Dirge were formed in early 1983 in Leicester UK from the remains of two local bands in our area - Vile Bodies & Rotting Corpse. Dirge began gigging later that year. With the first line-up complete - Phil- Bass, Barney - Guitar, Gilb - Drums, John(Harry) - Vocals - With this line-up the band continued to write music & play gigs locally and even taking in a support in Leicester with the Varukers. In Late 83 we recorded our first demo which we were deeply unhappy with(especially the weak vocals) which resulted in Harry being replaced by Mick a good friend & who'd just left another local band State Enemies. Mick soon fitted into the slot and we got straight out gigging again taking in more support slots with the Varukers including two gigs in London one being at the infamous 100 club and even playing at a small punk festival in Wales. Early 84 seen the the departure of Barney, who was replaced by Debbie. Within weeks again we were out gigging this time playing Burton on Trent local band Abor and in Nottingham with Disorder, Wretched(Italy), Anti-System, Instigators and Scum Dribblers.More dates were done that month with Disorder & Wretched.It was around about this this time people started to pay attention to the music the Dirge were making, we were offered more gigs and continued to play with the likes of Concrete Sox, Sarcasm, The Varukers, Chaos UK and Onslaught to name a few. It was around about this time that Mortahate were putting out their compilation LPs. So after a few set backs a demo was finally recorded. One song from the demo was to appear "The Right to Refuse" on the "We don't wont be your fucking poor" double album. Dirge continued to gigs during 84 but Gilb later that year joined The Varukers. Dirge continued to play together for about another 18 months or so with various changes in line-ups. Since that time the band have reformed on a couple of occasions in the 90's and even more recently by Gilb & Mick which took in a few gigs with Drongos for Europe & Icons of Filth in Birmingham & Nottingham & Leicester. Gilb & Mick are still planning at some point to put something together with Dirge soon but at the moment are working with other band progects, but I'll keep this site posted with any forthcoming updates & info, so WATCH THIS SPACE
cheers Gilb
Myspace Layouts - Myspace Editor - Image Hosting
