The Apostles were an English experimental punk rock band, who developed within the 1980s anarcho-punk scene in the UK, but did not necessarily adhere to the aesthetics of that movement and were critical of what they saw as its ideological conformity and especially pacifism.

The Apostles were formed in the Islington area of London in 1979 by William 'Bill' Corbett (vocals), Julian Portinari (bass), Dan McIntyre (drums) and Pete Bynghall (guitar).

[6] Martin recruited Dave Fanning (ex-Innocent Bystander) as bass player, along with a revolving line-up of musicians – including John Soares, Kev Apostle, Flump, Chris Low (ex-Political Asylum)[7] and Olly Bucket (Eat Shit) – to continue the group.

Andy Martin and Dave Fanning were joined in 1984 by Malcolm "Scruff" Lewty (later of Hellbastard, Sidewinder, Nero Circus and Heavy Water)[8] and drummer Chris "Widni" Wiltshire, which created a line-up that remained relatively stable (with the addition of Sean Stokes and Colin Murrell) until the group's demise at the end of the 1980s.

This led the group receiving respect from notable members of the anarcho-punk movement such as Conflict, who released three records by The Apostles, and Crass with whom the band co-operated during the squatting of the Zig-Zag Club and during the time in which The Autonomy Centre and Centro Iberico anarchist venues operated.

[18][19] Early songs like 'Pigs For Slaughter' and 'Mob Violence' included lyrics about direct action which were out of step with the pacifism usual in the anarcho-punk scene of the time, as was the title of the first EP: Blow It Up Burn It Down Kick It Till It Breaks.

This EP's sleeve included an account of an Apostles performance at the London Musicians Collective being curtailed after objections from the pacifist owner of the PA system, as well as practical advice on squatting and constructing an incendiary device.

The anti-communist and anti-gay lyrics of 'Rock Against Communism' and 'Kill or Cure' on the 1984 Giving of Love Costs Nothing EP[26] and other similarly themed songs on 1987's The Equinox Screams LP opened the group to charges of fascism and homophobia.

[27][28][29] As Dr Ana Raposo said about "The Giving of Love Costs Nothing" EP: "Despite being undoubtedly a satirical statement with the intent of jostling the anarcho-punk audiences, the irony was not perceived as such by all including even some members of the band.