01Release
Punks Not Dead goes big in 1981
Their debut album Punks Not Dead launched in 1981 on Secret Records, selling over 150,000 copies and becoming a key record for UK punk.
Artist profile · 05/07/2026
The Exploited
Formed in Edinburgh in 1978, The Exploited rose as a notable punk and hardcore band with a raw, aggressive style evolving from classic punk rock to thrash metal elements by the late 1980s.
- 7
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 349k
- Last.fm listeners
- 9M
- Last.fm plays
About
The Exploited, Scottish punk with a fierce edge from Edinburgh since 1978.
Over 10 punk, hardcore, and crossover thrash vinyls tracked with real-time price insights.
The Exploited is a Scottish punk band known for energetic and rebellious music aligned with anarchist themes. Emerging from Edinburgh, their sound blends hardcore punk with aggressive thrash metal influences, marking them as part of the second wave of UK punk. The band’s discography includes seminal albums like "Punks Not Dead" (1981), which sold over 150,000 copies, and "Beat The Bastards" (1996), showcasing their crossover thrash style.
Wattie Buchan remains the sole original member as line-ups evolved. The Exploited’s live shows often provoke confrontations with law enforcement, reflecting their anti-establishment ethos.
Discography
The Exploited discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
Sex and Violence - 02
Beat the BastardsBeat The Bastards · 1996 - 03
Punks Not DeadPunks Not Dead · 1981 - 04
AlternativeTroops Of Tomorrow · 1982 - 05Cop CarsPunks Not Dead · 1981
- 06I Believe In AnarchyPunks Not Dead · 1981
- 07
Fuck the SystemFuck The System · 2003 - 08Army Life
Essentials
3 The Exploited albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1981The Exploited’s debut album, defining their street punk style and selling over 150,000 copies. It features 15 tracks of classic punk energy.
15 tracksOriginal 1981 releaseLabel: Secret RecordsSeveral pressing variants
#2 · 1990An album blending hardcore and punk with a heavier tone. Known for tracks like "The Massacre" and "Don't Pay The Poll Tax."
12 tracksOriginal UK pressingsLabel: Rough JusticeAvailable as test pressing
#3 · 2003Their intense 2003 release with 13 tracks of hardcore punk and thrash elements, issued notably in a test pressing format.
13 tracksLabel: Dream CatcherMultiple vinyl versionsTest pressing available
Go further
Artists similar to The Exploited
Artists who share part of The Exploited's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of The Exploited
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
02Line-up
Wattie Buchan as enduring member
Wattie Buchan, the founding vocalist, is the only constant member since 1978, sustaining the band through decades of punk evolution.
03Tour Incident
Provocative live shows often lead to confrontations
Live performances have sparked riots and police confrontations, including recent incidents in Prague, underlining the band’s anarchistic attitude.
04Vinyl Pressings
Extensive vinyl releases and reissues
Pressings include original LPs, limited editions, and test pressings across UK, Europe, and other territories under labels like Nuclear Blast and Rough Justice.
I was the first vocalist to wear a punk mohawk, inspiring generations of punks.— Wattie Buchan
The Exploited CDs
See all
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Where and when did The Exploited form?
The Exploited formed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1978.
What genres do The Exploited's records cover?
Their music spans punk rock, hardcore punk, crossover thrash, and street punk.
Which essential vinyl album by The Exploited was released in 1981?
The debut album "Punks Not Dead" was released in 1981, selling over 150,000 copies.
What is special about the 2003 album "Fuck The System" on vinyl?
It includes a test pressing white label LP edition and features 13 hardcore punk tracks with thrash influences.
Are there notable vinyl pressings of The Exploited in France?
While most pressings are from the UK and Europe, French collectors can find European reissues and imports available on vinyl.
How does The Exploited’s music reflect their anarchist views?
Their lyrics and concerts promote anti-system attitudes, encouraging rebellion and opposing capitalism and police repression.
What impact did The Exploited have on punk fashion?
Lead singer Wattie Buchan pioneered the punk mohawk hairstyle, influencing punk fashion permanently.
Where can I find current vinyl prices for The Exploited's albums?
Vinyles.com tracks real-time vinyl prices and offers detailed pressing information for collectors worldwide.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.
Last updated: 05/07/2026