The Varukers

The Varukers

The Varukers are a British punk band from Warwick, England, formed in 1979 by vocalist Rat. They play hardcore punk and are associated with punk rock, street punk and d-beat, with their sound linked to the UK82 style associated with bands such as GBH and The Exploited. As the group develops, former members of Discharge contribute to a stronger d-beat influence.

History

The band splits in 1988 as the members go their separate ways, then reforms in 1993 when Rat decides to bring it back. Rat remains the only constant member across the many line-up changes the band goes through. The group includes a long list of members over time, including Tom Lowe, Garry Maloney, Bruce Riddell, George Jenkins, Brik, Damien Thompson, Andy Baker, Tony May, Graham Kerr, Paul Miles, Warren Beecham, Keith Gilbert, Kev Frost, Biff, Brian Ansell, Kieran Plunkett, Marvin Gauntlett, Sean Duggan, Ricardo Fernandez, Todd A. Ciavarella, Les Duly, Justin Greaves, Mark Greenwell and Mattias Kennhed.

Releases and activity

The Varukers release a retrospective CD on SOS Records. They continue to tour internationally and perform alongside other punk acts, including Broken Bones, The Adicts, Vice Squad and GBH at the British Invasion 2k6 festival in San Bernardino, California.

Line-up and style

Rat is the group’s vocalist and founding member. The band’s membership changes frequently, but its core identity remains tied to his vocals and to its fast, aggressive punk sound.