The Skeptix

The Skeptix

The Skeptix are a punk band from Stoke-on-Trent, England. They form in 1978 under the name The Vermin, first while the members are at school, then go through the names Chaos and The Skeptix.

Early line-up and recordings

The original line-up includes Jacko on bass, Chig on drums, Stan on vocals and Fish on guitar. In the early 1980s, Stan and Jacko leave and are replaced by Snotty, who later becomes the band’s manager, and Ush. The group plays local gigs in the Stoke-on-Trent area and then records its first demo.

In 1981 the band signs to Neon Records and records Routine Machine and Curfew. After these releases, The Skeptix play shows around the UK with bands including GBH, The Fits, Broken Bones and Abrasive Wheels, and later tour the Stollwerk festival in Germany.

Split and later activity

The Skeptix continue recording until 1983, when Fish joins Discharge. The band splits by 1985. In December 2001, The Skeptix reform with the original recording line-up and rehearse for the Holidays in the Sun festivals in the UK and the USA.

Their first album in 20 years, Hate & Fear, is recorded and released in 2003. In the same year they tour the USA in support of the album. A recording of their CBGB’s show in New York becomes another album, and a DVD of the gig, with extra tour footage, is also released.