Big Audio Dynamite

Big Audio Dynamite

Big Audio Dynamite is an alternative rock group from London, formed in 1984 by Mick Jones, formerly guitarist and singer with The Clash. The band works under several names across its history, including Big Audio Dynamite II and Big Audio, and is often abbreviated to BAD or B.A.D. Its music combines punk rock, reggae, hip hop, electronica and rock, and its listed genres also include alternative dance, alternative rock, dance, dub and electronic.

Original lineup

The first lineup consists of Mick Jones on guitars and vocals, Don Letts on sound effects and vocals, Dan Donovan on keyboards, Greg Roberts on drums and background vocals, and Leo Williams on bass. Jones and Letts form the initial core of the group, with Letts bringing experience as a filmmaker and former member of Basement 5.

Releases and changes

The band debuts with This Is Big Audio Dynamite in 1985. In 1986, No. 10, Upping St. reunites Jones with former Clash bandmate Joe Strummer, who co-produces the record and co-writes a number of songs. The group supports U2 on their 1987 world tour and later releases Tighten Up Vol. '88 in 1988 and Megatop Phoenix in 1989.

In 1990, the band changes its name to Big Audio Dynamite II for The Globe. At that point Don Letts, Greg Roberts and Leo Williams leave to form Screaming Target and later Dreadzone. The group then adopts the name Big Audio for Higher Power in 1994, before returning to the Big Audio Dynamite name for F-Punk in 1995 and Entering a New Ride in 1997.

Later history

The band supports U2 again on part of the Zoo TV Tour in 1992, including dates in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. It disbands in 1997 and reunites in 2011. The act remains active and is associated with Big Audio Dynamics Music, Inc. as a label.