Formed in the autumn of 2001 , we made our live debut in July 2002, spending more than two decades flying the flag for fast, honest, no-nonsense punk rock with influences such as The Clash, The Jam, Ramones, Buzzcocks, The Damned, NUFAN, Face to Face, Black Flag, The Lurkers, Mega City Four, Green Day, Vibrators, Coclkey Rejects, Generation X and Motorhead.   

Over the years, we have shared stages with some of punk rock's most respected and influential names, including Lagwagon, The Misfits, UK Subs, The Avengers, D.O.A., TSOL, 999, Sham 69, Frenzy, Goldblade, Graveyard Johnnys, Brassick, Citizen Fish, Dragster, The Vibrators and SpizzEnergi (too name but a few).

We have also performed at some of the country's most iconic grassroots and legendary venues, including TJ's in Newport, London's famous 100 Club, Exeter Cavern, O2 Kentish Town Forum, The Rebellion Festival  and the legendary Hope & Anchor in Islington. From intimate club shows to packed punk nights, we like to think we deliver the kind of passionate and powerful performances that keep audiences entertained and coming back for more. 

The last few years have seen the band continue to build momentum with the release of new music, including our  latest album PAINKILLERS, a new single and accompanying video, and a free digital download of our live set recorded at the Hope & Anchor. We feel the releases capture both sides of The Setbacks: strong songwriting and energy of the studio recordings, and the power of a live show. 

More than twenty years after we first got together, despite some changes in line up, The Setbacks remain committed to doing what we always do best—playing fast, honest punk rock with conviction, heart and the same spirit that inspired us from the beginning. No gimmicks, no compromises—just punk rock.