Smash (British band)
S*M*A*S*H were a punk band who were briefly popular in the early 1990s in the UK. S*M*A*S*H were formed by Ed Borrie (vocals, guitar), Salv Salvador Alessi (bass), and Rob Haigh (drums) in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, England.
The band's sound recalled the late 1970's and early 1980's punk and New Wave bands. The British music press were extremely enthusiastic about the band creating a non-existant scene called New Wave of New Wave, along with similar UK bands of the time such as Echobelly, Sleeper, Compulsion and These Animal Men. Most bands strongly disliked the term.
The bands first single was a tribute to feminism called 'Lady Love your C*nt'. It appeared on their debut mini album 'S*M*A*S*H' which was well received by critics. The band made some memorable appearences on UK late night music TV programmes such as Naked City.
The bands finest moment was arguably the single 'I want to Kill Somebody', an angry and passionate list of members of the current UK Conservative government, and how the band though that each should be disposed of. The song had an appropiately controverial video in which Salv appeared to bite off John Majors penis. The single was only available in the shops for one day in May 1994 and there was enough press interest to ensure a UK chart hit. The band performed a memorable Top of the Pops appearence, although they had to perform a heavily edited version of the song. Not surprisingly the song was banned on most radio stations.
The band's debut full-length album, 'Self Abused', was not a commercial success; however, the group remained a favorite of critics. The band recorded a single for Seattle label Sub Pop, but S*M*A*S*H remained virtually unknown outside the UK. The EP 'Another Love Song E.P.' followed in 1995 before the group released their final single, 'Rest of My Life', a year later. The band split up in 1996. The band did not fit into the Britpop mould as some other New Wave of New Wave bands did (such as Sleeper and Echobelly and consequently their releative lack of further success compared to their former contemporaries was disappointing.
in 1997 bass player Salv joined Cater USM as a full time member.
The band reformed for a limited number of live performances in 2004.
The band would occasionally perform under the name S*H*I*T*E.