Varukers

The Varukers formed in London in 1982 with Anthony 'Rat' Martin on vocals, Ian 'Smiley' Stewart on guitar, Gary 'Spud' Smith on bass, and Paul 'Podge' Hodgins on drums. They came up in the UK punk scene alongside bands like Discharge and The Exploited, playing fast, aggressive music that found an audience in underground clubs and squats.

Their 1983 debut album was followed by records like 'Blood Calls to Blood' in 1986 and 'Iron Wrath' in 1987. Songs like 'Die For Your Government' and 'Protest & Survive' delivered blunt political messages with a raw, driving sound that didn't soften over time. The lineup shifted around Rat Martin, who remained the constant voice through various drummers and bass players.

They kept playing through the decades, with 'Dance 'Till You're Dead' becoming something of a punk standard. The Varukers never really changed their approach, the music stayed loud, fast, and direct, appealing to listeners who wanted their punk without compromise.