Snide Remarks Official : History

Short Biog.

Snide Remarks are a punk rock band hailing from Teesside, England. They've been around since 1982, making them a cornerstone of the Teesside punk scene. Known for their high-energy performances and a blend of punk, glam, and alternative rock, they've cultivated a strong following over the years.

Despite forming and breaking up multiple times throughout their existence, the band has consistently delivered raw and energetic music. Their resilience and dedication to their craft have solidified their status as Teesside punk rock icons.

Snide Remarks 2023

History

In 1981-82 Teesside punk-new wave band Forward Childhood split up. Keith Barnard (Barney) wanted the band to stick with punk sound, but the other members wanted to move on. So together with Colin Wiltshire on guitar and Barny on bass and vocals they recruited Ian Dickens to play drums ‘Snide Remarks’ was born.

The band were together for a couple of months when they played their first gig at Stockton's Y.M.C.A.. The band went off to do several gigs and a 4 track demo at Bull's-eye Studio Newton Aycliffe .The demo was played on local Radio Tees over a few nights which included the track Ugly which became underground cult musical history on Teesside having had a track with The F. word played on main stream radio was taboo in 1982 not even The Sex Pistols had managed to do it a few years previous. Not long after this the band had their indifferences and split up

Ten years later Barny met up with new hopeful Andy Bain who took up learning the bass and together they came up with some new cracking tunes. The two of them decided to create a new revamped Snide Remarks. Barry Walker who had a brief spell in Snide in 83 and friend of Keith was brought in and helped out on vocals but couldn't commit himself to join the band permanently (watch this space). Andrew Vernel came in as drummer, and John Gibbs joined as vocalist previously with Emergency Purge.

Snide Remarks did numerous local gigs around Teesside and North Yorkshire in 1993-1996 and supported the likes of The Toy Dolls Anti Pasti and The King Crabs. (Jimmy Nails punk band who made his name acting shortly after in TV shows Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Spender, and had the 1992 number one hit single, "Ain't No Doubt"). Things were tough at first and a few rough demos at Studio 64 in Middlesbrough were recorded ,changes were made and sadly certain members fell out as friends, the band split, Snide was put to rest.

Barny and Andy got back together to talk about the good old days and what if the band had continued, and how far could they have taken it? This inspired them to have another go January 2007

Snide Remarks put out a plea for a new singer and Robert Thompson replied and took over as vocalist 2007 and drummer Ritchie idle previously with local band Punch was enrolled ,The band went into Cut'n'Sussed studio in Durham and created an unreleased demo cd that represented Snide Remarks at this point! Shortly after Andy left the band and was replaced by Nigel Craig

Rob had a career change in late 2007 which forced him to put the band on hold. Barny asked once again old friend Barry Walker to help on vocals temporarily whilst Rob sorted his career out. The Band members decided Baz was a better man for the job and he was asked to stay permanent in 2008 Baz free from commitments this time agreed to stay, and Barney finally got his first-choice frontman on board again ,but shortly after the band imploded. After several talks and auditions with many time wasting drummers throuout 2008. Snide Remarks finally came across (Spider) Dave Martin in early 2009 through local guitarist Andy Wilson from original punk band No Way which had supported The Undertones in 1977 at Newcastle city hall, Spider was an old school punk drummer who's been in many bands including Teesside band The Lice.

Nigel Craig played bass for a year and did numerous gigs before standing down as he was finding it too much, playing in his own band Afraid to Sleep and Snide Remarks, as gigs were a plenty. The band was advised a bassist Dave Heard formerly with Mod Band Jarvis Humby who had supported Brit Pop Band Badly Drawn Boy in New York was available and after he saw us decided to join the band in early 2011.

Then just before recording was planned in 2011 Dave was relocated by his employer to Aberdeen and the saga of a new bass player started again. Dave returned a few years later to join Teesside Mod band King Mojo in 2015.

After several unsuccessful auditions, the band was advised Steve Hoggart bassist with The Amazing Space Frogs and Ardkore, was available and he was approached, and he immediately agreed to take up the position in June 2011. Steve a professional musician had experience with touring bands and with a combination of ‘local musical politics’ and Steve’s experience and contacts Snide Remarks decided to start booking shows around the UK and host their own shows locally with the likes of 999,Vice Squad , The Members ,Sham 69, XSLF etc. In May 2012 the band celebrated 30 years by making a live In the Studio demo album (30 Years of Ugly) celebrating the anniversary of the track Ugly. This was released by Nil by Mouth Records. It was decided to bring in a rhythm guitarist in 2013 to project the overall sound and Paul Tattersall from The Amazing Space Frogs was keen to take up the challenge as the band was getting a reputation for its live performances and he joined the band permanent. The band raised the bar during 2013/14 including playing The Hillsborough Campaign /Truth and Justice in Orgreave Sheffield and at Whitby Goth Festival and The Star and Garter for STP Records Manchester and a few all day Festivals around the UK including The Volks Power Festivals and Stockton Performing Arts Festival. In August 2014 the band finally returned to the studio and recorded the long overdue album now named Reserekted (Released May 2015 by Nil By Mouth Records) after the completion of recording Steve Hoggart and Paul Tattersall decided to leave the band and concentrate on new projects.

Replacing Paul was (George Martin) Spiders son and Nigel Craig returned on bass for the third time completing a new Autumn 2014 line up. Due to work commitments George departed in August 2015 and Nigel departed November 2015 as the gigs diary was just too demanding and he wanted to concentrate on his own new metal project. Steve Hoggart Returned to fill in until a replacement was found.

Then in April 2016 we were approached by Kev Watson from hard-core punk bands My Rules and Bastard Face from Durham. Kev played many a gig thru-out 2016 including The Great Alternative Festival at Butlins Skegness. Just as Recording was about to commence in Feb.2017 for a new album yet again it had to be cancelled now due to Kev Watsons work commitments. Kev Watson departed shortly after and joined Loaded 44 and later tribute act The Skapones and then Toured with China Drum in Asia in 2024.

Steve Hoggart again returned to help out. Now playing in Durham punk band The Relitics as well as The Space Frogs. We decided we would start recording the new album at Steve’s studio Nil by Mouth.

In June 2017 we were advised by Steve that bassist Martin Thirlwell formerly with Teesside Punksters Nothing Waits was interested in joining and he highly recommended him. Mav agreed to take up the bass position immediately just as recording commenced Steve moved aside and let Mav take over.

In July 2018 just after recording was completed for the album now titled ‘Life Is Hell’ we had the shocking and devastating news that Barny had passed away suddenly.

This left the band with the decision if we continued or not after great debate we concluded Barny founder member would have wanted us to continue and to get the album released.The next chapter was difficult without Barney but we were determined to move forward as he would have wished.

After using stand in drummers through 2017-and 2018 due to Spiders work commitments we regrettably came to the mutual decision to have a shake up and release him after 10 years.

Shortly after Spiders Departure we were advised drummer Tommy Heaney was available previously with Loaded 44 and Dogsflesh and had stood in for Punk Band The Lurkers. Tommy was asked to join the band which he accepted in July 2018. Steve Hoggart yet again came to the bands aid to play lead guitar this time until a source could be found.

We played Liquid Rooms Edinburgh 25^th August 2018. Our first official gig without Barney just 6 weeks after his death on the last night of the Edinburgh Fringe. In Oct 2018 we were advised through fans a local guitarist had recently come back to the area Mark Fallais previously with The Flower Drum People in the 80s and more recently involved with Teesside Band Johnny Seven. Fal had seen Snide Remarks and liked what we did. So we auditioned and immediately decided he was our man as he was in a similar back to basics style to Barney. Steve Hoggart stood down in December 2018 after several shows. Steve went on to join metal band Abaddon with Tony Bray original drummer from Black Metal Band Venom.

The album ‘Life is Hell’ which had sat on the shelf for over 6 month was finally completed, co-produced by Baz and Steve in April 2019 and officially released July 2019.

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Then as things were becoming settled and we were getting back to playing many a show. Covid Lockdown hit us just a couple of days after we played The Great Alternative Festival for the second time at Minehead Butlins this co-insidered with the release of Album - Life is Hell on Vinyl.

After a 4 month without gigs or rehearsals in June 2020 Tommy made the decision he wanted to spend more time with his family and concentrate on his new career so Dave Martin (Spider) returned to the fold for his second time as Snides drummer after a 2 year break. In July 2020 we played one of the first gigs in the UK aloud in Covid Times, a drive in gig at ROF. Newton Aycliffe Activity Centre on the playing field organised by Aycliffe Radio.

Also in the Autumn of 2020 we were approached by Bri Anthony from County Durham to see if we were interested in having a second guitarist, which we agreed too.

Bri plays in local Alternative Band The Floral Detectives from Darlington and he has played in many bands including , Captain (with Captain Sensible ) and had a brief spell touring with the Damned and The Cult .We agreed after a short audition for him to join in November 2020. Kid Chaos as Bri likes to be called comes from a interview Captain Sensible and him did after doing Solent Radio (says Bri )after playing the Isle of Wight Festival. They asked who I was and Captain said 'him' he's a real kid chaos.Then it stuck from then on,

In summer of 2021 Conor Mc Naughton from The Floral Dectectives stood in for Spider because of health issues.Then in 2022 we decided we had to to move on without Spider and was advised by Steve Hoggart that David Borrows (Boz) previously in Teesside band Zeitgeist 77 and Riot Act which ex Snides Hoggart and Paul Tattersall had played in was available and would be a good match. Boz immediately agreed to take up the position

In 2024 we finally made the decesion to travel to Europe and had a amazing time touring Sweden and Norway.

After the positive feedback s another tour of Sweden is booked for 2025.

We are available for a bookings around the UK and Europe and looking forward to recording new material soon, with a new album been worked on with a slightly different direction .

Official Realeases.

Ugly Ep - Released Demo - 1982

(Un-Official Release - Burglers - 2007 (Digital Only)

30 Years of Ugly Album Live in The Studio - Released -May. 2012

Resurekted - Album - Released - May 2014

Life is Hell - Album - Released - July - 2018

(Vinyl -Feb 2019)

Glam EP- Released - May. -2019

Out and about Live Album (2011-2014) - Released - July. 2021

Apologies Single 21st January - 2023

Never Trust That Girl Single - 24th Feb. -2023

Punkshow EP - 24th May -2023

BE PREPARED FOR DECIBELS (you won't need your hearing aids)

2022/2023/2024-Line Up

Baz-Vocals

Mav- Bass

Fal- Guitar

Bri - Guitar

Boz -Drums ( Permanent from March 2022)

Conor Mc Noughton - 2021-2022 - (Stand in Sept. 2023

Steve Hoggart - (Stand In) - July 2022/ Nov. 2022/ Oct-2024

Boz

2021 -Line Up

Baz - Vocals

Mav - Bass

Fal - Guitar

Spider - Drums

Bri Anthony (Kid Chaos) -Guitar

Stand in Drums - Conor Mc Naughton -(Floral Detectives) from May 2021

Kid Chaos

2020- Line Up

Baz- Vocals

Mav - Bass

Fal- Guitar

Tommy - Drums

Spider -Drums - July Onwards

2019 Line Up

Baz - Vocals
Mav - Bass
Fal - Guitar
Tommy - Drums

LINE UP- 2018

Mav - Bass
Baz - Vocals
Steve Hoggart - Guitar (July- Oct)
Tommy Heaney - Drums - (July)
Mark Fallais - Guitar (October )
Keith Barnard - Guitar - (R.I.P.) July
Spider - Drums

Steve Hoggart joining with Barny - 2018

Line Up - 2017

Spider- Drums

Mav- Bass

Baz - Vocals -

Barny-Guitar (R.I.P.)

STANDING IN 2016 , 2020

(Drums - Pete Collins - No Way )

(Bass - Steve Hoggart -The Relitics and The Amazing Space Frogs/Abbadon/Ardkore )

(Drums -Josh James Robson - Dogsflesh

2016 line up-

Guitar - Keith Barnard (R.I.P.)

Bass- Kev Watson

Drums - Spider

Vocals - Baz

Bass- Pike -(departed Feb)

BASS - KEV WATSON - April -2016 -Feb 2017

Bass- Andrew Graham - Nov 2015 - - Feb - 2016

Nigel - 2014 George Martin 2015

Spider - Barny - Baz - Nigel - Blackpool 2015

Line Up - 2014 - 2015

Vocals - Baz

Guitar- Barney (R.I.P.)

Drums - Spider

Bass- Steve Hoggart

Bass - Nigel Craig

Rhythm - Guitar - George Martin

Bass - Andrew Graham

Hoggart - Spider - Baz - Tatters - Barny- 2013

LINE UP- 2012 - 2014

Bass - Steve Hoggart

Guitar - Barney (R.I.P.)

Vocals - Baz

Drums - Spider

Rhythm Guitar - Paul Tattersall (Tatters) 2013 - 2014

Barny - Baz - Hoggart - Spider 2012

Line Up- 2011

Bass - Dave Heard

Bass - Steve Hoggart

Bass - Nigel Craig

Guitar - Barney (R.I.P.)

Drums - Spider

Vocals - Baz

Snooty Fox - Wakefield - 2011 - Barny - Baz - Dave Heard - Spider

Baz- Spider- Barny -Nigel - 2009

2007-2008

Bass - Andy Bain
Bass - Nigel Craig
Vocals - Baz
Drums - Spider
Guitar - Barney (R.I.P.)

The Sun - Stockton - 2007 - Barny - Rob - Ritchie Idol - Kevandy