Half Man Half Biscuit

Formed in Birkenhead, Merseyside, Half Man Half Biscuit developed around singer, guitarist and songwriter Nigel Blackwell and bassist Neil Crossley. The group's lineup has changed over the years, but their sound remains rooted in British indie rock with post-punk accents. Emerging in 1984, they first made their mark on the English independent scene with Back in the DHSS in 1985, followed by the singles “The Trumpton Riots” and “Dickie Davies Eyes” in 1986, before an initial split that same year. Their return in 1990 gave the band renewed momentum; they subsequently played the Reading Festival and were championed by John Peel, for whom Half Man Half Biscuit recorded twelve sessions. Their music relies on dry or edgy guitars, direct rhythms, deliberately spare pop melodies and lyrics that combine social satire, everyday detail, British popular culture, football and local geography. Albums include McIntyre, Treadmore and Davitt (1991), This Leaden Pall (1993), Some Call It Godcore (1995), Voyage to the Bottom of the Road (1997), Cammell Laird Social Club (2002), Achtung Bono (2005), CSI:Ambleside (2008), Urge for Offal (2014), The Voltarol Years (2022) and All Asimov and No Fresh Air (2025). A collaboration with Margi Clarke on “No Regrets” was released in 1991.