Formed in Derby, England during 1978, the second-wave punk outfit Anti-Pasti originated with guitarist Dugi Bell, bassist Russell Maw and drummer Eddie Barke. Initially known as the Scrincers, the band adopted its lasting name shortly after vocalist Martin Roper joined the ranks. That early configuration dissolved rapidly when Barke declined to sing “Nailed to the Cross” on account of his religious convictions and departed; Maw soon joined him by enlisting with the local rivals the Allies.
Bass player Stu Winfield and drummer Stan Smith stepped in to complete a new rhythm section, enabling Anti-Pasti to release the 1980 debut EP Four Sore Points on the band’s own Dose imprint. This configuration proved equally fleeting, so Roper, Bell, bassist Will Hoon and drummer Kevin Nixon recorded the follow-up single “Let Them Free,” which became an indie success and paved the way for the 1981 debut album The Last Call to enter the UK Top 40. The track “Six Guns,” a pointed critique of the rising Oi! scene, subsequently reached the top of the indie charts and helped secure an extensive tour across the U.S. and Europe.
After Ollie Hoon, brother of the bassist, joined on guitar, the expanded lineup entered the studio to record the 1982 sophomore album Caution to the Wind. Poor reviews greeted the record, and when the single “East to the West” likewise underperformed, Roper was dismissed. The remaining members persisted for a time before the group ultimately split in 1984. A 1995 CD reissue of the back catalogue sparked a round of reunion performances.
