Ed Banger & The Nosebleeds

Ed Banger & The Nosebleeds

Ed Banger & The Nosebleeds are a punk group from Manchester, England, formed in 1976 and still active. The band begins as Wild Ram before changing its name during the early Manchester punk scene. Its membership includes Ed Banger, Pete Crookes, Vini Reilly, Phillip “Toby” Tolman, Billy Duffy and Morrissey.

Formation and early lineup

The group forms in Wythenshawe, Manchester. A violent audience reaction at a Sex Pistols support show at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall on 20 July 1976 inspires the band’s name change. The story behind the name comes from a remark about a “headbanger” and a “nosebleed”.

In the early lineup, Ed Banger sings, Vini Reilly plays guitar, Pete Crookes plays bass and Phillip “Toby” Tolman plays drums. Reilly later becomes known for The Durutti Column.

Recording and live work

The band releases one single on Rabid Records: “I Ain’t Been to No Music School” backed with “Fascist Pigs”. It sells 10,000 copies but does not lead to wider success. The group does not record an album.

At the Roxy in London, the band is known for playing the same two songs repeatedly during a set, which draws an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Line-up changes and later members

After disputes within the group, Garrity and Reilly leave. Steven Morrissey, later of The Smiths, replaces Garrity on vocals, and Billy Duffy, later associated with Theatre of Hate and The Cult, replaces Reilly on guitar. This lineup plays several gigs and receives a positive review in the New Musical Express. Morrissey writes songs for the band including “I Get Nervous” and “(I Think) I’m Ready for the Electric Chair”.

Aftermath and related work

After the band folds, Garrity continues to perform under several names, including Ed Banger and His Group Therapy, Eddi Fiction and Sound of the Baskerville. He later works with Slaughter & the Dogs and releases solo singles including “Kinnel Tommy”, “I’ve Just Had My Car Nicked” and “Poor People”.

A documentary titled The Rise And Fall Of The Nosebleeds – Punk Rediscovered premieres in Salford in 2005, reflecting the group’s later reputation in the history of punk and Manchester music.