SWELLBELLYS
The Swellbellys started life in the autumn of 97 with one aim which was to play hard as fuck punk rock anywhere and everywhere! The band went through a few line up changes in the first two years with Paul the original frontman going home to the USA and bass guitarist Meanie quitting the band due to problems of his own making. Oh yeah and the original drummer Fairy was sacked in 98 because he couldn’t play fast enough.
Needs who was on guitar and vocals threw his guitar in the bin and recruited Daz to do the job for him. At this time Big Dave joined on bass and Steve on drums.
1999 saw more changes after recording their first demo, Steve left due to alcohol problems and was replaced by Bruce Awkward from Combat Clergy on drums and the 1st single was recorded and released in 2001 on Intimidation Recs. The band also recorded at this time their debut lp SHUT UP AND LISTEN on punk in Scotland records. Big Dave left due to family commitments and was replaced by Pedro on bass and after a couple of split 7”eps were in the studio to do their second lp “TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS” the sound now was harder faster and more in your face than ever before. Comparisons were now starting to be made between the Swellbellys and the Exploited, fueled by the fact both frontmen are called Wattie both come from Edinburgh, with their Scottish accents coming through in their vocal delivery.
Ah well as with everything in life shit happens and after two European tours Pedro left saying he had more important things to do. Mikey ex bass player with the Exploited was recruited but after a few rehearsal’s and before the next lot of gigs in France and Switzerland where to begin left to pursue other interests.
A young Rich Wreck who fronted a band called WRECK threw his lot in with the Swellbellys and with four weeks to go till the tour started, learnt 22 songs and joined the band.
After a few months the band were back in the studio and recorded trax for three separate 7” singles for release this year.
The band are just back from touring in France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Holland and Belgium. And have just booked a short UK tour in March 2005 to coincide with the release of the third album called “Bullets And Blades”
At the beginning of Dec 2004 Bruce left the band to pursue other interests and the band wish him the best of luck in his new career.
2005 sees the bellys back firing on 4 cylinders with the recruitment of pumpy ( ex uk subs and vice squad) taking over the vacant drum stool.
Discography
2001 SELF DESTRUCT 7” 100 pink 400 black – Intimidation Records
SHUT UP AND LISTEN CD 1000 copies – Punk Rock Scotland Records
UNITED FRONT 7” 500 red split with ASSERT – Intimidation Records
2002 SWELLBELLYS/ASSAILANTS 7” 200 purple/white splatter 300 black
Intimidation Records
SWELLBELLYS/ASSERT/FREEZE 7” 500 white – Hideous Eye Recs
N.G.U. CD ep 500 copies – self released
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS 10” LP 666 copies orange – Peter Bower Recs
2003 TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS CD 1000 copies - Town Clock Records
NEVER GIVE UP 7” pic disc 300 copies – Intimidation Records
SWELLBELLYS/FREAKS UNION 7” clear 500 copies – Peter Bower Records
2004 SWELLBELLYS Live Bordeaux 12” black 200 copies – Peter Bower Records
SWELLBBELLYS/ASSERT 7” violet 500 copies – Stranded Records
You won’t like me 7” green 500 copies – Peter Bower Records
2005 SWELLBELLYS/DISHONOUR SQUAD 7” 500 copies black – Pure Punk
BULLETS AND BLADES 12” lp black/clear 500 copies, Peter Bower records
BULLETS AND BLADES CD go down fighting music
2006 SINGLES COLLECTION 2001- 2005 stranded records out now.
for contact with band email us at swellbellysgigs@aol.com