Bad Manners

Here’s the event page content for Bad Manners at Dreamland Margate:

Get Ready to Skank! Bad Manners Live at Dreamland Margate!

Prepare for a night of pure, unadulterated ska mayhem as the legendary Bad Manners, fronted by the inimitable Buster Bloodvessel, descend upon the iconic Dreamland Margate on Saturday, 13 December 2025. This isn’t just a gig; it’s a full-blown ska party, a celebration of over four decades of high-energy performances and singalong anthems. Get ready to sweat, smile, and skank your way through an unforgettable evening as one of the UK’s most beloved live acts brings their infectious energy to the seaside. With their distinctive blend of ska, punk, and a healthy dose of good-natured anarchy, Bad Manners are guaranteed to deliver a performance that will leave you exhilarated and wanting more. Don’t miss this chance to experience the raw power and sheer joy of a band that has consistently proven that good music and a great attitude are timeless.

About Bad Manners

Formed in London in 1976, Bad Manners quickly rose to prominence during the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming synonymous with the ska revival movement. Led by the charismatic and larger-than-life Buster Bloodvessel (Douglas Trendle), the band’s distinctive sound blended traditional Jamaican ska rhythms with a punk rock attitude and a healthy dose of British humour. Their early releases on Magnet Records garnered significant attention, with their debut album, “Ska ‘N’ Bong” (1980), setting the stage for a string of successful singles and albums.

Bad Manners became renowned for their electrifying live shows, which were as much about the spectacle as the music. Buster Bloodvessel, with his distinctive vocal style, larger frame, and often flamboyant stage presence, became a cult figure. The band’s infectious energy, coupled with Buster’s crowd-pleasing antics and a repertoire of incredibly catchy tunes, made them a festival favourite and a must-see live act.

Throughout the 1980s, Bad Manners enjoyed considerable chart success. Their breakthrough single, “Special Brew” (1980), became an instant classic, its infectious chorus and upbeat tempo making it a staple of dance floors across the UK. This was swiftly followed by other iconic hits such as “Lip Up Fatty” (1980), “Can Can” (1981) – a frenetic ska interpretation of Offenbach’s classical piece that reached the UK Top 10 – and “Ne-ne-na-na-na-na” (1982), a playful track that further cemented their place in the pop charts.

Despite various lineup changes over the years, Buster Bloodvessel has remained the constant, unwavering force behind Bad Manners. They have continued to tour extensively, releasing new material and demonstrating that their passion for ska and their ability to entertain a crowd have never waned. Their enduring appeal lies in their authenticity, their commitment to fun, and their ability to connect with audiences through pure, unadulterated musical joy. A Bad Manners gig is not just a concert; it’s an experience that embodies the spirit of ska – a celebration of life, music, and community.

Venue Information

Dreamland Margate is Margate’s beloved historic amusement park, offering a unique and vibrant setting for live music. Steeped in seaside heritage, it provides an atmosphere that perfectly complements the energetic and celebratory nature of a Bad Manners performance. Expect a lively environment with a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, designed to create an unforgettable night out. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare yourself for a night that’s less of a concert and more of a carnival of sound and spirit. Bad Manners are not known for delivering anything less than an explosive, full-throttle performance, and this show at Dreamland Margate will be no exception. Buster Bloodvessel and his band are seasoned performers who thrive on audience interaction, and you can bet they’ll be encouraging everyone to get involved from the very first note.

The setlist will undoubtedly be a masterclass in ska nostalgia, peppered with their most recognisable and beloved hits. You can absolutely count on hearing the singalong anthems that have soundtracked generations of good times. Expect to be treated to the infectious energy of “Special Brew,” the irresistible bounce of “Lip Up Fatty,” and the manic, high-octane fun of their iconic cover, “Can Can.” They are also likely to delve into other crowd-pleasers such as “Woolly Bully,” “Sally Brown,” and “Lorraine,” each one guaranteed to get the dance floor moving. Beyond the chart-toppers, Bad Manners are renowned for injecting their own unique brand of ska madness into a variety of covers and original material, so be prepared for some delightful surprises and unexpected twists.

The performance style is pure, unadulterated fun. Buster Bloodvessel commands the stage with his unmistakable charisma, encouraging singalongs, playful banter, and a general atmosphere of joyous pandemonium. The band behind him is a tight-knit unit, delivering the driving ska rhythms, pumping basslines, and soaring brass sections that are their hallmark. They play with an infectious enthusiasm that is genuinely contagious. The overall duration of the performance is typically around 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the specific event format and encore demands, ensuring ample time for you to fully immerse yourself in the Bad Manners experience. It’s a show where the music is the star, but the sheer exhilaration and collective joy of the audience are equally vital components. Be ready to skank, to shout, and to have your face ache from smiling.

FAQs

Q1: Will Buster Bloodvessel be performing with the band? Absolutely! Buster Bloodvessel is the heart and soul of Bad Manners, and he will be fronting the band for their performance at Dreamland Margate. His presence is integral to the Bad Manners experience.

Q2: Can I expect them to play their biggest hits like “Special Brew” and “Can Can”? Yes, you can certainly expect a setlist packed with their most iconic and beloved hits, including “Special Brew” and their legendary rendition of “Can Can.” They are known for delivering a performance that celebrates their extensive and popular back catalogue.

Q3: What is the typical live performance style of Bad Manners? Bad Manners are renowned for their high-energy, no-holds-barred live shows. Expect a vibrant and infectious performance filled with ska rhythms, Buster Bloodvessel’s distinctive vocals and stage presence, plenty of audience interaction, and a general atmosphere of fun and celebration. It’s a party, not just a concert.

Q4: Is Bad Manners a band that encourages audience participation? Immensely! Audience participation is a cornerstone of a Bad Manners gig. Buster Bloodvessel actively encourages singalongs, dancing, and a sense of community among the crowd. You’ll be encouraged to skank, shout, and sing along from start to finish.

Q5: How long does a typical Bad Manners set last? A typical Bad Manners set generally lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours. This allows them ample time to play a comprehensive selection of their hits, fan favourites, and potentially some surprises from their extensive discography.

Q6: Is there any specific attire recommended for a Bad Manners concert? While there’s no strict dress code, many fans embrace the spirit of ska and opt for smart casual attire, perhaps with a nod to classic ska fashion. Ultimately, comfort is key, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of dancing and skanking! Just come ready to have a good time.