Vice Squad

Vice Squad

Vice Squad is an English punk band from Bristol, active since 1979. It is fronted by singer and guitarist Beki Bondage, also credited as Rebecca Bond, and the line-up includes Mark Hambly, Shane Baldwin, Dave Bateman, Paul Margolis, Paul Rooney and Mark Byrne.

Style and career

The band plays punk rock with elements associated with alternative rock, rock and ska. Its songs are short and direct, with incisive lyrics set against heavy rhythm guitar. Vice Squad is known for high-energy live performances and has toured and released albums since the 1980s.

The group follows a strong DIY approach, with no record company or management backing. Since reforming in 1997, it continues to release albums and record in Beki Bondage’s south London flat, keeping that independent method central to its work.

Releases and projects

Vice Squad releases music on its own Last Rockers label. One album, Cardboard Country, is issued on that label and is linked to a Pledge campaign that raises funds for Shelter, reflecting the title’s focus on homelessness. The band also donates recordings to charity projects, including the track “Little Red Gloves” for the S.O.P.H.I.E. charity alongside acts such as Cradle of Filth and Arch Enemy.

Profile and live activity

Beki Bondage has appeared on the covers of music titles including Melody Maker, NME, Sounds, Record Mirror and Smash Hits. Vice Squad plays festivals and club dates in the UK and Europe, including shows in Den Haag, Antwerp, Southampton, Manchester and Blackpool, and has appeared at events such as the Southampton Punk Festival, Northwest Calling Festival and the Rebellion Festival.