Formation and early days (1979–1980)

The original line-up consisted of Terry Buchan (vocals), Stevie Ross (guitar), Colin Erskine (bass) and Andy McNiven (drums). After a few gigs in and around Edinburgh, Stevie Ross left following an appearance in Aberdeen supporting the UK Subs.

Stevie Ross was briefly replaced by guitarist Stevey Hay (Hayboy), who died on 14 July 2013 after a successful career as a blues musician. Guitar duties were then taken over by Big John Duncan.

Stevie Ross continues to write songs and, in addition to solo performances, he also plays in The Station Road Band.

Legacy

The Exploited are one of the iconic bands of the UK 82 punk movement, alongside Charged GBH and Discharge. The term "UK 82" was derived from the Exploited's song "UK 82". AllMusic described the Exploited as "one of the most riveting British punk rock units of the early 1980s".

The Exploited have influenced Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, Discharge, Stormtroopers of Death, Agnostic Front, Exodus, the Virus, Napalm Death, Terrorizer, NOFX, Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, the Casualties, Pennywise, 7 Seconds, Anti-Flag, Blanks 77, Atari Teenage Riot, Death Angel, and Total Chaos.