Anti-System

Anti-System

Anti-System is a UK anarcho-punk band from Bradford, formed in 1981 and active from 1981 to the present. The group is associated with anarcho-punk and punk, and is regarded as an influential act in crust punk.

Early line-up and formation

The original line-up includes Phil, George, Dom and Dave Damned on vocals. After the band’s first gig at the Palm Cove in Bradford, Dave Damned is replaced by Nogsy. Another early configuration features Phil on drums, George on bass, Nogsy on vocals and Dom Watts on guitar.

Recordings and releases

The band records a demo whose tracks later appear on a Pax Records compilation. Its first release is the five-track Defence of the Realm EP. After Pax Records closes, the band releases the No Laughing Matter album and the 12-inch A Look at Life EP on Reconciliation Records.

Politics and animal rights

Anti-System supports animal rights causes, and its debut EP is issued as a benefit for animal welfare groups. Before the recording of A Look at Life, the line-up changes after two original members are imprisoned for animal rights actions. Mark Keane and Michael Teale are imprisoned in 1986, shortly after the recording of A Look at Life.