Virus formed in 1986 by Keith "Henry Heston" Hazelden and Terry "Tez" Kaylor, members of the punk/oi! band artist.
They brought in John D. Hess in their forming year and called on the services of Coke Finlay in 1987.
Virus split up in 1990 and Heston and Kaylor made a failed attempt to reform the band in the USA that same year.
Moving on to 2008, and after much deliberation, Coke Finlay decided to reform the band to do a one-off show. Unfortunately the other members of Virus declined his offer, so he was forced to find “new blood” that came in the form of Dave Sherwood (Amulet), Matt Cooper (Cellbound), and Sam Brandon (Matron). This ensemble was later changed with Matt Cooper going on rhythm guitar and bringing in Steve Taylor on bass. After a short time Steve Taylor was replaced by Max Edwards. And in 2009 they released their first recording in over 25 years entitled “Raped by Mutants”.
Current line-up:
Ian "Coke" McFinlay: guitar (1987 - 1990), guitar & vocals (2008 - present)
Rob Edwards: guitar (2018 - present)
Lewis Bolger: drums (2024 - present
Ritchie: bass (2024 - present)
Past members:
Keith "Henry Heston" Hazelden: vocals / guitar (1986 - 1991)
Terry "Tez" Kaylor: drums (1986 - 1993)
John Damien Hess: bass (1987 - 1990)
Benny Herb: vocals (1990)
Sid Sholly: guitar (1990)
Sam Brandon: guitar (2008 - 2009)
Scott Lauzon: guitar (2011 - 2013)
Tommy Jacobsen: guitar (2013 - 2014)
Mark Baronowski: bass (1990)
Matt Cooper: bass (2008 - 2009) guitar (2009 - 2011)
Isa Brunacker: bass (2008)
Steve Taylor: bass (2009 - 2010)
Max Edwards: bass (2010)
Paul James: bass (2011 - 2013)
Stewart Grassie: bass (2017 - 2020)
Will Sheils: bass (2021)
Dave Sherwood: drums (2008 - 2010)
Darren "Rusty" Rust: drums (2011 - 2013)
Liam Hastie: drums (2020 - 2021)