The Instigators

The Instigators are an influential anarcho-punk band from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, formed in 1980 by school friends Paul "Hammy" Halmshaw (drums) and Simon Mooney (guitar). The original lineup was completed by Simon "Semi" Bridgewater on vocals and Nicky Djorjevic on bass. Inspired by bands like Crass and Flux of Pink Indians, they quickly became well known in the local punk scene. Their early years featured energetic anarcho-punk music and DIY ethics, with Halmshaw founding the notable Peaceville Records label. The band’s debut performances began around 1982, and they gained underground attention with releases such as the EP *The Blood is on Your Hands* and the LP *Nobody Listens Anymore*, which reached the UK Indie charts and secured them spots opening for bands like Subhumans.

Over time, the lineup changed, bringing in members like Andy "Tez" Turner and shifting their sound towards a more American-influenced punk rock style. They toured extensively across the UK, Europe, and the USA during the 1980s and continued evolving into the 1990s, maintaining a dedicated fan base. Despite these changes, the band retained a strong commitment to punk’s political and counter-cultural roots, with Mooney emphasizing the importance of having something to say through their music. Their story reflects both the anarcho-punk spirit and the challenges of keeping a band active and creatively fresh over decades.

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