The Adicts

The Adicts

The Adicts are a punk band from Ipswich, United Kingdom, active since 1975. They begin as Afterbirth & The Pinz in Ipswich in late 1975, then change their name to The Adicts. They are associated with punk rock and, more specifically, an Ipswich clockwork punk style.

Style and image

The band becomes known for a distinctive “Droog” image influenced by A Clockwork Orange. Most of the group dress in white clothing with black combat boots and black bowler hats, while singer Monkey appears in full joker make-up, patterned suits, flared trousers, colourful shirts, and other theatrical clothing. Their performances also include streamers, confetti, playing cards, joker hats, toy instruments and glitter.

Music and releases

Their sound combines urgent, fast punk songs with light-hearted lyrics. Their music also uses additional instruments and sound effects, including carousel music on “How Sad”, violin on “Joker in the Pack”, gongs and keyboard percussion on “Chinese Takeaway”, and a switch into another piece at the end of “G.I.R.L.”. Their song “Viva La Revolution” appears in the video game Tony Hawk’s Underground.

Career

The Adicts are particularly popular in the 1980s and appear often in the indie charts during that period. They also use temporary names in the 1980s, including ADX and FUN ADICTS, for a children’s television appearance.

Members

The band’s line-up includes Monkey, Pete Dee Davison, Kid Dee, Mel Ellis, John Ellis, Dan Gratziani and Heiko Schramm. The group is noted for keeping its original members for a long time, which is unusual for a band with such a long history.