Long before BAD ACTRESS burst on to their local music scene in 2018, each of the members had been clocking up performing, writing and recording experience with different bands of different styles and influences.
In bringing all this together they quickly established an extensive catalogue of solid original material, rooted in ‘good time’ blues and hard rock and written to impress.
They use each and every one of their live performances to showcase this material and soon bagged a few awards for their efforts. Since then, they have been delighting crowds wherever they go.
They’ve supported top acts such as Gun, Electric Boys and Hardline, and completed two UK tours supporting Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Dead Daisies, Journey). They’ve played festivals and headline shows the length and breadth of the UK, including headlining the second stage at the Hard Rock Hell Sleaze Fest 2022 in the Sheffield O2.
BAD ACTRESS is on a mission to be part of the reason people keep going to see live rock shows.
“...possibly the best band the country has
produced since Nazareth.”
- Kev White (Where the Music Does the Talking)
“The guys that everyone’s talking about . . .
Bad Actress as live entity are simply peerless.”
John Craig (Forged in Fire Promotions)
Check out the 'Dynamite Lover' video!
North of Scotland hard rockers, Bad Actress, are back with an explosive brand-new single and video release this month (June).
‘Dynamite Lover’ is the band’s first release since ‘Hot Stuff’ in November 2022 and the first track to feature new lead singer, Toby Michaels.
The single’s release was put on hold when former vocalist, Vinnie Vexx, stepped down from the band in February. Michaels was confirmed as the preferred choice after a series of auditions.
The behind-the-scenes focus meant a seemingly quieter start to the year for Bad Actress, publicly at least.
This was in stark contrast to 2022, which saw a string of releases and shows up and down the country. These included two UK tours with the legendary Marco Mendoza, festival appearances, support slots with the likes of Hardline and Gun, and a series of headline shows.
‘Dynamite Lover’ and the accompanying video were recorded in April and May, and as drummer Lui Q insists, is all about Dutch courage.
He said:
“Dutch courage means different things to different people who go about finding it in their own way. Of course, it’s completely fake so the ‘dynamite lover’ is basically the explosive sting in the tail from whatever form of Dutch courage you find.
“We’ve had great fun working on this new song. It’s been in the pipeline for a good few months, so it’s great to finally get it out there and we really look forward to hearing what people think of it.”
Toby Michaels is well-known in the Highlands’ rock scene and beyond, having fronted bands such as the Broken Ravens and Greater Than Fear.
Commenting on his work with Bad Actress so far, he said:
“I have so much respect for Bad Actress and what they’ve achieved, and I’m a big admirer of Vinnie Vexx who is a brilliant vocalist and a good friend. When I heard she was stepping down from the band, I immediately got in touch to let them know I wanted a shot at it.”
By this time the band already had Mikey Roberts, lead vocalist with Scottish Borders rockers, Wild Fire, lined up to fill in for headline shows in March. However, Mikey had to pull out due to his own band’s commitments, so Toby was drafted in at short notice.
“I think it’s fair to say I was thrown in at the deep end,” he says. “I had just two weeks to learn the whole set, and time to run through it with the band a couple of times. It was tough but definitely worth it, and great to be on the stage with the band. The audiences were brilliant and the venues were awesome too. We have slots lined up over the summer and I just can’t wait to get back out there, playing ‘Dynamite Lover’ and the rest, having had a bit more time to settle in.”
Bad Actress have shows lined up for the rest of this year in locations including Inverness, Nairn, Bathgate, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Newcastle, Troon and Newton Stewart.
On 15 July they’ll be playing at desTINAtion, an event at the Corporation in Sheffield to celebrate the life of Tina Sherwood, who sadly passed away in December 2022. Tina had mentored the band as part of the Forge Ahead Initiative.
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FIVE STAR ROCK 'N' ROLL
“Full throttle rock n roll that leaves you wanting more. I was told I would love Bad Actress… I’ve fallen hook, line and sinker for them❤️” - Samantha Knight
“Loud, energetic & exciting. 5 young musicians who come together to secure the future of Next Generation Rock.?” - Tina Sherwood (Forge Ahead Initiative)
“The guys that everyone’s talking about... Bad Actress as a live entity are simply peerless. They bring a riot of musical intensity and showmanship that will not only ensure everyone present has the best possible time, but it will also push any other bands on the same bill as them to new heights of performance, for fear of being upstaged. You have been warned!” - John Craig (Forged In Fire Promotions)
“Rocking band. Totally freaking awesome.” - Baz Knight
"Bad Actress attack every set with relentless energy and passion, and a clear inspiration from the golden age of 80's 'Hair Metal'. Belting out some of the finest toe tapping rock music that makes you nod your head and sing along... I honestly can’t tell you how good they are live” - Mark Hilditch (Hilditch Handmade Guitars)
"I can't think of anyone more deserving of the title "rock stars"... You leave me in awe every time" - London Holley (2 AM Patrol)
"Bad Actress... High voltage , foot tapping, head bobbing full on skeaze rock with a good chug of glam in the mix.... These young lads from the Highlands put on a show which will leave you wanting more.... True Superstars....." - Evelyn Barr (Emerging Rock Bands)
"Saw this band for the first time, wow Knocked my socks off. Fab to watch and really Talented Musicians. If you see them advertised, Go and see for yourselves ." - Lisa Pacer
"Bad Actress have a presence and energy which matches that of the likes of AC/DC, Guns 'n' Roses and Aerosmith. All with the skill to match!" - Addy Small
"These guys are awesome! The first time I saw the band - opening a festival - I was taken straight back to the early days of the likes of Skid Row, Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue and the like! I am certain this band can go just as far. I absolutely love them. They’ve helped me recapture my youth too!" - Graham Thompson
"Bad Actress is my favourite newer band. Just pure Hard rock and Metal and such kind dudes" - Henry Stemme
"Absolutely recommend them to the hangover and back. Amazing band, beautiful boys xxxx" - Emma Zweig
“I think the attitude and the good time vibe is there...” - Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper)
“. . . the fun-loving live gig atmosphere of the 80s, taking it to the modern era and injecting some adrenaline fuelled stage antics while they do it.” - Inverness Gigs
“Just been f****n blown away by Bad Actress, absolutely amazing, entertaining as f**k” - Nick Shane (Nick Shane TV)
“. . . if you have not heard of these boys get them onto your playlist sharpish as they will be one to watch.” - Darren McIntyre (Jace Media)
“Bad Actress can fill any venue with a palpable thrill and energy. They float in the air like a glitter bomb, or a colour explosion, picture the Indian festival of Holi and you can transport yourself there right now.” - Steve Hellygog (Weird Sisters Festival)
Slick, well rehearsed and engaging. There’s posturing, posing, swagger and a lot of hair, all of which complements the catchy, riff driven songs brought straight from the Sunset Strip…Inverness. High energy and lots of fun. - Matt P (Emerging Rock Bands)
"Bad Actress Scotlands finest 5 piece sleaze Rock and Rollers dragging 80s LA strip Glam Rock back into 2021 with a bang ? They're Red Hot ?" - Kevin Simpson (Blitz)