They are best known for their hit singles "Matchbox Car" (1983) and "Hard Times" (1991), which have become classics on Belgian radio.
[3][4][5] The original core members were Guy Swinnen (vocals/guitar), Berre Bergen (bass), Francis Vangeel (guitar) and Frankie Saenen (drums).
In 1983 Vangeel was replaced by Mark Lakke Vanbinst who left two years later to join the band La Fille d'Ernest.
In 1989, Fons Sijmons replaced Berre Bergen, who joined De Kreuners.
The Scabs achieved their greatest success with their third album, Royalty in Exile (1990), earning a gold disc, and the album Jumping the Tracks (1991).