Anti System were an English punk rock band from Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, active in the 1980s.

History

Original line-up consisted of Phil, George, Dom and Dave Damned on vocals, following their first gig at the Palm Cove in Bradford, Dave Damned was replaced by Nogsy. Formed in Bradford in 1981, with a line-up of Phil (drums), George (bass), Nogsy (vocals) and Dom Watts (guitar), the band recorded a demo whose tracks found their way onto a Pax Records compilation. Their debut release was the five-track Defence of the Realm EP which was followed (on Reconciliation Records after the closure of Pax Records) with the No Laughing Matter album and the 12" A Look at Life EP.

Like some other anarcho-punk bands of the time, the band were promoters of animal rights causes, their debut EP being a benefit for animal welfare groups and prior to the recording of the A Look at Life EP there was a necessity for a new line-up as two of the original members had been imprisoned for various animal rights actions. Mark Keane and Michael Teale were imprisoned in 1986, shortly after recording A Look at Life.

Musical style

The band's music has been categorised as anarcho punk and hardcore punk. In an article by DIY Conspiracy, they were referred to as one of the pioneers of UK82. Their lyrics often political, supporting anarchism and animal rights.They have cited influences including Black Flag, Crass and Conflict.

Members

CurrentDean Martindale - Vocals

Mickey Knowles - Guitar

Mark "Varik" Teale - Guitar

Mark "Keaney" Keane - Bass

Kevin Frost - Drums

Band Members :   Dean Martindale, Mark Teale, Mark Keane, Mick Teale, Kev Frost, George Clarke, Mickey Knowles, Phil Hobson, Kev Haste, Dom Watts, Phil Dean, Nogsy

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