The Stupids

The Stupids are a punk band from Ipswich, United Kingdom, formed in 1984 and active from then to the present. Their music sits in hardcore punk and thrashcore, with a fast, US-influenced approach that draws particularly on Boston hardcore such as Gang Green. In the UK scene of the time, where crusty metal punk, UK82 and anarcho punk were common, they stand out for pushing American hardcore into a faster and more intense form.

Style and lyrics

The band’s songs are marked by deliberately silly, less serious lyrics rather than the more political tone common in many of their contemporaries. Their subjects include the Elephant Man, joking references to love, hating everyone, hating new wave, and skateboarding.

Early recordings and releases

The core early line-up features Tommy Stupid on drums and vocals, Wolfie Retard on bass and vocals, and Marty Tuff on guitar. In 1984 they record and release a demo tape called Leave Your Ears Behind. UK label Children of the Revolution then issues the Violent Nun EP, made up of tracks from the demo, and the Peruvian Vacation LP in 1985.

Before the next LP, Wolfie leaves bass and Ed Shred joins, later moving to guitar. Retard Picnic follows in 1986, and the band signs to Vinyl Solutions. Over the next two years they play across Europe and tour the United States and Australia. Their line-up changes frequently, but Tommy Stupid remains on drums and vocals throughout this period.

Later releases and profile

The Stupids continue to release records on Vinyl Solutions, ending that run with the Jesus Meets The Stupids LP in 1987. During this period they appear on the covers of NME and SOUNDS and record two sessions for John Peel, later compiled on a 12-inch release.

Reformation

The band reforms in 2008 after the reissue of its back catalogue by Boss Tuneage. They record The Kids Don’t Like It for that label and continue to play live in the UK and Europe. A limited-edition 7-inch EP, Japanese Vacation, is released to coincide with a tour of Japan by Waterslide, Boss Tuneage’s sister label in Japan.