Later that year, they also opened for The Damned on a short tour round the north of England. November 1981 saw the release of their first single, a cover version of Ralph McTell's 'Streets of London', with the song that was to become the group's anthem, 'So What' on the B side.
In 1982, things were looking good for the band, with the 'So What Tour' in the company of such groups as Chelsea, Chron Gen and the Defects, and the release of their debut album We Are...The League. However, the Obscene Publications Squad seized all copies of their records, which were removed from shops and they were banned from TV and Radio. To top it all, they were thrown out of the Top Of The Pops studio...just because Animal happened to be carrying a 3ft axe around with him! However the year finished on a high, with the 'Hardcore Storms America' tour with the UK Subs.
Anti-Nowhere League LogoGilly (real name Mark Gilham) joined the band in 1983 as an extra guitarist, which according to the bands website,[1], was because Magoo was drinking heavily and was often unable to carry out his commitments as guitarist. The band went to Yugoslavia to record a live album, imaginatively called Live In Yugoslavia, but even this was dogged by problems with the authorities insisting that references that Animal had made about recently deceased president Tito be removed from the master tapes, and any language which they deemed to be offensive be bleeped (including a few "when’s", "it’s" and "ands" according to Animal!).
By 1984, things were not looking too good. PJ quit, unable to cope with the pressures of the drugs and alcohol lifestyle the band were now leading and they were musically inactive. 1985 saw Michael Bettel on the drums, followed in 1986 by JB (Jonathan Birch). During this time they signed for GWR Records, and recorded the Perfect Crime album. However, once again there were problems, when GWR refused to put up the money to finish the album once they heard its rough cut, and it was released unfinished to try to get back some of the money already invested in it. This was the final straw, and in 1987 ANWL disbanded. There was a "Farewell" show in 1989.
Fast forward to 1992, and Animal was working on his car, in the rain. The phone went, and it was JB, with the news that Metallica wanted Animal to guest at Wembley Arena, when they did their cover of 'So What'. Apparently Animals response was "Who the fuck are Metallica?, and anyway I'm working on my car!!" JB phoned back later, and managed to persuade Animal to do the slot. Animal put it thus on ANWL's website. "As I waited on the edge of the stage waiting to go on it suddenly dawned on me I was just about to stand in front of 10,000 punters who didn’t know me from Adam and sing a song that I couldn’t fucking remember………….all that kept running through my head was RUN you silly old fucker!". However, after the show, the bug had bitten again. Mark joined that year on Lead Guitar, and 1993 - 1995 was spent playing gigs in the small venues the band had started out in. In 1996, they signed up with Impact Records and recorded their next album Pig Iron. Beef also joined the band after Mark's departure.
1997 saw another personnel change when Winston left the band to be replaced by Jon Jon, and recording the album Scum.
Danny joined on drums in 1998.
The album Out Of Control was released a year later in 1999 2001 Magoo quit playing live shows.
2002 - now.... Jon Jon, Beef and Danny all left, to be replaced by PJ (original drummer), Jez, and Shady. This lineup of the band is still going as of April 2006.
Bitter and Twisted
Anti-Nowhere League Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(?)
Bitter and twisted – That's what you are.
You're bitter and twisted – Oh what a star. Oh what a star!
Let's hear it money man!
And I'm in the hunting set,
And my car is worth a fortune, 'cuz I (?)
And with money I can buy, a copper or a judge,
And I never a penny in tax, and I never bloody win, hahaha
Bitter and twisted – That's what you are.
You're bitter and twisted – Oh what a star. Oh what a star!
I only wanna play my guitar! Hit me with it bum boy!
And I'm having so much fun with my boyfriend on the beach.
Gay parties and gay marches, well we always have a scream.
Well all you guys, you're missing out on lots of cocky fun.
You are the minority and we will overcome, hehehe.
Bitter and twisted – That's what you are.
You're bitter and twisted – Oh what a star. Oh what a star! (?)
Well I've got so much cash, and my kids have all they want.
(?)And I bought a house in Spain(?), 'cuz I always cost a bomb.
And I'm looking at the neighbours, and they're wishing they were me.
'Cuz I'm a sophisticated businessman, ha, (?)
Bitter and twisted – That's what you are.
You're bitter and twisted – Oh what a star. Oh what a star!
Na, nana – Na, nana
The Anti-Nowhere League's song Bitter and Twisted is a satirical commentary on the greed and arrogance of the rich and powerful, as well as a condemnation of homophobia and bigotry. The singer in the song is a wealthy businessman who boasts about his wealth and power, and makes fun of those who are not as fortunate as him. He talks about how he can buy anyone, including the police and the judges, and how he doesn't pay any taxes. He also mocks gay people and their lifestyle, claiming that they are having more fun than heterosexuals.
The chorus of the song, "Bitter and twisted – That's what you are. You're bitter and twisted – Oh what a star," is meant to be ironic, as the man is clearly bitter and twisted, but thinks he's a star. The song ends with a catchy and sarcastic "Na, nana" refrain, which is probably meant to emphasize how ridiculous the man's attitude is.
Overall, Bitter and Twisted is a biting and witty take on the excesses and follies of the rich and powerful, and a reminder that money and power don't necessarily bring happiness or fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Bitter and twisted – That's what you are.
You are resentful and full of anger.
You're bitter and twisted – Oh what a star. Oh what a star!
You have achieved greatness through your negative attitude.
Well my (?) country
I come from a wealthy country.
And I'm in the hunting set,
I am part of the exclusive group of hunters.
And my car is worth a fortune, 'cuz I (?)
I have a very expensive car.
And with money I can buy, a copper or a judge,
I am corrupt and use my money to influence law enforcement and court officials.
And I never a penny in tax, and I never bloody win, hahaha
I am proud of evading taxes and feeling indifferent towards justice.
I only wanna play my guitar! Hit me with it bum boy!
I enjoy playing music and am dismissive of anyone who disagrees.
And I'm having so much fun with my boyfriend on the beach.
I am gay and enjoying myself on the beach with my partner.
Gay parties and gay marches, well we always have a scream.
I enjoy participating in and attending events that celebrate being gay.
Well all you guys, you're missing out on lots of cocky fun.
Those who are not gay like me are not having as much fun as they could be.
You are the minority and we will overcome, hehehe.
I believe that gay people are a minority but will one day triumph over society's prejudices.
Na, nana – Na, nana
N/A
Well I've got so much cash, and my kids have all they want.
I am wealthy and my children's desires are easily fulfilled.
(?)And I bought a house in Spain(?), 'cuz I always cost a bomb.
I have purchased an expensive house in Spain because I can afford it.
And I'm looking at the neighbours, and they're wishing they were me.
I view myself as superior to my neighbors and believe they envy me.
'Cuz I'm a sophisticated businessman, ha, (?)
I consider myself to be a sophisticated and successful businessman.
Contributed by Katherine N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.