The Adicts were originally called Afterbirth & the Pinz and became a group in 1975. The original members of The Adicts are as follows: singer Keith ‘Monkey’ Warren, bassist Mel Ellis, guitarist Pete Dee Davidson, and drummer Michael ‘Kid Dee’ Davidson. Rather than donning cliché dark clothing like other punk bands, The Adicts choose to emulate the ‘droog’ image from “Clockwork Orange” as an ode to the theme of teenage angst. They started the tradition while performing in the 1980s. The getup consists of white clothing, combat boots, and black bowler hats. Singer Keith Warren makes up his face like a joker and complements it with colorful trousers, gloves, and loud suits.
“Songs of Praise” was The Adicts' debut album released in 1981 through Dwed Wrecords they and performed their first show at the Brecknock in London. The Single “Viva La Revolution” caught attention on the airwaves as well as tracks “Numbers” and “(My Baby Got Run Over By A) Steamroller." All three peaked on the Indie charts and boosted the reputation of the Adicts as a not-so-average punk band.
Their second album called “The Sound of Music” was released in 1982. Singles like “Chinese Takeaway,” “Too Young,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” bumped up the album to No. 2 on the Indie charts. Also in the 1980s, The Adicts made their television debut on children’s TV show “Cheggers Plays Pop” where they were required to change their name to the less offensive “The Fun Adicts.”
Their most famous single “Bad Boy” was put out in 1983 and led to a transition to label Sire Records of Warner Bros. Records. To this day, The Adicts are known for their quirky music and high-energy performances. Their key message is to have fun.
This concert was by far the best experience of my life! This concert was on my 18th birthday and I was dead center in the front row. Monkey personally handed me his white glove at the end of the show and I also got his bow tie. This is my favorite band and they always know how to put on a great show. Their energy and performances surpass anything I've ever experienced. The venue was nice and I loved getting all bruised up from the crazy crowd. Thanks Monkey, I love you