Icons of punk rock will take the Main Stage at Pol'and'Rock Festival, proving, once again that punk is very much not dead - it's alive, kicking, and ready to take over the Most Beautiful Festival in the World.
The Exploited was established in Edinburgh in 1979. Formed initially by Stevie Ross and Terry Buchan, the latter was quickly replaced by his ex-squaddie and a London punk rocker, Wattie Buchan. Wattie is the only original band member, known for his unmistakable style, irreverent attitude and rebellious manner which makes him an icon of punk rock of the 70s and 80s.
The band's debut EP, "Army Life" was released in 1981 and was closely followed by their first album, aptly titled "Punk's Not Dead". The name of the album made its way into the vernacular, and the release cemented the band's position as leaders of the second wave of British punk rock. Three records: "Troops of Tomorrow" from 1982, "Let's Start a War" from 1983, and "Horror Epics" presented the band's anarchist, anti-system stance and aggressive sound.
The Exploited were initially a street punk formation, presenting the working-class punk response to the first wave of British punk. Its quick guitar solos, intense pace, and lyrics about partying, brawling, and rebelling against the system characterise street punk. Fans of the band, known as the Barmy Army, imitated their style - colourful mohawks, tattoos, studded leather, and plaid.
The band kept evolving, moving towards a heavier, thrash metal sound. "Death Before Dishonour" from 1987 signalled a turn towards thrash metal, while "The Massacre", which was released in 1990, was a crossover thrash album, blending elements of thrash metal with hardcore punk.
The Exploited
The Exploited released eight studio and four live albums. The group, which serves mayhem on each concert, was an inspiration for generations of bands, such as Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, or Queens of the Stone Age. This summer, punk icons from The Exploited will prove that Punk is, indeed, Not Dead and the audience will follow them into mosh pit!
