Subculture formed in the Knock area of East Belfast back in 1981. The four piece were Gavin Wright (vocals) John ‘Fred’ Lowry (guitar), Henry Gribben (drums) and Chris ‘Nessy’ Nesbitt (bass). Gavin was friendly with and lived close to Defects singer Ian 'Buck' Murdoch and this led to Subculture getting their first gig as support to the Defects at St Columba's Church Hall on Belfast's Kings Road in May 1981. Essentially a punk covers band, their renditions of Teenage Kicks, White Riot, Smash It Up, and Complete Control went down pretty well with those in attendance.

 

Gavin was subsequently introduced to Buck's young brother, Gary Murdoch (a budding drummer), Gavin was impressed enough to oust Henry from the band and Gary took over at the drum stool for the bands second and final gig. Gary’s Defects connection secured the band their next gigs, a support slot with The Defects followed soon after at The Pound. However, the Pound gig proved to be Subculture's last. Gavin decided the band thing wasn't for him and he left. Gavin later resurfaced on the scene with his fanzine Culture. John ‘Fred’ Lowry wasn’t really committed to the punk cause either and his services were also dispensed with and Subculture folded. However, Chris and Gary soon recruited a new singer (Alan Graham) and Roy McAllister was drafted in on guitar and Rabies were formed.