12-07-2025
Next Big Thing: Meet Wrexham rockcore band Bad Earth
With the Leader's Next Big Thing feature, we hope to showcase some of the talent in Wrexham and Flintshire.
If you are a group of musicians or solo singer that would love a boost towards your big break, the Leader wants to hear from you.
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We are looking to put the Next Big Thing on music fans' radar, just remember us when you get to the top!
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In the spotlight this week, is Wrexham-based rockcore band, Bad Earth...
Bad Earth. Photo: Scott Frazer Photography
The band is made up of Ste Coxon, 60 - guitarist and lead vocals; Karl Ditcher, 43 - bass and backing vocals; and Ben Burke, 45 - drums and backing vocals.
Your musical influences, did you grow up around music?
Ste: My dad had a massive vinyl collection that ranged from Beethoven to Motörhead. When he went out I'd go and play his vinyls and the first album that got me was Deep Purple In Rock.
Ben: From an early age I've been around music as my dad was in the Royal Welch Fusilier Corp of drums as a side drummer, and my uncle was a guitarist, he was into the likes of Metallica, Skid Row, Iron Maiden and Ozzy [Osbourne].
Karl: I grew up with my parents' love of northern soul and Motown, and through friends anything from the Stone Roses to Vision of Disorder.
Who do you admire in the industry?
Karl: Maynard James Keenan, Trent Reznor, John Squire and Richard Ashcroft.
Ste: When he was alive Lemmy [of Motörhead], as he did everything on his terms.
Ben: The list is endless of people I admire.
Are you self-taught?
Yes, all three of us are self-taught.
Story behind the band name Bad Earth
It came from a practice session in the early days, where we had a problematic buzzing noise over the PA speakers and put it down to a 'bad earth'!
What do you enjoy about performing?
The energy, feeling alive and the response off the crowd.
Is performing a full-time job?
Unfortunately not, as there's not much money involved for underground original bands, which is a real shame.
Where can people catch you live in the coming months?
Shrewsbury, The York, July 22
Northants Rock Festival, July 25
Bloodstock, August 7 to 10
Favourite song (yours or anyone else's)?
Ben: Our newest addition to the set, Blood on my Hands, because of the contrasting elements to the song. And its really fun to play on drums.
Ste: Come What May! Our latest single release.
Karl: I like them all.
Anything else we should know?
After bloodstock we are recording our new EP and making a video for the lead single, so watch this space!
As a whole we'd love to play more home town shows like Wrexfest or Focus Wales, as when we supported Soulfly at the Rockin Chair, it proved there's a big appetite for bands like us in Wrexham.
