moniker soon after the addition of vocalist Martin Roper. Their initial line-up proved short-lived, as Barke quickly exited after refusing to perform the song "Nailed to the Cross" because of his deeply-held religious beliefs; Maw soon followed suit, signing on with local rivals the Allies. With a new rhythm section of bassist Stu Winfield and drummer Stan Smith, Anti-Pasti issued their 1980 debut EP Four Sore Points on their own Dose label. This line-up was equally short-lived, and Anti-Pasti -- now consisting of Roper, Bell, bassist Will Hoon and drummer Kevin Nixon -- cut a follow-up single, "Let Them Free; " the record was an indie hit, and their 1981 debut LP The Last Call reached the UK Top 40. "Six Guns," an attack on the growing Oi! movement, soon topped the indie charts, and a successful tour of the U.S. and Europe followed. After adding Hoon's brother Ollie on guitar, Anti-Pasti returned to the studio to begin work on their sophomore effort, 1982's Caution to the Wind. The album was not well-received, and after the single "East to the West" also failed, Roper was fired; the remaining members soldiered on before disbanding in 1984. In 1995, the group's back catalogue was reissued on CD, prompting a series of reunion gigs. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi