They soon changed their name to The Adicts and became known for their distinctive Clockwork Orange 'Droog' image, which, along with their urgent, uptempo music and light-hearted lyrics, helped set them very much apart from the rest of the genre. Temporary 1980s name changes to ADX and FUN ADICTS, for a children's TV appearance, also occurred.
Their song "Viva La Revolution" was featured in the video game Tony Hawk's Underground.
The band still has all its original members, uncommon for a band with such longevity.
The music of The Adicts proves that punk music is a very broad genre, often featuring extra instruments and sound clips such as carousel music (How Sad), violin played by Derick Cook (Joker in the Pack), gongs and keyboard percussion by Anthony Boyd (Chinese Takeaway), and even completely different songs like the switch to Gain To Lose's Tune #24 at the end of G.I.R.L..
The look of the majority of the bandmates is that of the Droogs from the Stanley Kubrick film A Clockwork Orange based on the book by Anthony Burgess. All white with black combat boots and black bowler hats. The band says that the look appealed to them because of the teenage angst associated with A Clockwork Orange. Singer "Monkey" wears full joker make-up and his clothes are wild, patterned suits, flared trousers, colorful dress shirts, and other such things. His favorites seem to be checkerboard patterns, or polkadots. And of course, there's the obligatory bowler hat and gloves. Along with the look come stage antics involving streamers, confetti, playing cards, joker hats, toy instruments, and glitter just to name a few things.
members:
Keith 'Monkey' Warren - Vocals.
Mel (Spider)Ellis - Bass
Pete Dee Davison - Guitar
Michael 'Kid Dee' Davison - Drums
John 'Scruff' Ellis (Mel’s brother) - Guitar
Dan Gratziani - Violin,Piano,Mandolin
Rockers In Rags
The Adicts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We don't work no we got that right
Dedicated to our sounds
That's how we get around
Dedicated to our sounds
That's how we get around
Saturday comes and I get my dole cheque
I'm straight downtown I'm getting wrecked
My mum's gotta go without again
The Adicts's "Rockers in Rags" presents a portrait of the band as a group of outsiders who thrive on music as their raison d'être and who share a dedication to their sound rather than mundane jobs. The lyrics suggest that the band members would rather hustle some money to gain entry to a gig than earn wages from working a job. The opening line highlights the band's desire to immerse themselves in their music, with "hustling the money" to get into the show, they prioritize their passion over other responsibilities.
The underlying theme of dedication is reiterated in the chorus, which emphasizes how much the band invests themselves in their music. The second and third verse illustrate the challenges of balancing the love for music with the harsh reality of their financial situation. The singer uses his dole check to buy five LP's, leaving him broke and unable to provide for his mother. Yet, he is willing to make sacrifices for his music. This contrast highlights the tension that arises in youth subcultures when trying to keep up appearances, avoid conformity, and define oneself through music culture. The song ultimately impresses upon the listener the idea that dedication and sacrifice are essential to truly living a life dedicated to one's passion.
Line by Line Meaning
Hustle the money to get in tonight
We are willing to do whatever it takes to get the money for tonight's event, even if it means hustling.
We don't work no we got that right
We don't have to work because we prioritize our love for music above all else.
Dedicated to our sounds
We are committed and devoted to the music we make and perform.
That's how we get around
Our passion for music is what drives us and gets us through life.
Saturday comes and I get my dole cheque
On Saturdays, I receive my unemployment benefits.
I'm straight downtown I'm getting wrecked
I am headed straight to the heart of the city to party and let loose.
I bought 5 LP's I'm totally skint
I spent all my money on 5 records and now I am completely broke.
My mum's gotta go without again
As a result of my spending habits, my mother must go without something she needs.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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