Big Boy Tomato

Big Boy Tomato

Big Boy Tomato is a punk and pop punk group from Acton, United Kingdom. Active from 1989 to 2023, the band goes through several line-up changes across its history and plays in a style described by the tags associated with it: female vocal, punk, pop punk, punk rock and punky pop.

Early line-ups

The group begins with Penny, Susan and Ditch, with Ditch later known as Richard. They meet Marc and Paul, with Paul’s brother initially on drums before the group replaces him with a drum machine. Marc is then replaced by Andrew. Niall later plays drums for a period, followed by another drummer referred to only as Kev. The band plays venues such as the George Robey and the Lady Owen Arms, and at one point shares a bill with Snuff.

Later formation and personnel

After a break, Big Boy Tomato starts again with Arthur, identified as Arturo Bassick of the Lurkers, 999 and Blubbery Hellbellies, on guitar, and Olivier on bass. Olivier dies, after which Nik joins on bass. Around the same period the band meets Snog, who help arrange gigs in Shetland. Arturo then leaves, and Jerry helps out on guitar. Gianfranco plays drums, then Tom joins on guitar as a permanent member and Bladder replaces Gianfranco on drums. In the final line-up given, the band consists of Penny, Ditch, Tom, Nik and Bladder, with Susan no longer in the line-up.

Notable details

The band’s history includes performances at the George Robey and Lady Owen Arms, a gig with Snuff, and a connection with Little Richard and Laura. Its personnel changes include the use of a drum machine, several guitar and bass swaps, and the involvement of Arturo Bassick from established punk acts.