The Handsome Beasts is a heavy metal band hailing from Nuneaton, West Midlands, England, formed in 1972. The band emerged as a significant player in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement.

Led by vocalist Garry Dalloway, who was affectionately dubbed "the original fat bastard" by the Kerrang! Directory of Heavy Metal, the group quickly gained a local following. Paul Birch, a staunch supporter of the band, sought to secure a record deal but faced rejection from multiple major labels. In response, he established Heavy Metal Records to release the band's debut EP, "All Riot Now," in 1980.

The following year, the band released the "Breaker" EP on Heavy Metal Records, which featured the innovative 'digital spiral technique.' This technique allowed listeners to play either "Crazy" or "One In A Crowd," depending on the placement of the record needle—a gimmick that would later be adopted by Kiss. Shortly after, the "Sweeties" EP was also released under the same label.

In the mid-1980s, Dalloway, bassist Steve Hough, guitarist Phil Aston, and drummer Pete Malbasa continued to perform in the Midlands before recording their debut album, "Beastiality," in 1981. During this time, Aston was replaced by Paul Robins. With a provocative yet humorous cover, the album showcased the band's blend of heavy metal and significant blues influences, featuring four new tracks: "David's Song," "Another Day," "Tearing Me Apart," and "High Speed," while the remainder consisted of previously released material.

As the NWOBHM movement began to wane in the mid-1980s, the Handsome Beasts disbanded. However, in 1990, Garry Dalloway reformed the group with guitarist Maz Matrenko and drummer Ray Richman, releasing "The Beasts Within." Another album titled "Little Sister" was recorded during the 1990s but ultimately went unreleased.

In 2004, the band released the album "04" with a new lineup featuring Garry on vocals, Ray Richman on drums, Alan Nyland and Mark Boreland on guitars, and Sean Brennan on bass. In 2005, Ray Richman departed, and Mick Roobottom took over the drumming duties.

Tragically, Garry Dalloway passed away in August 2005 due to a heart attack, shortly after completing another album. Following his death, the remaining members contemplated the band's future. They remembered Garry's comment from 18 months prior, suggesting that local covers band front-man Simon Hall would be a suitable replacement if anything happened to him. The band approached Simon to perform at some tribute gigs, which were well-received, leading to his permanent addition to the lineup.

Garry's final album, "Rock And A Hard Place," was released in June 2007. Later that year, Simon Hall departed, followed by bassist Si Fielding, who had joined Handsome Beasts in the summer of 2007.

In December 2007, the band welcomed a new frontman, Rocky Shades, known for his work with the legendary Wrathchild, with whom Handsome Beasts had shared a camaraderie during the Heavy Metal Records era. Alongside Rocky, bassist Shawn Till, a friend of Mick's and former frontman of a Motörhead tribute band called Motörkill, joined the group.

As of now, the Handsome Beasts remain active, performing gigs and working on new material for an upcoming album, although no original members are part of the current lineup.

Current lineup: - Rob "Rocky Shades" Berkley - vocals - Mark Boreland - guitar - Alan Nyland - guitar - Shawn Till - bass - Mick Robottom - drums

Past members include: - Garry Dalloway - vocals - Simon "Mongo" Hall - vocals - Maz Mitrenko - guitar - Porky - guitar - Paul Robins - guitar - Phil Aston - guitar - Steve Hough - bass - Simon "Fungus" Fielding - bass - Mark Knight - bass - Ray Richman - drums - Ted Duggan - drums - Pete Malbasa - drums