Bad News

Mock Heavy Metal Band: Bad News was a British comedy rock band formed in 1983 as a spoof of the burgeoning heavy metal scene of the time. Comprised of actors and comedians, the band adopted exaggerated personas and parodied the clichés and stereotypes associated with the genre. The lineup consisted of Adrian Edmondson (as "Vim Fuego" on vocals and guitar), Nigel Planer (as "Den Dennis" on bass), Rik Mayall (as "Colin Grigson" on rhythm guitar), and Peter Richardson (as "Spider Webb" on drums).

Origin and Television Series: Bad News was conceived as a fictional band for the Channel 4 television series "The Comic Strip Presents..". Created by Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall, the series featured a rotating cast of characters and comedic sketches. Bad News was featured in an episode titled "Bad News Tour", which aired in 1983. The episode followed the band's ill-fated attempt to embark on a disastrous tour, resulting in comedic mishaps and calamities.

Album Releases and Music Videos: Following the success of their television appearance, Bad News released a mockumentary-style album titled "Bad News" in 1987. The album featured satirical heavy metal tracks such as "Warriors of Ghengis Khan" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" (a parody cover of the Queen classic). Bad News also released music videos for some of their songs, which further cemented their reputation as a tongue-in-cheek homage to the excesses of the heavy metal genre.

Cult Following and Legacy: Bad News gained a cult following among fans of British comedy and heavy metal music. Their over-the-top performances and irreverent humor struck a chord with audiences, earning them a dedicated fan base. While Bad News was a fictional band created for comedic purposes, their music and antics captured the spirit of the 1980s heavy metal scene and provided a humorous commentary on the genre's stereotypes and tropes.

Reunion and Live Performances: Bad News reunited for a one-off performance at the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington in 1986. The band's live performance, which included a chaotic rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody", delighted fans and showcased their ability to seamlessly blend comedy with music. Although Bad News was primarily a comedic project, their reunion performance demonstrated their musicianship and commitment to entertaining audiences with their unique brand of humor.