Chubby and the Gang Part Ways
Chubby and the Gang Call It Quits, Leaving a Legacy of Raucous Punk Energy
In a swift blow to fans of scrappy UK punk, Chubby and the Gang have announced their breakup in an emotional post on Instagram. The London outfit, fronted by the charismatic Charlie “Chubby Charles” Manning-Walker, left their loyal followers with a bittersweet farewell: “Every dog has his day; ours came and went away. Thank you for the good times, sorry for the bad ones, and for a great six years. Who fuckin loves ya? Chubby does 😈❤️🥹”
Since their formation in 2019, Chubby and the Gang carved out a notable niche within the vibrant British post-hardcore landscape. With Manning-Walker’s past musical exploits in the bands Violent Reaction and Arms Race, they quickly became a mainstay on the scene, attracting attention for their raw intensity and acerbic wit—a signature that echoes through their discography.
Their debut album, Speed Kills, released in February 2020 on Static Shock Records, served as an explosive introduction. Produced by Jonah Falco of Fucked Up, the record was a dynamic showcase of their punk ethos, featuring not one but two wildly entertaining theme songs that set the tone for their chaotic yet infectious sound. The album garnered critical acclaim, earning a spot on Pitchfork’s “25 Best Rock Albums of 2020.”
As the lineup solidified, with Manning-Walker joined by guitarists Ethan Stahl and Tom “Razor” Hardwick, bassist Maegan Brooks Mills, and drummer Joe McMahon, the band signed with Partisan Records. They followed up their debut with 2021’s The Mutt’s Nuts—another raucous, rollicking collection that further cemented their reputation in the punk realm. The following year brought an EP titled Labour of Love, along with a cheeky holiday double single, Chubby and the Gang Presents: A Christmas Extravaganza, showcasing their playful side.
However, tensions within the band bubbled to the surface in 2022 when Manning-Walker announced a complete overhaul of the group’s lineup, retaining only his own position. This decision preceded the release of their final project, And Then There Was…, which came out last October, signaling a tumultuous period for the band amid creative shifts and personal turmoil.
Chubby and the Gang’s departure marks the end of an era for a sound that encapsulated both the frenetic energy of London’s punk scene and the joy of DIY ethos. While fans mourn the loss of their spirited presence, the band leaves behind a catalog celebrated for its unfiltered authenticity and unapologetic bravado.
As we bid adieu to Chubby and the Gang, the punk community will undoubtedly hold a fond place for their anthems, from the savage social commentary of Speed Kills to the raw revelry of The Mutt’s Nuts. Here’s hoping that Manning-Walker and his gang of punks find new adventures ahead—because in the world of music, every dog may have its day, but the spirit of punk is timeless.
