The Defects

The Defects

The Defects are a punk band from Northern Ireland, formed in 1978. The original line-up is Buck on vocals, Dukie on guitar, Glenn on drums and Geoff on bass; by 1980, Gary replaces Geoff on bass. The band begins by playing covers of punk songs before moving into recording and touring.

Early releases and labels

After an initial demo tape receives no response from English record companies, the band helps set up its own label, Casualty Records, with financial backing from Dennis Milligan and money borrowed from Buck’s mother and others. On that label, the band releases its first single, Dance Till You Drop, in 1981, and the 2,000-copy pressing quickly sells out.

They are later signed to WXYZ Records by promoter John Curd, following a recommendation from music journalist Carol Clerk, without Curd having seen them perform. Their second single, Survival, appears in 1982.

Touring and recordings

The Defects tour the UK with the Anti Nowhere League on the So What Tour in 1982, then tour again with the Meteors. They also play shows with Chelsea and Chron Gen. In 1982, while recording their debut album Defective Breakdown at Jacobs Studios in Surrey, they are in a neighbouring studio to Rick Wakeman. Around the same period, they support the Anti Nowhere League and the Meteors at Maysfield Leisure Centre in Belfast.

Their debut album is released in 1982 and receives critical acclaim. Their final single, Suspicious Minds, is issued by I.D. Records in January 1984.

Final period

The Defects’ final gig takes place at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on 7 February 1984, supporting the Clash. They later play one more support slot with 999, without Buck, with Glenn taking on vocals.