Lowlife UK

Lowlife UK

Lowlife UK are a Bradford, UK punk band formed in March 1995. They begin with a raw, alcohol-fuelled hardcore sound before moving towards a more structured style influenced by Boston hardcore, later punk and Oi!, and then a mix of hardcore and rock.

Line-up and early years

The original core line-up includes Beaker on vocals and Stoney on guitar. Mickey Knowles, formerly of Anti-System, plays bass and Dave Thompson plays drums on the early recordings. The band also plays support slots with many hardcore acts touring the UK, including a UK and US tour with Murphy's Law from New York.

Stoney later leaves and Paul Mason, formerly of Leeds punk band Lemon Enema, takes over guitar. Dave Thompson later departs and is replaced by Gareth Pugh, who has also played drums with Voorhees. Mickey Knowles then leaves and is replaced by Andy Partington, also from Lemon Enema.

Recordings

The band’s first CD, On Your Knees..., appears in 1998 and reflects their Boston-influenced hardcore punk sound. Born To Booze follows in 2000 and shifts further towards punk and Oi! influences. Their third album, Barstool Preaching, is recorded in 2003 with former Cardiacs drummer Mark Cawthra and continues the move towards a blend of hardcore and rock.

That's Just How It Is follows in 2006 and includes their best-known track, “Fuck You”. An album of covers, Desert Island Dicks, appears around a year later and includes songs originally by Clutch, Motörhead, Ween, Cardiacs and Cockney Rebel. The Hypnotised Never Lie is released in 2008.