It’s not every day you get to sit down with a living legend, but today, I had the distinct pleasure of talking to none other than Buster Bloodvessel of Bad Manners.
And let me tell you, after five decades of skanking, shouting, and keeping the Ska spirit alive, the man is still every bit the larger-than-life character we all fell in love with back in the late ‘70s.
A true gentleman, a natural showman, and a walking encyclopaedia of all things Ska, Buster was more than happy to dive into questions as they embark on their 50th anniversary tour, including two long-awaited shows in New Zealand this April.
Having spent an impressive 111 weeks in the UK Singles Chart between 1980 and 1983, Bad Manners relentlessly still toured across the UK, Europe, America, and Japan. I caught up with their larger-than-life frontman Buster Bloodvessel, to throw some unusual questions his way.
Why were Bad Manners banned from Top of the Pops?
One of the band’s most infamous moments came courtesy of Buster Bloodvessel himself—known for his shaven head, oversized tongue, and wild antics.
His on-stage exploits were enough to raise eyebrows, but it was one particular stunt that got Bad Manners banned from the BBC’s Top of the Pops. Painting his head bright red.
For those who might have spent the last few decades under a rock, Bad Manners exploded onto the scene in the late ‘70s, riding the second wave of Ska alongside acts like Madness, The Specials, and The Selecter.
With hits like Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu, Lip Up Fatty, and Special Brew, the band became a household name, known as much for their infectious energy as for Buster’s towering frame, shaved head, and manic onstage antics.
Now, as they prepare to bring their irrepressible brand of fun to Kiwi audiences at The Tuning Fork in Auckland (16 April 2025) and San Fran in Wellington (17 April), I had the chance to throw some questions Buster’s way. Some predictable, some not so much.
You fire away—any question is good for me! says Buster.
We kick things off with the basics.
Born in Hackney Hospital, raised in Stoke Newington, Buster set out on his musical path in 1975, forming his first band, Stoop Solo and The Sheet Starchers.
It wasn’t long before Bad Manners was born, with Douglas Trendle donning the now-iconic name Buster Bloodvessel. Borrowed, of course, from the character in The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour.
Their early years saw them cutting their teeth on the 2-Tone package tours and scoring a deal with Magnet Records.
But one thing that intrigued me was their debut album, Ska ‘n’ B, being recorded in Coventry. Home turf for The Specials and The Selecter. I ask… quite a distance from your London roots.
How did that come about? Were you sent to Coventry?
We were indeed sent to Coventry Buster laughs, fully aware of the pun. What an experience it was! We loved it. It was our first album, so we were all eager to lay down our musical ideas and make our mark.
What was the last song you listened to on your Spotify playlist?
Oh blimey… erm… it was a Laurel Aitken song. I think it was called Keep It.
What was the last TV show you watched?
I’m actually watching Jeremy Vine right now. It’s a show that’s on every morning.
What’s your favourite theme park ride and why?
Probably be Dodgems, because we’re all very keen on Dodgems. I know every time we have been to a fun fair we all aim to get onto the Dodgems and knock the shit out of each other.
I bet that helps relieve a bit of band tension?
Well it does indeed, yes and everyone seems to aim at the drummer for some reason.
Everyone picks on the drummer.
Well they’re not musicians, are they?
That reminds me—I must share this one with you Buster. Do you know how a singer changes a lightbulb? They just stand there with their arm in the air… and wait for the whole world to revolve around them.
Which is so fake but very good.
Who would win in a dance-off between Madness’ Suggs and yourself?
It would never happen, cos I would just knock him out. (Laughs) We took them on at rugby once and they shit themselves, so much so they didn’t even turn up.
If you could replace a member of the Royal Family with a member of Bad Manners, who’s getting swapped and why?
Well, that’s a very difficult one… erm… Oh gosh I mean…wow, you got me there! It’s probably Ades (Adrian Cox.) He’s very good at diplomacy.
If you had to sum up the history of Bad Manners using only food metaphors, how would you do it?
That one’s gonna take a bit of thinking. It’s like a jar of pickled onions. You start with one, and you can’t get through the whole jar!
What’s the weirdest thing anyone has ever shouted at you onstage?
It’s not… You fat bastard! …‘cos we get that all the time! It’s quite normal. And I can see it because, the truth of the matter is, I am a bastard, and I am fat!
I hear you’re not so portly these days?
I was a bit slimmer on our last Australian tour, but unfortunately, I’ve put a few pounds back on. I think it’s all the pies I eat, which I believe you lot are famous for down there!
What’s your favourite pie?
I would say a croc (crocodile) pie. They do very good pies in Australia. They make good ones in New Zealand as well!
Nicely saved, Buster! What’s the most ridiculous rumour you’ve heard about yourself that isn’t true?
That we are Madness, but we are nothing like them at all. ‘Cause they can’t drink. They are lightweights.
I’ll step off the weird questions now and move on.
Great ‘cause they were a bit weird.
What’s your favourite band/act of today?
There’s a band over here called The Jewellers, who are quite popular at the moment. There’s also a Japanese band called The Ska Flames.
What does Two-Tone mean to you?
It was a great movement that helped us an awful lot in our early days. We went on a certain number of Two-Tone tours with a variety of bands, and of course, we made the film Dance Craze. I really enjoyed it. What a time! I mean, a really good time over here, and it’s something that will go down in British history.
Thanks Buster, I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me today.
Thanks Paul, it was my pleasure, and I look forward to meeting you, putting a face to the name, and of course, playing to the fans down there.
Make sure you grab a ticket to see Buster and the lads live on their 50th anniversary tour! Buster is as full of life as ever and still the ultimate larrikin. With his stage antics, incredible band, and hit songs, it’s the perfect recipe for an unforgettable night out. Don’t miss it!
Catch Bad Manners live on their 50th Anniversary Tour
Paul Marshall
Wednesday, 16 April – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
Thursday, 17 April – San Fran, Wellington
Tickets available here: Bad Manners Tickets