The band was formed by former March Violets vocalist Simon Detroit (b. Simon Denbigh) and ex-Skeletal Family drummer Martin "Bomber" Pink, initially assisted on their first single, 1985's "Swamp Liquor" (their first release on their own Batfish Incorporated label) by Denbigh's ex-bandmates in March Violets, bassist Loz Elliott and guitarist Tom Ashton.
[3] Their goth tendencies evolved into a more Stooges-influenced garage rock sound, and debut album The Gods Hate Kansas [4] prompted comparisons to the likes of The Cramps and The Gun Club.
[5] By that point, the band had added bassist Bob "Diablo" Priestley and guitarists Johnny Burman and Murray Fenton.
The Batfish Boys' second album, Head, also appeared that year, laced with psychedelic blues overtones.
[5] With the band's sound getting progressively heavier, they were signed by Motörhead's label, GWR, in 1987, and shortened their name to Batfish.