Full Circle Reignites as UK Punk Icons Instigators Reform
UK anarcho punk firebrands Instigators are officially back, tearing into 2025 with a comeback that’s anything but nostalgic. After more than 30 years away from the stage, the band will return with a string of incendiary shows—starting at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool on August 8th—and a brand new 12” that resurrects, reworks, and reinvents their blistering 1987 single “Full Circle / The Sleeper.”
Released August 15th via Polish punk powerhouse Sanctus Propaganda, the new 12” features remastered versions of the original tracks plus 2025 re-recordings that swap retro polish for a jagged-edge urgency. These aren’t museum pieces—they’re freshly recorded blasts from a band with its boots still deep in the dirt.
Raw Return, Fresh Blood
The 2025 versions of “Full Circle” and “The Sleeper” were tracked this May in Huddersfield, where Instigators’ revamped lineup—including new members Dan Le-Billon (drums) and Gary Jackson (bass)—locked in with founding guitarist Simon Mooney and vocalist Andy Turner to rehearse, rewrite, and recharge.
As Turner explains, “Seems a 12” isn’t much more expensive to produce so besides the two original versions you’re getting three new rough arsed tracks as well… it’s both Dan and Gaz’s first time ever on a record.”
Not Just a Reissue—A Resurrection
Also included is a freshly recorded take on “Suicide Investigation Team,” originally from their 1988 LP Shockgun. The result? A hybrid of old-school grit and modern rage—ugly and beautiful all over again.
Fans can also pair this release with newly repressed editions of Phoenix and Shockgun via Boss Tuneage Records to complete the picture.
A History of Defiance
Formed in West Yorkshire in the early ’80s, Instigators came up through the UK anarcho punk scene alongside allies like Subhumans and Bluurg Records. Their relentless touring and searing records earned international acclaim—including love from Maximum Rock’n’Roll and artist Pushead—before burning out in the early ’90s after a relentless run of European tours.
Now they’re back. And they mean it.
2025 UK & EU Dates
- AUGUST 8TH: BLACKPOOL – REBELLION FESTIVAL
- AUGUST 15TH: HUDDERSFIELD – PARISH
- AUGUST 16TH: LONDON – CAMDEN UNDERWORLD
- AUGUST 23RD: POLAND – BIALYSTOK BORDERLINE FESTIVAL
Pre-order the new EP now: t.ly/scAlu
