Balaban and the Bald Illeagles formed in 2016; a result of Roscoe Balaban being debris of the break-up of semical cult brummie band Miss Halliwell, he wanted to form a band to platform his own tunes. He recruited long time friend and at that time non-musician Onion to play the bass and recruited Jon “Cosy” Compton who had previously drummed in short lived brummie band (and off shoot of Miss Halliwell) Perhower. The three very quickly went into the studio in 2017 with renowned producer Gavin Monaghan at Magic Garden to record the self titled EP BATBI. In a rush to get moving, Roscoe had probably tried to make the band run before they could walk, as the result was a very rough around the edges early version of the band, however the result still conjured songs that the band still play today; fan favourites such as Dronehead and Lucid Dream. After thos BATBI continued to evolve and went into the studio throughout 2018 to record their debut album “Going Clear” at Stourbridge Studios with Christopher Wilson creating a set of songs that defy genre pigeon holes, showcasing a melting pot ofinfluences from late 70s Post Punk to 80’s Alternative rock to 90’s Grunge. Balaban refuse to be restricted whilst trying to carve out their own identity in a world of pastiche. After a triumphant high upon the release of the album in 2019, lockdown hit the following year and the band never really came back; only playing a few shows a year, including one particular highlight supporting cult 80s post punk legends Blue Orchids at Claptrap Venue in their hometown of Stourbridge in what would turn out to be a farewell as the band called an indefinite hiatus in late 2022. Fade to black.
In late 2024, Roscoe formed a new band; Remaindermen with good friend Ken Sutera Jr, who is the frontman in fellow black country rock act Mistrusted, as well as recruiting Sid River, the frontman of Black Country punk ska outfit Shotgun Marmalade, combined with the return of Onion on bass, this was for all intensive purposes an unsigned Black Country rock supergroup! The band performed one open mic with some new tunes after which a conversation was had about reforming BATBI.. In early 2025, BATBI was once more! Now with a new set of tunes coming to fruition and a newfound urgency, the band is now is full snarling beast mode! Still raw, still real and still honest, the band has something to say and Roscoe’s lyrics encapsulate the existential dread we are all experiencing in what seems like a dystopian hellscape. The band are returning to the studio soon to record the LONG awaited second album “Post-Truth Apocalypse Blues” as the world could seemingly end at any moment, you need to see this band! Look out for dates across the UK in 2026.