The Maltese rock scene flourished in the 1980s, building on foundations laid in the 1960s and 70s. This decade marked an unprecedented evolution of rock music in Malta, thanks to the establishment of community hubs like Rokarja AST and improved accessibility for organizing concerts and festivals. Numerous bands left an indelible mark on the scene, and while articles on melodija.eu have already celebrated bands like X-Tend, Mirage, Atlam, V-Gile, Artwork, and High ‘N’ Dry, this article focuses on nine key bands that helped shape the future of Maltese rock music.
Acid
Acid was a Maltese heavy rock band active from the early 1980s through the 1990s. They were a mainstay of the Rokarja AST scene in Tigne, regularly performing across Malta. The band included Mario Bonnici (vocals), Charles Camilleri (guitar), Roger Vella (drums), William Christie (bass), and Robert Cuschieri (keyboards). One of their landmark performances took place on 28 May 1983 at the Tigne Chapel alongside Overdose. Acid also contributed two tracks, Electric Lady and Rock City Limits, to the 1992 compilation CD Watching the Music, recorded at Padded Cell Studio.
Overdose
Overdose was one of Malta's pioneering heavy metal bands, based in the Rokarja AST scene during the 1980s. The original lineup consisted of Miriam Spiteri (Miriam Gafa) on vocals, Andrew Zammit and Joe "Spider" Fenech on guitars, Stephen Spiteri on bass, and Joseph Buttigieg on drums. They performed alongside Acid at the Tigne Chapel in May 1983. Overdose saw significant lineup changes over the years, but unfortunately, they never recorded any tracks, leaving behind no studio or live recordings.
Fluid
Fluid was a progressive rock band active in the early 1980s. Originating from the Rokarja AST hub, their initial lineup included Twanny Mifsud ic-Chimbillai (guitar and vocals), Saviour Bartolo (bass), Franky Camilleri (keyboards), and Dominic (drums). Although the band dissolved in 1984, they reunited briefly in 1986 to perform at the MaltaSajf concert organized by the YMCA. Mifsud later co-founded the band Artwork.
Rough Trade
Rough Trade was a short-lived band that emerged in the Rokarja AST compound in 1984 after guitarist John Borg left Subverts. The lineup included Ivan Vella (lead guitar), Simon Sammut (bass), John Borg (guitar), Joseph "Blackie" Farrugia (vocals), and Vince Abela (drums). Despite their brief existence, Rough Trade left a mark on the vibrant Tigne music scene.
Subverts
Subverts was one of Malta's first alternative rock bands, active throughout the 1980s. Founded by singer/guitarist Mike Bonnici and percussionist Sebastian Debono, the band later expanded to include John Borg (guitar), Pierre Portelli (Pete Portelli) on bass, and Charles Cutajar (Chalkie) on drums. Their notable gigs include a performance at the Tigne Chapel on 18 March 1983. Over the years, the band saw significant lineup changes and eventually disbanded in 1988.
Sphinx
Formed on 13 September 1983, Sphinx consisted of Joe Demicoli (vocals), Adrian Mercieca (guitar), Bernard Scerri (bass), and Eric Schembri (drums), with later additions of Ivan Bonett on keyboards and Iman Schembri. The band faced tragic losses with the early deaths of Schembri in 2000 and Scerri in 2002.
Abstrass
Abstrass was Malta’s pioneering punk band, founded in 1980 by Erich Azzopardi. Inspired by punk icons like the Sex Pistols, Abstrass became a cornerstone of the Tigne punk scene. The band’s rehearsal space at Tigne Fortress became a hub for alternative bands of the time. Abstrass celebrated their 25th anniversary
with a special album release. Erich, affectionately known as Erich il-Punk, passed away in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of uncompromising dedication to punk ideals and a deep influence on the local music scene. He was remembered as a strong idealist and a caring, positive individual who shaped Malta's punk culture.
The Unexplained
Formed by Paul Borg (Pawlu tal-Pitrolju), The Unexplained’s lineup included John Sammut (lead and rhythm guitar), Saviour Pace (bass), and Anthony Cesare (drums). One of their significant performances was at the Radio City Theatre in Ħamrun on 20 April 1990, a recording of which can be found on Archive.org. Tragically, Paul Borg passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy not just as a musician but also as a community leader in Birkirkara, where he served as a councilor during the first and second Legislatures (1993 and 1997).
StratKast
Another prominent name in Malta’s 1980s rock scene was the hard rock band StratKast. With a diehard following, their gigs were high-energy experiences. Fronted by Joe Mizzi, StratKast was among the few local bands to release a single, So Sorry. The band featured Mark Vella, Jon Vella Zarb (later Mirage), Joe Mizzi (later High ‘N’ Dry), and Joe Vella Zarb (later Fire). Mizzi's musical journey later took him to Germany, where he joined High n’ Dry alongside former B3 bandmate Gino Micallef.
Notable Gigs of the 1980s
The 1980s witnessed several memorable gigs that defined the era's rock culture. These included the First Rock-A-Buzz Festival in 1987, hosted at Kennedy Grove and featuring acts like DJ Lito and Ivan Filletti’s project Filletti & Friends. Other standout performances included MaltaSajf ’86, the Subverts and Hangover gig at Tigne Chapel on 18 March 1983, the Overdose and Acid concert at the same venue on 28 May 1983, and the Davy Jones, Tony Grimaud, and Atlam show on 9 July 1983.
For sure, there were many more bands that were as important as any mentioned in this article, but unfortunately, information about their stories and achievements is very hard to come by. We encourage anyone who can come forward with information about any bands and artists from any era to help enrich the history of the island’s cultural scene.
Additional Reading on Melodija.eu
Bibliography
"Pioneer of Maltese Punk Scene Eric il-Punk Passes Away," MaltaToday, https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/arts/music/93210/pioneer_of_maltese_punk_scene_eric_ilpunk_passes_away
"Eric il-Punk Passes Away," Newsbook, https://newsbook.com.mt/en/eric-il-punk-passes-away/
Michael Bugeja, "The Sunday Times of Malta," May 15, 2011.
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