bad blood (Bristol punk hardcore)

Bad Blood

Bad Blood are a British punk rock band formed in Bristol, England, around 1996. Their music combines melodic and progressive punk rock with a distinctive vintage sound. Their lyrics address political and social issues, reflecting the band’s anti-hate, left-wing and working-class ethos.

History

Formation and early years: 1996–1998

Bad Blood formed in Bristol around 1996. The original lineup consisted of Mike Boniface (vocals and guitar), Jon Springer (drums) and Nick Ellis (bass guitar).

The band recorded a three-track demo cassette in 1996, followed by a five-track CD in 1997. During their early years, they performed regularly in Bristol and elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

In 1997, Bad Blood travelled to Germany to perform at the B.O.B. Festival and supported American punk band The Queers in Bremen. They also played a support show for Red Flag 77 in London and appeared at the first European City of Punk Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The original lineup remained together until 1998, when Boniface left the band following musical and personal differences.

Lineup changes and touring: 1998–2000

Following Boniface’s departure, Terry Povey and guitarist David Devonold joined the band. The new lineup performed in Bristol and London, including a show at the Pembury Tavern in Hackney, London, which was recorded live.

David Devonold was later replaced by Darren Watkins, formerly of Bristol punk band Shock Treatment. The revised lineup developed a new sound and recorded a split 7-inch vinyl release with Somerset street-punk band Valdez. The record was released by German independent label Campary Records.

Bad Blood continued to perform regularly in Bristol and developed connections with other punk bands, including Disorder. They also played shows in Germany.

Further releases and breakup: 2004–2007

In 2004, vocalist Alan O’Gallon Bowen, formerly of Maggot Slayer Overdrive, joined the band. David Devonold also returned to the lineup.

This period saw the band develop a darker and more melodic sound, combining old-school punk vocals with melodic hardcore and guitar-driven arrangements.

In 2005, Bad Blood released the 7-inch EP Ignorance Is Bliss on Campary Records.

The band also appeared in the 2006 film Flirting with Flamenco, in which they played a German oompah band. Their music was also used in the film.

A further release was recorded but never officially issued. Bad Blood eventually broke up in 2007 when Bowen moved permanently to Germany.

Reunion: 2022–present

Bad Blood reformed in 2022 with Terry Povey returning on vocals. The reunited lineup included Jon Springer on drums, Nick Ellis on guitar and new member Chris Redman on bass guitar.

The band resumed performing live, including appearances at punk festivals and shows in the United Kingdom.

Their reunion was followed by the release of To Ruin and Back in 2022 and Septic Shock in 2024. The band’s music continues to combine melodic and progressive punk rock with social and political themes.

Musical style and themes

Bad Blood’s music is characterised by melodic punk rock, progressive song structures and a vintage sound. Their lyrics address political and social issues, including anti-hate and working-class themes.

The band has maintained an independent approach to recording and releasing music, with releases appearing through independent labels and digital platforms.

Discography

Albums

* To Ruin and Back (2022)
* Septic Shock (2024)

EPs and singles

* Bad Blood — demo cassette (1996)
* Bad Blood — CD (1997)
* Bad Blood / Valdez — split 7-inch EP (Campary Records, 2003)
* Ignorance Is Bliss — 7-inch EP (Campary Records, 2005)
* Invisible Horror — unofficial digital release (2007)

Live recordings

* Live at the Pembury Tavern (1998)
* Live in Hamburg (2003)

Members

Current lineup

* Terry Povey — vocals
* Jon Springer — drums
* Nick Ellis — guitar
* Chris Redman — bass guitar