FAQs
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Are Peter Bowditch and Basil Bellgrave your real names?
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No, they are stage names for rapping, like Dr Dre or Lil Bow Wow.
Bas’ real name is Basil Preuveneers. Pete’s real name shall remain unspoken.
Pete is never seen smoking or holding a gun in the videos. Why is that?
Bas can rap for a long time without stopping to take a breath!
Wait. You perform live?
Are you really drug dealers?
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No, of course not. Neither of the lads sell or use drugs. They love a good pint (or ten) and Bas enjoys his cigars, but Pete is a lifelong non-smoker. The ‘drug cartel bosses’ bit is just to make interesting songs.
Are you (or were you) actually gangsters?
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That’s more complicated. Bas engaged in some illegal bareknuckle boxing in his youth, and he’s still got fists like concrete slabs.
Pete’s family was tight with the Richardson crime family back in the day. Charlie Richardson, the leader of the family, is godfather to Pete’s daughter.
Pete has never been in jail, but it’s hard to build a case when they never find the body, innit?
Do you have ghostwriters?
Are you really the ones rapping?
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How did you get into rapping?
Of course! Ask anyone who has been to the live shows, especially those who have been close to the stage. People who say otherwise just refuse to believe that a couple geezers can spit better than their favourite rappers.
No. Well, not completely. In the early days, the modern slang was like a foreign language, so they got help from the grandkids on that, but nowadays they’re steeped in it, so they don’t need much help with that. The amount of old slang in the lyrics, stuff that hasn’t been around in decades, should make it obvious that any ghostwriter would also have to be in their 70s. Pete and Bas are writing their songs.
Pete’s granddaughter Lily changed all of Pete’s car radio stations to rap music on one of her visits. Pete got tired of changing them back, so he started listening and began to like it. Bas rode in the car with him and Pete explained why they weren’t listening to ska (his usual music of choice) and Bas listened for a bit and said, “I like the storytelling, but I could write better lyrics than that.” The rest is history.
Are you really friends offstage?
Pete and Bas are lifelong friends who’ve only known each other a few years.
As mentioned before, Pete is a lifelong non-smoker. He can be seen holding a cigar or cigarette in a few videos, though.
As for why he’s never seen with a gun… um… let’s talk about the music.
Bas is a lifelong musician who plays multiple instruments including piano, accordion, and trumpet. Those ‘trumpet lungs’ can hold a lot of air! If you want to hear him tickle the ivories, you can catch his livestreams on YouTube.
Pete and Bas have performed to sold-out crowds all over the world, from huge music festivals to very intimate venues. The concerts are legendary for their high-energy, absolutely bonkers ‘house party’ vibe, with lots of audience interaction and participation.