Some bands are forged in rehearsal rooms, others in college dorms — but AWAP’s story begins on a five‑a‑side pitch with a squad of local punks and metalheads calling themselves the Metal Godz. From there, chaos, camaraderie and a shared desire to “make some noise” did the rest. What followed was a band built on friendship, football, and a healthy disregard for the ordinary. Whether it’s their singer duetting with Jack Black, their first gig landing two weeks before lockdown, or the fact they carry earplugs specifically to survive Matt’s waffle, AWAP are the kind of outfit that remind you why DIY scenes matter: they’re loud, they’re real, and they’re having a ridiculous amount of fun doing it.

Please tell us about your background. What led to the band forming?

We all met through a group of mates that played 5-a-side football called the ‘Metal Godz’ which was made up of a load of the local punks and metalheads and we wanted to get together and make some noise!

Tell me a fascinating fact about a band member

Matt our singer once sung a duet with Jack Black on his radio show many moons ago.

Do you remember the band or artist that made you want to pick up an instrument and learn to play?

Aaron: For me it would have to be Metallica specifically James Hetfield.

Dan: It would be Paul Simon who first made me want to pick up a guitar.

Do you remember the first gig you ever played? How did you feel? Did it all go according to plan?

We certainly do, it was 2 weeks before lockdown so the excitement of our first show was short lived as the rest of the year’s gigs got cancelled! We had a great time though and it was Matt’s first ever show and he showed more than people were expecting!

Have you ever met one of your ‘heroes’? Who was it and how did it go?

Matt met everyone from his radio days people like Rob Halford, Chuck Billy, Henry Rollins, DeeDee Ramone, Bruce Dickinson etc they were all really pleased to meet him.

What do you carry with you at all times that you CANNOT live without?

Ear plugs! To block Matt's waffle out.

How has the response to your new single “Panikos” been so far?

Well, we are currency typing this from our yacht in St. Tropez while popping the champagne into a super model filled jacuzzi so pretty well so far we think. In all seriousness it’s going down great, we’ve had it in the live set for a while now and it’s been going down well.

What do you prefer more, playing a regular gig or playing a festival? How do they differ for you? (apart from the mud of course!)

We’d prefer to headline Wacken, however the local pub to 6 people on a Tuesday will have to do!

Tell me about the STRANGEST thing that ever happened to you when you’ve been on stage?

We once got offered a live sex show and 4 kilos of Cocaine whilst looking for the sound man at a show, so that was an experience!

Let’s imagine that you’ve been washed up on a desert island and there’s a record player, an amp and some speakers but only enough space for 3 records, which 3 would you have in the box to keep you going until you’re rescued? Why these three?

Dan: Clandestine by Entombed.

Matt: First and last and always by Sisters of Mercy.

Aaron: All We Love We Leave Behind by Converge

Name 3 bands or artists that our followers should be checking out….

One Fall, Long Knife and Skulker

Where can people keep up to date with you on social media (please list all relevant sites)

Check out awap.uk on the interwebs for all our links!

Lastly, there are MILLIONS of bands/acts/artists out there, why should people be spending the time to check you out?

Honestly if you like Discharge, Amebix, Zeke, Entombed, GBH, Testament, Lady Gaga (for visuals!) and The Haunted you need some AWAP in your ears.

If you’re into the raw energy of Discharge, the grit of Entombed, the swagger of GBH, or even the theatrical flair of Lady Gaga (their words, not ours), AWAP are already halfway to winning you over. Their new single “Panikos” is landing well, their live shows are unpredictable in the best possible way, and their humour is as sharp as their riffs. In a world overflowing with bands, AWAP stand out because they don’t try to be anything other than themselves — loud, unfiltered, and proudly forged in the fires of the Metal Godz. Dive in at awap.uk and let them rattle your speakers.